Splitting Hairs - What Can You Do About Split Ends

Isn''t it a shame when you have to worry about covering split ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self- respecting woman''s life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.

Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically, the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.

But you don''t necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. Back in the sixties and seventies, women used to burn off their split ends! Sure that''s a little excessive. And there are easier ways to get rid of those dead ends before they split further... do-it-yourself hair trims.

These do-it-yourself trimming tips are for women who are happy with their hair; for those who don''t need a restyle, but simply want to freshen things up with a ''homegrown'' sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!

To Remove Split Ends:

* Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

* Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don''t cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

* Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist. Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming! You''ll not only save a bundle but also time that will ease your life.

Jane Preeter is a hair stylist who has great interest in her profession. She has studied many hair loss treatments, different methods of hair removal, and a wide variety of hair treatments.', 111, 'Splitting Hairs - What Can You Do About Split Ends, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Splitting Hairs - What Can You Do About Split Ends plus articles and information on Beauty

Facts about Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular in the recently years with the improvements in dental techniques and materials. Many people have taken advantage of cosmetic dentistry to "enhance their smile".

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the procedure to improve the appearance of teeth. With the recent developments in dental techniques and dental materials, cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for many people to have better looking smile.

Do you need cosmetic dentistry?

You might consider cosmetic dentistry if you have one of the following conditions with your teeth: gaps between teeth, cracks or cavities, broken or crooked teeth, stained or discolored teeth, uneven teeth, chips or rough spots.

Things to know when considering cosmetic dentistry

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, you should keep the following facts in mind: First of all, cosmetic dentistry is costly and usually not covered by dental insurance. Some procedures might cost you over $1000 per tooth. You should make sure you can afford it because you do it. Also, the procedure might need to be repeated every 10 to 15 years because some materials used in cosmetic dentistry might not last very long.

What type of services are included?

Cosmetic dentistry includes many types of services such as porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, fresh breath treatment, metal-free fillings, crowns, bridges, restorative cosmetic dentistry, instant orthodontics, etc.

If you want to enhance your smile, cosmetic dentistry could be your choice.

Sue Wong is a freelance writer who has written articles for any websites and eZines including dentistry websites such as 101dentist.com (http://www.101dentist.com)', 111, 'Facts about Cosmetic Dentistry, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Facts about Cosmetic Dentistry plus articles and information on Beauty

Look Years Younger In Minutes

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first few lines or you are experiencing more advance signs of aging you can painlessly and safely achieve a healthier, youthful, wrinkle free beauty in minutes with these simple professional techniques used by the world''s top makeup artists.

Lift a Sagging Jaw line ? After applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter from ear to ear along the top of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly. Next apply a thin line of contour cream or shadow on the bottom and the underneath area of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly.

Make Wrinkles & Lines Disappear ? Before applying foundation use a Q- Tip or very thin makeup brush to apply a professional line filler product or highlighter inside the creases of your lines and wrinkles. Using the thin end of your makeup sponge or a clean Q-Tip gently blend.

Perform An Instance Face Lift ? A well groomed medium width brow with a strong arch will visual lift your face instantly. To create a well groomed brow with a strong arch pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Create Fuller Younger Lips ? After covering the lip area with foundation and your lips with a lip cream or balm take a lip liner the same shade or a shade slightly lighter then your lipstick and line just outside your lips natural lip line . Apply your lipstick with a lip brush blending lipstick to lip liner. Place a dab of pale light color lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Give Your Eyes A Quick Lift ? Applying eyeliner has close to lashes as possible line eyes from where the inner corner( tear duct ) of your eyes end to slightly pass the outer corner of your eyes. Has you get to the outer corner of your eye slightly tilt line upward to create a slight slant. This technique works whether you line just your upper lids or both your upper and bottom lids. Curl your lash with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

Eileen Hammel President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/', 111, 'Look Years Younger In Minutes, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Look Years Younger In Minutes plus articles and information on Beauty

Top Ten Tips for Beautiful Skin

Is Beauty Skin Deep?

The answer is yes and no. It''s a paradox, isn''t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don''t you wish there was some way to "wriggle your nose" and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true "Fountain of Youth" we are stuck with what we have.

The best route to healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn''t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:

1. Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That doesn''t mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!

2. Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn''t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don''t leave home without it!

3. Apply your sun screen even if you only make a quick trip to the grocery store. Yes, you can get harmful UV rays even while driving your car!

4. Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.

5. Exfoliate dead skin cells every night.

6. Create your own facial masks. Here are a couple of excellent masks that you can create with ingredients right from your kitchen: Oatmeal mask: Mix oatmeal with skim milk and apply. Eggs: A raw egg yolk makes an excellent face mask. Try adding a little honey to the egg yolk for a change of pace. Mayonnaise makes another terrific face mask and will leave your skin feeling very soft

7. Use an antioxidant cream. You are bombarded every day with environmental toxins that attack the surface of your skin. In fact most damage to the skin can be attributed to free radicals. When you expose yourself to toxins like air pollution free radical production increases. Apply an antioxidant cream to your skin before applying your sun screen.

8. The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn''t listen to your Mum when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!

9. Stop shaving your legs and use hot wax. Much gentler on your skin.

10. Mix up a tablespoon of brandy along with a smashed up peach and apply to your face for twenty minutes then rinse. Makes for a great summer facial.

Simon is webmaster and editor of http://www.naturalremedies4u.com. If you enjoyed this article, visit http://www.naturalremedies4u.com/beauty.php for more great health and beauty information.

To sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.be-prepared.naturalremedies4u.com', 111, 'Top Ten Tips for Beautiful Skin, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Top Ten Tips for Beautiful Skin plus articles and information on Beauty

Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The ?External? Acne Treatments Today

Most of the acne treatments out there just don''t have what it takes to get rid of acne.

This is simply because most (or shall I say all) of the acne treatments out there are doing, is just masking the symptoms of acne. And doing absolutely nothing to stop the real cause of acne. Therefore, once you stop using acne treatment, acne will come back again and again every time you stop using it.

This is why acne sufferers continue buy acne treatments month after month (year after year).

And in some cases, most acne treatments will make your acne conditions worse. This is because some acne treatments contains harsh chemical that''s not good for your skin, causing it to irritate, itch, peel, and skin dryness.

If you really want to get rid of your acne and achieve a long-term acne free skin. You have to correct the very root problem that is causing acne. You need an internal acne treatment and not the external acne treatments you see today.

You should know that acne is just an external feedback to a much larger problem happening on the inside of your body, and not your skin itself.

So you really need to stop looking at your skin as the problem because acne has nothing to do with your skin and everything to do with what''s happening on the inside of your internal system.

Houa Yang is the author of "The Definite Guide To Acne Free Skin." It reveals the same method he personally used himself to get rid of acne in 3 days and stop it from ever coming back for the past 4 years...without any prescription drugs or acne medications! For more info visit: http://www.howtogetridofacne.com', 100, 'Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The ?External? Acne Treatments Today, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The ?External? Acne Treatments Today plus articles and information on Acne

Are You Sure Your Diet Doesnt Affect Your Acne?

For those of you who have met me, you know I am often mistaken for being an 18 year old when in actuality I''m 27. I''m currently teaching after-school cooking classes in Brooklyn to middle school kids and I was mistaken for one of the students by an employee. I almost got in trouble for being in the hallway!

All I can say is that the organic food and vegetables must be working!

...and I use Oil of Olay (with SPF) everyday although I am searching for a more natural product that I will like.

Developing Acne

Around the age of 18 I started developing a mild case of adult acne. It actually wasn''t too bad, but I noticed it because my face had always been very clear. I was stumped as to why this was happening.

I solved the problem, and I thought it would be great to share my discovery with you. Not only to show how food does affect our skin, but also because maybe it will work for you too!

Caffeine

Around the same time I developed the acne I was also becoming a social coffee drinker. It took me awhile to put two and two together, but I eventually experimented with eliminating the coffee. Guess what! The pimples went away.

Hmmm... So what could it have been? I then figured out that my skin would break out if I had soda, chocolate, or tea. The common factor was caffeine. In fact, I was so sensitive that even decaf caused me to have blemishes. (Decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine leftover from the process.) I also later discovered that alcohol would have the same effect.

I''m not a dermatologist, and many of them will tell you that what you eat does not affect whether you have acne or not, but I will tell you from first hand experience that it does. What seemed to be happening was that caffeine or alcohol would stimulate oil production in my skin (probably because of increased hormone levels). The oil was probably being produced at a faster rate than my skin was able to naturally slough off dead skin cells, therefore my pores would get clogged.

This is my non-technical version of what I think must''ve been happening

My Skin Is CLEAR!

I''ve eliminated all forms of caffeine and alcohol and my skin is clear. Of course I get the occasional zit, but not often. I also find that I need to wash my face with a washcloth or exfoliater in the evening and that will keep the occasional pimple to a minimum.

If you need help eliminating caffeine and developing a healthier diet, call me for an initial consultation. You will also receive life coaching along with your nutritional counseling...because it all goes together. It''s never just about food! 917-689-6530

Melissa King
Holistic Nutrition Counselor
http://www.wellnessandenergy.com', 100, 'Are You Sure Your Diet Doesnt Affect Your Acne?, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Are You Sure Your Diet Doesnt Affect Your Acne? plus articles and information on Acne

Teenage Acne Revisited

- A lot has been written about the causes of teenage acne and still there does not appear to be consensus on this topic. However, it is becoming clear that it is a problem that needs to be treated from the inside as well as on the outside It is therefore necessary for the teenager to find products that treat the condition both internally and externally,

- Rooibos tea has received a lot of attention from scientists over the last 15 years and Japanese scientists in particular have done a lot of research on the Tea and its beneficial properties. Thanks to Rooibos Tea''s natural age fighting properties it is excellent for use in skin and healthcare products. Rooibos Extract, derived from the Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearis is not only full of antioxidants, it is also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Aspalathin the anti-allergic property occurs only in the Rooibos plant.

- Products containing Rooibos extract are well suited for the particular needs of the teenage years. Rooibos skincare products will clean the skin without disturbing the pH-balance of the skin or dehydrating the skin. It will cleanse the pores, get rid of impurities, and help to keep the pores from blocking up again. The advantage of the antibacterial property is that it promotes the healing of problem skin in a natural way. It helps to reduce the incidence and spreading of bacterial infections.

- It is even helpful to add cooled Rooibos tea to the rinsing water when washing the face. Applied topically it has a soothing effect on the skin.

- Modern foods are often over-refined and full of additives and teenagers frequently choose to snack on poor quality food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which could have a major impact on the physical condition of the skin. It is therefore important that teenagers take a balanced supplement of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids geared to their specific needs.

 A new train of thought is that it is essential for teenagers to use a health supplement that contains Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 is one of the new Buzzwords in the fight against acne. Vitamin B5 supplementation strengthens the immune system, helps the body to deal with stress, and increases stamina.

- Green Rooibos tea is The New drink for the New Generation.

- Green Rooibos tea is unfermented Rooibos tea and it contains 100 times more anti-oxidants than normal Rooibos tea and 10 times more aspalathin ? the anti-allergic flavonoid.

- The Annique GRAB Teenage range promotes a healthy, clear complexion by also tackling the problem at its source.

For more information visit http://www.AnniqueUK.co.uk', 100, 'Teenage Acne Revisited, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Teenage Acne Revisited plus articles and information on Acne

An Acne Fetish is No Laughing Matter

While it may be easy to scoff off an acne fetish with remarks like, "I don''t have that problem," this condition is more common than properly acknowledged. A fetish is an object of unreasonably obsessive attention or regard. Thus, extreme attention given to zits and pimples characterize an acne fetish. Two clinical forms of an acne fetish include excoriated acne and imagined acne.

Excoriated acne occurs when an acne patient continues to pick at or squeeze acne formations on their face, never allowing the skin to heal. This constant picking aggravates the acne condition and often times leaves severe scarring. Imagined acne happens when a patient is convinced she has acne but in reality does not. This person may have one small pimple and blow the existence of the pimple out of proportion and view it as a severe case of acne.

Underlying both of these acne fetishes is the fear of being ugly, or dysmorphophobia. It''s an easy psychological state to acquire in a society that increasingly places more value on superficial looks than personal traits.

Steps to combating an acne fetish include: Spending less time self-critiquing in front of the mirror; and Embellishing your talents.

Even a hiatus from mirror visits may help an acne fetish. If you do look in the mirror, focus on elements of your face besides the zits. For instance, look at the color of your eyes or the size of your lips, without criticizing of course. You may have lovely eyelashes or the perfect eyebrows. Whenever you look in the mirror stop making negative judgments about yourself. If you do find yourself ridiculing yourself and wanting to burst a zit in a rushed desire for clear skin, just remind yourself that every zit that you prematurely pop may encourage the formation of 3 completely new zits.

Focus on your greatest assets as a person, or cultivate new skills. You may be an awesome guitar player or fabulous singer, give yourself recognition for your strengths. Do something that you''ve always wanted to do, but did not do because you felt having acne precludes you from this activity.

In the final analysis, healing an acne fetish starts with recognizing that this condition has serious medical repercussions. An acne fetish can debilitate one''s self-esteem while encouraging needless facial scarring. If you think you have an acne fetish, you can get help from a qualified dermatologist, psychologists or just talk it over with some really cool and understanding friends.

Naweko San-Joyz is creator of the Acne Messages program, the only acne program to combine the latest scientific research and ancient wisdom to deliver an acne cure as unique as the acne sufferer. As there are millions of people with acne, there are a millions cures, find your unique cure with Acne Messages. ISBN: 0974912204 available at Amazon and Noixia.com, Home of Six Billion Natural Cures for Acne', 100, 'An Acne Fetish is No Laughing Matter, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'An Acne Fetish is No Laughing Matter plus articles and information on Acne

The Kill the Bacterial and Cure the Acne Myth

All life forms strategize to survive and procreate. Weeds, worms, birds, fungi and bacteria all work to sustain their own lives on this planet. In fact, we humans survive because of the biological games constantly unfolding in our mist.

Propionibacterium acnes, or p acne bacteria, are no different. They want and need to survive. Skin bacteria perform an important function. Bacteria use the secretions of our sweat and sebaceous glands (sebum is the oil that makes our skin look shiny) as nutrients. P acnes that are in balance with your body prevent colonization by more harmful bacteria.

P acne bacteria only encourage acne formations if the production of oil on the face is excessive. This surplus of oil of prompted by hormonal, nutritional, environmental and/or psychological changes in the body. So to prevent acne, you do not what to kill bacteria per se, but keep the amount of bacteria on your skin at an optimal balance. You optimize your oil secretion by understanding and controlling your response to hormonal, nutritional, environmental and/or psychological changes.

If we upset the balance of bacteria in our bodies by taking antibiotics, our resident flora is upset and this enables harmful bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii) to colonize our skin. What''s more, antibiotics can destroy the balance of intestinal flora and cause constipation.

In short, using antibiotics on bacteria is a battle amongst intelligent parties involving the bacteria, the body, and the human mind. If we fail to appreciate the bacteria as bodily maintenance workers and continue dousing them with antibiotics, the bacteria just become more resistant to our antibiotics. The bacteria are practiced at playing dead as a tactic for survival. Even people who have used the strongest acne drug on the market, Accutane, have witnessed the cunning behavior of bacteria as zits reappear some months after using this course of acne treatment. These people have discovered that bacteria do not die; they silently and strategically multiply. If you do not want your bacteria out of balance, do not provide them an environment conducive to acne

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in San Diego. She recently published "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called "Skinny Fat Girls, Why we''re still not getting this diet thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.', 100, 'The Kill the Bacterial and Cure the Acne Myth, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'The Kill the Bacterial and Cure the Acne Myth plus articles and information on Acne

Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious

Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.

A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some of Dr. Berson''s recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers. Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."

Using moisturizers. Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin''s moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin''s barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.

Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Using noncomedogenic sunscreens. Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin''s primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)

Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004 Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.

E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in San Diego. She recently published "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called "Skinny Fat Girls, Why we''re still not getting this diet thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.', 100, 'Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious plus articles and information on Acne

About Acne, itsTypes & Symptoms

What is Acne?

Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some of the characteristics of acne include black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and rarely scarring. Acne usually occurs during adolescence in both men and women. To be more specific, acne starts during puberty and tends to get worse for people with oily skin. Acne badly affects teenage boys. Only mild to moderate forms of acne occur in middle-aged women. Acne can be seen most commonly on the face. The other places where it can occur include the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs. Most forms of acne are the result of heredity and hormonal problems and has nothing to do with a harmful diet or poor hygiene.

Types of acne

Acne starts in a similar way for all but can take different forms and can react in a unique way according to the body conditions of the individual. A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria residing under the surface of your skin, that waits for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. Whenever the skin produces more oil, the bacteria grows within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders. Two main types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne

Closed comedo:

If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.

Open comedo :

If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.

Inflammatory acne

Papule:

This appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:

These are small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Cyst:

These are large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:

This is a rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. In addition, to the presence of pustules and cysts, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of acne include persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin known as pimples. The pimples become inflamed and get filled with pus. The pimples usually occur on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back. Some of the other symptoms include dark spots with open pores at the center, which are known as blackheads, bulged spots under the skin without openings, which are known as whiteheads, and red swellings or lumps filled with pus, which are known as pustules. The pustules can develop from blackheads or whiteheads. Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin known as cysts are also a symptom of acne. These cysts can become as large as an inch across.

To learn how to cure diseases like warts, hemmorrhoids, uti, adhd & add using natural alternative treatment methods, without any side effects or surgery visit http://www.natural-health-treatment.com. Online version of the above article is located at http://www.natural-health-treatment.com/acne/acne-details.html', 100, 'About Acne, itsTypes & Symptoms, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'About Acne, itsTypes & Symptoms plus articles and information on Acne

Acne Home Remedy

Acne or pimples are caused by hormonal changes, wrong food habits and improper skin care. Acne remedies given below are based on herbs and natural ingredients that treat your acne like magic and help improve the skin disorders.

Grind nutmeg with unboiled milk and apply on affected area. This works as a magic. Pimples should disappear without leaving a mark.

Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.

Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.

Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.

Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.

Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .

Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples.

Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples.

Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples and kept up to 1 hour, then wash.

Copyright 2004 P. Mehta

[You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all HTML hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info.]

This article has been written by http://www.fatfreekitchen.com. For more home remedies on how to treat acne naturally, visit the web site http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/beauty/acne-home-remedy.html', 100, 'Acne Home Remedy, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Acne Home Remedy plus articles and information on Acne

Herbal Acne Treatments That Work

In the United States alone, there are over 40 Million people who struggle with acne. Many of these people treat acne using chemicals such as antibiotics, prescription drugs, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

However, there is a growing number of people who choose herbal acne treatments over traditional medications. Usually, herbal medications have far fewer side effects, and are not as dangerous as some of the prescription drugs.

The problem however, is that the United States does very little to regulate the herbal supplement industry. Unlike traditional chemical medications, herbal medications are not required to be clinically proven to work, or even to be safe. An example of this lack of regulation recently came to light with ephedra related deaths, and ephedras subsequent ban.

This lack of regulation results in many different acne products on the market. All of which claim to heal, prevent, or even cure acne with few, if any, side effects.

The truth is, there are very few herbal acne treatments that are scientifically proven to work. Traditional chemical treatments are still the most effective in stopping acne.

There are only 2 herbal treatments that have been clinically proven to help stop acne, tea tree oil and green tea cream.

Tea tree oil is a natural oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia, a particular type of tea tree found exclusively in Australia. While it has been used from hundreds of years by the native aboriginals as a treatment for just about anything, it has only recently been accepted by modern medicine as being a viable anti-bacterial agent.

Even though tea tree oil has been suspected as an anti-bacterial agent for some time, A groundbreakings study was conducted in 1990 by I.B. Bassett, which compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. It was found that tea tree oil is as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. It takes longer (6 weeks) for the tea tree oil to be as effective, but participants in the study reported none of the side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide, such as redness, skin irritation, or dry skin.

This study has helped tea tree oil become a recognized and legitimate herbal acne treatment. However, there is no need to purchase an expensive cream that contains tea tree oil. Just applying several drops of the oil directly on the acne has shown to be the most effective way to apply tea tree oil.

This was the only herbal acne treatment that had been proven to work until recently, when Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong conducted a study that shows green tea can also effectively fight acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong compared a green tea cream with 3% green tea, to a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution, and found that the results in treating acne where the same for both the tea and the peroxide. These results were recently presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

These findings are relatively recent, and are not yet corroborated by additional independent studies. However, this evidence does demonstrate that the natural anti-bacterial properties of green tea can be effective to treat acne.

For those of you who are confused by the plethora of herbal acne treatments available, there really are only 2 that have been proven to be effective in fighting acne. Green tea cream, and tea tree oil. While many other herbal acne treatments may be good to moisturize the skin, or reduce oils, these are the only two that should be considered truly effective acne treatments.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Herbal Acne Treatments That Work, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Herbal Acne Treatments That Work plus articles and information on Acne

Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin

Eczema can best be described as a non-contagious skin condition, which is characterized by hot dry itchy skin, with symptoms that often fluctuate seasonally and even over the course of the day. Eczema typically begins in early childhood. Research indicates that eczema may be genetically determined and studies show that there is often a family history of allergies, asthma, eczema or hay fever. Children who experience eczema may also suffer from asthma or hay fever as well.

Like an allergy, eczema tends to flair up when exposed to certain triggers, especially mechanical irritants, allergens, emotional stress, heat and sweating. When exposed to an offending situation, inflammation producing cells come to surface of the skin and release chemicals, leaving the skin red, pealing and thickened. Sometimes tiny blisters form, rupture, weep and crust over.

Eczema most often appears in and round the creases of joints of the arms and legs and around trunk of the body. For some, it also emerges on their hands and on the sloes of their feet. Sufferers also experience an intense itching makes them want to scratch it, causing additional damage which can lead to bleeding and infection.

Solvents, chemicals, detergents, bleach, woolen clothing, skin care products that contain alcohol and certain soaps or fragrances are all considered mechanical irritant that can cause burning, itching or redness to the skin and bring about a flair-up. And while allergens, like food, pollens and pets, do not irritate the skin, they can also trigger a flair-up. The same holds true to emotional stress. Intense emotions such as anger and frustration can flair up symptoms. Many individuals with eczema also do not tolerate extremely hot or cold temperatures as well. High humidity can cause increased sweating, while low humidity can dry the skin.

Recommendations For Wellness

The key to controlling eczema is prevention. Avoid or reduce your exposure to things that can irritate your skin such as household cleaners, detergents, certain soaps and wool clothing.

Use a moisturizer on your skin every day to help keep it soft and flexible.

Don''t scratch even if it itches! Scratching can further irritate the skin and can even cause the skin to break and crack, opening the door to infection.

Take the time to identify your triggers. This can help you to avoid or limit your exposure to the offending item even better. If you think a food item is causing your problems, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy test or try an elimination diet to help you identify the offending product.

Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.

Wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate them.

Learn to manage your stress through regular exercise, breathing techniques, biofeedback, meditation and yoga.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to help reduce the inflammation, dryness and scaleness often associated with eczema. GLA can be found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and currant seed oil.

If your skin becomes infected, the herb Oregon grape has been used for hundreds of years to treat infections and a variety of skin problems.

Natures Sunshine''s Golden Salve is a blend of herbs, oils and beeswax that sooths and moisturizes rough, chafed, chapped skin.

A homeopathic remedy for eczema may help relieve the itching and irritation associated with eczema and dermatitis of the skin and scalp.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within". It is it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.', 111, 'Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin plus articles and information on Beauty

My Teeth are Now Zoom! Whitened

Let me tell you about my Zoom Whitening experience. For those of you who are unaware about teeth whitening products, the Zoom product is professional use only. Works rather quickly as opposed to the every night crest whitestrips. But it does cost more.

I went to the dentist''s office and was setup with the dental assistant. She went over my teeth to remove and plaque or residue to have a clean tooth surface to apply the zoom gel. They put something on my gums to protect them from the gel. It felt like rubber, but it was a gel that was in a tube. They had an appliance to hold my mouth open so I didn''t have to hold a terror scream position the entire time I was there.

Cotton ball rolls were used to hold my lips off my teeth. They basically want your teeth exposed, only your teeth, and to just let them hang there in the air while they apply the gel. She painted on the gel, which is a hydrogen peroxide gel. Then they used a Zoom light to enhance the whitening. It looked like a black light. She told me that it made the peroxide act quicker and faster, and after researching, I found that using the light helps by over 33%.

They did my six front teeth, top and bottom, 12 total. First, they applied the gel, did the zoom lamp, and then they wiped off the gel, and applied more gel. They did this 3 times to the same set of teeth. So, overall, it took about an hour and a half before I was ready to go. I got to catnap in between whitening.

What happened after I left?

The zoom whitening continued to whiten my teeth for 12-18 hours after the procedure. So, I couldn''t drink any heavy staining drinks like coffee, cokes, or tea. But wait, I''ll miss my caffeine rush. You might need a caffeine pill or take an Excedrin migraine pill. I think they have caffeine.

It was uncomfortable to have my mouth propped open for so long, and the chemical gets into the enamel, dentin or pores of the teeth so they were sensitive to everything. But, about 20 hours later, I was good as new. The whitening had taken effect and my teeth were no longer sensitive. I heard some people it takes up to 3 days to get back to normal, but I was fine.

I wanted to share my experience with you if you were thinking about the zoom whitening in office treatment. They also had a home treatment you could use, but I wanted to take advantage of the 33% more whitening with that zoom lamp they used. I can tell they are whiter. Suppose to get up to 8 shades whiter. I don''t know how much I got, but it does look better.

Cost? Mine was about $250 total. I''m sure it varies depending on where you go.

Stuart Simpson
http://www.teeth-whitening-review.com', 111, 'My Teeth are Now Zoom! Whitened, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'My Teeth are Now Zoom! Whitened plus articles and information on Beauty

Blinded by the White?

Washington DC-By J. S. Ronnette-Patients traveling the road toward whiter teeth have a dizzying array of options to choose from. There are so many whitening products and treatments out there that some dental consumers get blinded in the glare of choices. From paint-on bleaching gels to stick-on whitening strips to in-office power bleaching-what''s a white-smile-seeker to do?

The current methods break down into whitening at home and at the dental office, with a growing interest in whitening at the dentist''s office. "Many of our patients are busy professionals, and they would rather come in for a one-visit power bleaching session to get the job done right away," says Dr. Daniel J. Deutsch, of the Washington Center for Dentistry. And many patients are not new to the world of whitening, having already tried over-the-counter techniques.

Home teeth whitening

• The brush-on method sounds wonderfully easy and unobtrusive. Just brush on the bleaching gel before you go to sleep. Let it sit on your teeth all night long and brush it off with your toothbrush the next morning.

Also considered the Lazy-Man''s whitening system, this method contains inherent flaws. The most obvious drawback is that once saliva "wets" the gel on the teeth, the bleach gets diluted and rubs off in some areas. This situation lowers the chance for an even whitening result. And no one wants that blotchy, partially bleached look!

And many of these at-home formulas contain glycerin, which is known to deplete moisture in the enamel of the teeth. This condition often leads to discomfort from sensitivity during the whitening process.

• The stick-on strips method is popular because they are simple to use. They are easy to apply and need no preparation.

But, again, the short-cut approach gives skimpy results. Here''s why: The upper and lower strips get pressed against the outer front surface of the teeth. And while they adhere pretty well, the strips cannot fit completely within the cracks and grooves that occur along the contour of your teeth. The recesses between each tooth might possibly retain their darker staining, and even might look darker against the newly bleached flatter areas. Eventually, as the whitening process progresses, teeth might appear to have undesirable, pronounced gaps between them.

In addition, these methods often use bleach at a lower concentration (6 to 10 percent), which is less effective than bleach supplied by many dental offices.

• The trays and bleaching gel method remains the most successful and efficient home whitening treatment.

A special form-fitting, soft plastic tray is made from a mold of your mouth. The tray fits snugly over each tooth. The dentist also supplies a higher concentration (16 to 22 percent) bleaching gel.

Patients wear the trays and gel for a certain period of time every day for a specific number of days-as prescribed by the dentist.

This method gets good results for patients amenable to wearing trays and gel either a few hours in the evening ? or while they sleep.

In-office Whitening - Britesmile
• The one-hour power bleaching method is fast becoming the option of choice for patients seeking great results ? fast!

This in-office treatment-known as Britesmile-gets high marks for quick, comfortable, easy whitening at lightning speeds.

"The Britesmile chair is often the first stop for patients getting a full smile makeover," says Dr. Marc Doctors, also of the Washington Center for Dentistry. "They want to match their new crowns and veneers to teeth that are as white as they can get."

The Britesmile system lightens teeth up to nine shades whiter, on average, with no harm to tooth enamel, gums or existing fillings. Teeth reach their optimum natural whiteness and reveal a smile that many patients haven''t seen in years.

The one-visit session goes like this: After examining teeth and gums, pre-whitening toothpaste is applied with a hygienist''s polisher to prepare teeth for the whitening session.

The current shade of the teeth is measured. A before photo is taken. Then, the technician protects the gums and mouth with special materials and applies the whitening gel.

Many patients relax with movies or music while a gentle blue light shines on their teeth to activate the whitening gel. The technician reapplies the gel every 20 minutes-three times during the one-hour session.

When the sessions are complete, the new shade is noted and an "after" photo records the new brighter smile for posterity.

How long does it last? Long-term results depend on the patient. Tobacco, coffee, tea, dark soft drinks and lax attention to dental care can work against the results. Regular professional care will help maintain a new "Britesmile" up to two years. Some patients maintain results at home with trays and gel.

For more information on Britesmile whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures in the Washington DC area, please click here.', 111, 'Blinded by the White?, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Blinded by the White? plus articles and information on Beauty

Tanning Bed Safety

The facts about tanning bed safety are some what convoluted. How often have you heard someone say "it''s not safe to use a tanning bed," or "you''ll get skin cancer." There are certainly tanning bed safety concerns but as with anything common sense will go a long way to keeping you safe. So lets get some of the facts about tanning beds out in the open.

There are people who are completely for tanning beds just as there are people who are totally against. And then of course there are the fence sitters. If you don''t believe in tanning beds, that''s okay that''s certainly your right. If you worship tanning beds it wouldn''t matter what I said you''d still use them. This is article is for those that just aren''t sure.

We''re going to help you fall off the fence one way or another. One of the concerns often heard is a worry about getting skin cancer. This is a legitimate risk that you should be aware of. You should never tan longer or more often than is recommended.

Others are concerned that they risk getting STD''s or worse yet AIDS or STD''s. The chance of getting aids at a tanning bed is virtually 0%. It just isn''t possible because aids is transmitted through bodily fluids and cannot survive outside the body. The chance of getting other bugs like crabs is possible but not if you deal with a reputable tanning salon that properly cleans their beds. Check before you use, and ask the salon what their cleaning program is.

People believe if they don''t burn they can''t get skin cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth which is why tanning beds can be so dangerous if not used correctly. Melanoma the worst kind of skin cancer is actually caused by UVA rays and when you are overexposed to UVA rays you don''t know because overexposure does not result in any signs such as a burn. So if you use a tanning bed too often you can increase your risk.

When using a tanning bed you can either wear a swimsuit, shorts, underwear or go in the buff. Just remember if you go in the buff that those areas are not accustomed to exposure and so it will take less time to burn and less time to do deep cell damage from the UVA rays.

How many times have you hear that you roast your internal organs by using a tanning bed. This simply is not true. There is no way you can cook your organs using a tanning bed. Just goes to show don''t believe everything you read.

You must make sure to always protect your eyes by wearing the correct style of googles. If you do not wear the proper goggles you can do serious damage to your eyes and you could even go blind.

Itching that occurs after using a tanning bed is usually a result of dry skin or it could be a because you are photosensitive. Photosensitivity can be caused by medications you are taking or it can be the natural way your skin reacts. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer and if the condition consists you should stop using the bed.

Contrary to what you''ve heard scars will not tan any better in a tanning beds than they will in the sun. Most times they will only change color slightly if at all.

Tanning beds are a quick and easy way to tan. They are a great fill in for the real sun during the winter months, and they are a good solution for those who can''t find time to get out in the sun but want a tan. Tanning beds are also a proven treatment for people who suffer from SAD.

Common sense will go a long way to keeping you safe and looking gorgeous with that golden tan!

M.D. Stacener from Home Tanning Beds has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at http://www.tanabanas.com/', 111, 'Tanning Bed Safety, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Tanning Bed Safety plus articles and information on Beauty

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 2)

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do wonders for your looks and health. Here are some precious natural skin care tips which will make your skin glow round the clock.

1) Wake up your looks: Tossing and turning all night can show on your face the next morning. But you can look rested even when you are not. Try these quick-picker-uppers to wake up your looks.

. Shower ''up'': Take a shower with an energizing body scrub and a nylon loofah. Let the spray massage tension away. Switch to cool water for the final rinse.

. Wear an energizing fragrance: Try scents with hints of lemon, jasmine, bergamot, lily of the valley, hyacinth, basil, and geranium.

2) For Dark Circles: Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener. Put the potatoes in a food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheese cloth. Apply to the area directly beneath your eye- dont let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself - and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe away the starchy residue.

3) Fixing Dark Circles: Other traditional and well known remedy is to place cucumber slices on eyelids while relaxing in hot bath. This will be like pampering yourself to the acme, treating yourself like a queen.

4) Soft Hands: So your hands dont feel soft anymore? Before you go to bed, lavishly apply vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.

5) White nails: To whiten your nails, try these:

. Use a common whitening tooth paste. Try scrubbing your nails with toothpaste, its just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.

. Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains.

Hungry for more? Look out for more such natural skin care tips which can do wonders to your skin at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips and anti-aging tips and treatment at Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products', 111, 'Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 2), Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 2) plus articles and information on Beauty

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 1)

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do wonders for your looks and health. Here are some precious natural skin care tips which will make your skin glow round the clock.

1) Glowing Facial Mask: Having a tough time keeping your skin glowing? Well, here is an easy way to keep the radiance on your face intact. All you need is: a tbsp fuller''s earth. 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mashed papaya. Mix all these ingredients and put on face for 20 minutes then rinse off.

2) Gentle facial cleanser: Take a 1/2 cup of oatmeal or cornmeal and plain yoghurt (add enough yoghurt to form a paste). For a gentle facial cleanser, mix the ingredients, smooth over the entire face avoiding eye area. Wash off with warm water. Oatmeal is highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and helps to soften skin. Oats have the best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains (amino acids work as water-binding agents in skin care products). Oats have also been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin.

3) Hair Spray: Chop one lemon(or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with two cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce of alcohol as a preservative and thenthe spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

4) Hair Cocktail:

. For instant shine: Lightly beat two eggs mixed with some milk and run throuigh your hair. Leave on for five minutes, rinse and you will see a shine instantly.

. For Dandruff: Dissolve two aspirins in your dandruff shampoo and watch how it clears up. Use a good moisturizing conditioner afterward.

. For greasy hair: Use face powder. Put a little at the root of your hair before straying. If it is a serious problem, put the powder on heavily for 15 minutes wash completely, condition lightly, and style.

. Sweet shine: Honey applied in a small amount while washing the hair will give you a great shine.

5) Blackheads removal: Combine one fourth cup boiling water with one teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops of Iodine. Let mixture cool until it''s comfortable to the touch. Saturate a cotton ball with this mixture and dab on blackheads. This will allow the black heads to loosen so they can be easily squeezed with a gauze pad. Remember to apply a moisturiser soon after.

Hungry for more? Look out for more such natural skin care tips which can do wonders to your skin at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips and anti-aging tips and treatment at Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products', 111, 'Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 1), Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 1) plus articles and information on Beauty

Mineral Makeup- Natural Beauty

As we become more aware of our environment and more aware of the products that we are putting into and onto our bodies, natural and homeopathic products are taking the cosmetic industry by storm.

It''s likely you''ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with "all natural" and "organic" products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn''t necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.

The title of this article is "Mineral Makeup". After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don''t get the dreaded "mask" look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.

It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be "buffed" into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we''ll discuss later) is to "dust" the makeup on, instead of "buffing" it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.

What Are The Ingredients?

This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.

• Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.

• Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

• Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.

• Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.

• Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.

• Mica- Natural "glitter". Provides shimmer and sparkle.

• Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.

Ingredients To Avoid

These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.

• Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.

• FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.

• Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.

• Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.

• Carmine- Crushed beetles.

What Brand Should I Buy?

Well, if you''re familiar with mineral makeup, it''s likely you''ve seen the infomercials. After further research you''ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.

There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You''ll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don''t have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.

Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com', 111, 'Mineral Makeup- Natural Beauty, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Mineral Makeup- Natural Beauty plus articles and information on Beauty

Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search

The main problem is that of abundance. Finding an Orange County plastic surgeon is easy, the problem is to find THE Orange County plastic surgeon - the one who will meet your expectations. Start from searching the Internet. There you will probably find about fifty plastic surgeons for a start. When you have the list, start contacting them, one by one. I know this is time consuming, but the plastic surgery is a surgery, not some kind of magic. Narrow your list to those who specialize in the kind of surgery you want to have and visit the clinics.

How can you find the best plastic surgeon available?

Every Orange County plastic surgeon worth choosing will offer you a short walk around the clinic to show you what''s going on there. If they ask you to sight tight in an office, it''s a big minus. The second checkpoint is the plastic surgery picture. Ask them to show you the "before/after" photos of patients that had similar surgery to yours. Even in Orange County, every plastic surgeon will have to show you the pictures. Check them carefully - if in any of them you will see makeup, resign. All these photos are used for medical purposes and taking photos in makeup means only that there is something to hide. If both the walk and the pictures'' check went good, you can get down to business.

Things you should check before the surgery

The prices are quite high in Orange County. Every plastic surgeon living there is a professional, so the prices are "professional" too. Don''t worry about the money, though. You are about to have a surgery any saving $300 and risking some surgery complications instead isn''t a too bright idea. Remember, it''s the professionalism you''re looking for, not a discount. Every Orange County plastic surgeon is a professional, but you want to get "the best of the best", don''t you? The money you will spend is only a secondary problem then. I say this because we tend to forget about it during any purchases or negotiations and we start thinking only about our money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.', 111, 'Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search plus articles and information on Beauty

Why Use A Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon?

Beverly Hills is Mecca of all people looking for plastic surgeons, though not many of prospect patients really know why. "Beverly Hills" and "plastic surgeon" are two phrases that are almost inseparable now. Thanks to Extreme Makeover? and Dr. 90210 TV shows every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon is by definition a good one. And, unlike many other TV-created myths, this one is generally true.

The best specialists are practicing in Beverly Hills.

Almost every plastic surgeon has tried to establish the business there. As the result competition increased and those worse or unable to keep up with competitors were forced to leave. Almost every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with over three years of practice there is worth their money. Almost every kind of plastic surgery is performed there, and there is virtually no chance of falling into hands of some half-learned doctors who will train their skills on your body. All plastic surgeons from Beverly Hills are top professionals in their industry and there is almost no risk of any complications resulting from the lack of necessary skills.

Looking for Beverly Hills plastic surgeon for you.

Not every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializes in film stars. Every year more and more everyday people find there some help in enhancing their personal beauty. The surgeries are becoming more and more popular, easier, quicker and less painful. At the moment you read it, there are tens of people in plastic surgery clinics and hundreds of people who are recovering now after the cosmetic surgeries. Beauty has become one of the mass-produced goods and there is nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Where''s the catch?

The catch is still in the surgery price. Beverly Hills is an expensive place and every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon has to send you high bills just to have enough money to rent the house. Unfortunately the top quality means top prices and there is almost no chance that it will change soon. It seems that if you want to avoid risk, you just have to pay them. But don''t hesitate - they are surely worth your money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.', 111, 'Why Use A Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon?, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Why Use A Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon? plus articles and information on Beauty

What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?

The plastic surgery pictures usually come in pairs. One shot is taken before the operation, the other - after it. You can see them almost at every plastic surgery website and finding them is not a problem. Trouble begins when you want to use them to make up your mind about the results of the plastic surgery you want to have.

Which plastic surgery pictures are the good ones?

It is very easy to retouch these pictures. And I''m not talking only about using Adobe Photoshop - such plain dishonesty won''t work in the long run. But plastic surgery pictures can be taken in such way that they will hide more than they will show. Look only for the pictures that have the qualities described below:

(1) There should be several plastic surgery pictures of one patient. They should be taken from different angles to give you better view of what actually has changed.

(2) The patient should not wear any makeup. It is quite common to take "before" shots when patients don''t wear any makeup and "after" shots - when they wear it. Such plastic surgery pictures are almost useless.

(3) The lighting should be similar in both "before" and "after" pictures. Playing with lighting can change things in the plastic surgery pictures just as good as the Acrobat Photoshop.

How can we actually use them?

The first usage is quite obvious: we use plastic surgery pictures to see what we can expect from, for example, breast augmentation. But there is also one more way we can use them. You simply HAVE TO see the plastic surgery pictures of you prospect doctor''s patients. Almost all patients in plastic surgery clinics are photographed, so all the photos should be available at the clinic. If they refuse to show them or if they don''t match the "good plastic surgery pictures" description (see above), you''d better reconsider your decision. Even if they aren''t the effects of doctor''s dishonesty, they tell about sloppiness of the clinic''s work. If they can''t take the proper pictures, how can they perform the serious and delicate surgery?

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources, a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.', 111, 'What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like? plus articles and information on Beauty

Cosmetic Surgery ? Vanity or Healthy Choice?

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the ''70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered "cosmetic surgery" can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual''s weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don''t think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

Rex Ryan maintains a website on cosmetic surgery procedures: http://www.aboutcosmeticsurgery.info', 111, 'Cosmetic Surgery ? Vanity or Healthy Choice?, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Cosmetic Surgery ? Vanity or Healthy Choice? plus articles and information on Beauty

7 Essential Beauty Tips

Beauty

Beauty is defined as the phenomenon of the experience of pleasure, through the perception of balance and proportion of stimulus. It involves the cognition of a balanced form and structure that elicits attraction and appeal towards a host, creature, inanimate object, scene, music, idea, etc. It''s as well seen as An assemblage or even graces or even properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the intellect, the aesthetic faculty, or even the moral feel.

Beauty is the quality that gives pleasure to the mind or even senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or even color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.

A common understanding of the word beauty suggests that it''s the appearance of things and people. For illustration, we call miss globe or even miss universe the virtually all beautiful female on earth. Also a fully blossomed rose is as well called a beauty. Beauty can''t be measured, not can it be counted. It''s purely subjective in nature, and its comprehension changes based on data from perception set of individuals.

Beauty has always been revered from the time individual kind had developed basic senses. We''ve heard of umpteen number of stories in history when wars utilized to be inflicted upon for the desire of beautiful females. Beauty is all pervasive in nature and rises above any discrimination of race, caste, religion, etc.

Many theorists and scientists have tried to deconstruct beauty into even more understandable parts. 1 idea is to look at it from the point of see of how much symmetry is discovered in the object. A few of the main contributions in this regards are - The inborn inclination of people to be attracted to symmetry coupled with the natural want or even pursuit of happiness leads to the premise that symmetry is indeed the symbol of beauty.

Mortal beings are so engrossed with beauty that it''s taken a awesome shape in economy in the form of beauty industry. There are many enterprises and organizations taking part in selling beauty products. These range from your next door beauty salon to a multi-billion premium branded marketing organization spread across 150 countries in the globe.

Beauty care is a outstanding act time and pastime for mortal beings, especially women. Beauty is perceived to offer attractiveness and confidence. Beauty care includes hair care, face care, skin care, nail care, proper diet, vitamins, etc.

There are many therapies dedicated to the cause of beauty care. Even more crucial among it is aromatherapy, cosmetology, laser coarse of action, hair coloring, slimming techniques, etc.

Many authors have written on beauty. A select few of the wonderful quotes are "a thing of beauty is a joy forever" by John Keats. "True beauty lives in deep retreats, Whose veil is unremoved, Till heart with heart in concord beats, And the lover is beloved" by Wordsworth. And "We all know that a thing of beauty is a joy forever and that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Is not it interesting how the perception of beauty" by Anon.

Helen Keller sums it all "The virtually all beautiful things in the globe aren''t seen nor touched. It is felt with the heart".

Codi Bellezia is the owner of a beauty z which is a premier resource for beauty information. for more information, go to http://www.abeautyz.com', 111, '7 Essential Beauty Tips, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', '7 Essential Beauty Tips plus articles and information on Beauty

Natural Hair - Get Creative With Homemade Recipes

Do you wear your hair natural? No lye? As many will tell you, once you make a change to go natural your hair regimen must also change. This frequently includes an adjustment to the types of products you use on your coils. A number of your old stand-bys may no longer lend you the same results on your kinks as they did on your straight hair.

Product junkies will agree -- you can spend hundreds of dollars testing out the numerous products available on the market, many of which are supposedly intended for natural hair use. However, breaking the bank is really not necessary for a healthy, strong and shiny natural. You already have key ingredients in your own kitchen and bathroom!

Creating your own hair recipes not only saves money, but allows for a more intimate relationship with your hair -- you can gain a much better insight as to what your hair craves, prefers, or rejects with your at-home experiments.

Get creative! There are a few simple rules to follow to find your perfect concoctions:

* Don''t mix too many things at once. Start out with simple recipes, say, mixing one main ingredient and adding a small amount of another. It''s much easier to determine what worked and what didn''t when your ingredients list is limited.

* Create two-ingredient mixes and try them until you find a mix that works well on your hair. If it''s a "perfect" mix, continue using it! If it''s a "pretty good" mix, retry the recipe with the same main ingredient then alter the secondary ingredient until you reach perfection. You may find you need to reverse the amounts used, making the main ingredient the secondary ingredient.

* If there is one particular ingredient you find most always works well on your hair, make it a staple for your hair recipes, adding it as a standard part of all your recipes.

* Alter the way you apply the mixes to your hair. Try dousing your hair with your Super Yogurt Surprise while your hair is drenching wet in the shower. Does it work well this way? Try another time by making it a bit more liquidy and spritz it on your dried hair with a spray bottle. Perhaps your hair responds better to this application.

* For ingredients, a general rule of thumb is if it''s ok to ingest, it''s probably ok to apply to your hair as well. Pureed fruit, honey, apple cider vinegar and many more items are great additions to homemade hair recipes.

* Take note of what works for you and how it worked. Some recipes may be better for clarifying while others make for great deep conditioners.

* Search and compare! If you''re a little timid about applying egg whites to your hair, make use of resources available to you before doing so. Search the Internet for your particular ingredients. You just may find others who have tried the same type of recipe and enjoyed success or experienced a nightmare.

* Go beyond your kitchen! Many cities have well-stocked health food and natural stores with a huge selection of ingredients to boost your hair recipes. Experiment with essential oils (a few drops go a long way!), xanthum gum (a thickener, also known as xanthan), as well as conditioners and leave-ins you won''t likely find at department stores and drug stores.

Remember, a recipe failure is a good thing. It lets you know what your hair simply does not respond to well. The worst likely thing that can happen with the use of your homemade products is the need to wash your hair again, so get creative!

Note: Use of homemade mixes for coloring of hair is not recommended.

Elle Paris is the owner of My Natural which provides no-nonsense user reviews for hundreds of products for natural hair care.', 111, 'Natural Hair - Get Creative With Homemade Recipes, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Natural Hair - Get Creative With Homemade Recipes plus articles and information on Beauty

Skin Care Secrets ? You Can Have Beautiful Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, just like your heart or your kidney. Its job is to protect your insides so it is important for it to be healthy. If you eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, keep it clean, and protect it from the sun, your skin will stay healthy all your life.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two factors play an important role in the health of a person''s skin.

Diet - Eat Well

What you put into your body has a huge effect on how the outside looks and feels. Eating healthy foods is important. Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Eight glasses of are essential to maintaining your skin''s elasticity and suppleness, say experts. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. You still can''t beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

Hygiene - Keep your skin clean.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you use. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants.

Exercise - keep fit

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin''s own natural moisturizer.

Sleep - get an adequate amount of quality sleep

Be sure to get enough sleep. An adequate amount of quality sleep can help recharge and rejuvenate the body, making it more resilient. Lack of sleep can lead to tired lifeless skin and circles under the eyes. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn''t collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed.

De-Stress - Relax

Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Breathing exercises are excellent for reducing stress. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion. A more detailed version of this article is available at: http://hair-removal-tips.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The Pregnancy Guide website at: http://www.pregnancyguide.org.uk/ and he''s also a regular contributor to the Cosmetic Surgery Guide blog at: http://cosmetic-n-plastic-surgery.blogspot.com/

This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable.', 111, 'Skin Care Secrets ? You Can Have Beautiful Skin, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Skin Care Secrets ? You Can Have Beautiful Skin plus articles and information on Beauty

Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers

Many people experiencing premature hair loss simply resign themselves to a process that is as inevitable as growing old. This is a positive and healthy reaction to what is a natural process for many. But for others the onset of premature balding or excessive hair loss represents a traumatic development that causes untold worry and suffering. This too is a legitimate reaction regardless of whether the hair loss is caused by hereditary factors or some other more complex cause.

Should these sufferers just grin and bear it? No, they should not because there are a number of potentially effective treatments they could utilize, depending on the nature of their hair loss. In this article I will outline some of the most popular hair loss treatments currently available in order to reinforce the fact that hair loss can be treated. The next article in the series will look closely at the treatment regimes best suited to specific ailments such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

At present only two medications have been approved as hair loss treatments by the FDA. These are minoxidil, better known as Rogaine, and finasteride, better known as Propecia. Several other drugs have proven to be effective in combating hair loss, dutasteride for example, but have not yet been approved for this particular use.

Finasteride was originally developed to treat enlarged prostate conditions but a low dose version was subsequently approved for the treatment of hair loss in men. It tackles the causes of male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of 5-alpha-reductase into DHT. Given that DHT is the main male hormone linked to hair loss, reducing its production by two thirds has a major impact on controlling this type of baldness.

Research has shown that 83% of men studied were able to maintain their hair count and 64% experienced regrowth by the end of a two year period. It should be noted that finasteride is approved for use by men only as the drug can have serious effects on unborn male fetuses. Women should therefore only consider using this drug under the strict supervision of a physician.

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a new medication for use in treating prostate conditions and, although not yet approved for the treatment of hair loss, it does offer exciting possibilities. It works in a similar way to finasteride but reputedly reduces overall DHT production by over 93%. As is the case with finasteride, women should consult their physician before using dutasteride.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the other hair loss treatment approved by the FDA and it is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Applied topically, its main benefit is its ability to stimulate regrowth thus reversing the effects of pattern baldness. Many users combine the application of minoxidil with other hair loss treatments like Propecia to achieve maximal results, but others experience satisfactory outcomes using minoxidil on its own.

Several studies have shown that certain non-drug products promote hair regrowth but none have yet been approved by the FDA. This is partly due to the prohibitive costs involved in conducting trials to prove that the products are effective for the purpose of marketing them as hair loss treatments. Many individuals and dermatologists nonetheless recommend use of certain non-drug treatments as an alternative or complement to drug therapy.

In many instances the treatments are based on natural ingredients that stimulate similar responses to those of the prescribed drugs but without the side effects. The information provided here presents a sample of products that have been subjected to testing or at least have had their effectiveness supported by independent feedback.

One such product is Arcon Tisane which has become Europe''s top selling natural supplement for hair loss. It comes as a capsule and sub-lingual spray containing saw palmetto and fenugreek stimulating a response similar to that of finasteride by inhibiting the production of DHT. Arcon Tisane has been clinically tested and has received widespread media coverage of its success in combating hair loss.

Calosol is a relatively new product aimed at helping alopecia areata sufferers. It consists of a shampoo and an accelerator applied daily in order to stimulate hair roots, reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair. Early indications suggest that Calosol can contribute significantly to easing this distressing and difficult to treat condition.

Fabao 101 is a treatment that comes in varying formats, each designed to tackle a particular form of hair loss. The common factor to each product is their derivation from natural plant sources. It was developed by a dermatologist and has received many international awards.

Folligen copper peptide products are designed to help create an environment that improves scalp health, reduces hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth. It can be used by both men and women. Studies at over 30 leading universities and medical research institutes have established the effectiveness of the technology utilized in Folligen products.

Tricomin is another treatment that targets the delivery of copper to the base of the hair follicle and it too has been clinically proven as an effective treatment for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth. It can be used safely with other hair loss treatments and can be especially useful in complementing the effects of finasteride and minoxidil.

Revivogen is an all-natural hair loss treatment that reduces DHT production, blocks the androgen receptors and stimulates hair growth. It is used topically and has no known side effects.

Shen Min is another natural hair loss treatment designed to restore and regrow all types and stages of hair loss. It is safe for both men and women. Shen Min contains a blend of Chinese herbs and comes in various forms to suit most people.

ThymuSkin was developed by German scientists to fight hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Due to the high success rates the product was developed for use by the general public to combat all types of hair loss. Clinical studies conducted in Europe show that ThymuSkin hair loss treatments could help to stop baldness and regrow hair for 67% of men and 95% of women.

Hopefully this article has demonstrated that many treatment options are available to hair loss sufferers. The next article in this series will develop the theme further by examining the treatment regimes that have proven effective in tackling specific forms of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.', 156, 'Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers, Hair-Loss, Hair-Loss articles, Hair-Loss information, about Hair-Loss, what is Hair-Loss, Hair Loss Information', 'Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers plus articles and information on Hair-Loss

What Are The Common Hair Loss Causes?

One of the most worrying aspects of hair loss treatment is the tendency of so many people to seek solutions without first determining what has caused their loss in the first place.

At best, sufferers may waste money on inappropriate ''wonder cures'' or even legitimate treatments that unfortunately are not suitable for their particular needs. At worst, some people may be risking their health by self-prescribing powerful pharmaceutical drugs. I don''t have a problem with hair loss sufferers saving money by purchasing cheap generic drugs on the internet, but I feel strongly that they should at least seek confirmation from their physician that a given drug matches their individual needs.

Before examining the most common causes of premature hair loss we need to understand that some shedding of hair is perfectly normal. Hairs grow from follicles that are tiny organs in the skin designed to grow a single hair that follows this repetitive cycle:

1. Lengthy growth period (Anagen Stage) - this phase usually lasts between two and seven years with an average growth rate of six inches (15cm) each year.

2. Short transition period (Catagen Stage) - this period of transition lasts for roughly two to four weeks. During this phase the hair shaft becomes detached and moves upwards within the follicle.

3. Resting period (Telogen Stage) - this phase lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself prior to falling out.

At this point a new hair begins to grow thus repeating the normal cycle of hair growth. Unfortunately a number of factors can interfere with the natural hair growth process leading to forms of hair thinning or premature baldness.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, probably accounting for as much as 95% of pattern hair loss for both men and women. It is usually associated with aging and develops in predictable stages over varying periods of time. Each follicle follows a genetically programmed growth cycle with some follicles coded to remain active for a shorter time than others. This results in the development of the hereditary baldness patterns that are so familiar to us all.

For this type of baldness to occur, the following factors must be present:

1. A genetic predisposition for hair loss to occur (as explained above).

2. The presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - in other words, enough time for the first two factors to exert an influence.

All men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These have a useful role to play in both sexes but obviously occur in widely differing concentrations. It is the higher levels of androgens found in males that explains why this form of hair loss affects men more than women.

In brief, these hormones affect the hair growth cycle as follows:

1. High levels of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme occur in some cells of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands.

2. 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causes the terminal hairs to miniaturize.

4. This leaves short, soft, fluffy vellus hairs that provide inadequate scalp coverage.

5. The growth phases gradually become shorter until these hairs are lost for good.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an immune system disorder that causes follicles to stop producing hairs in patches on the head. In severe cases it can advance to the stage where all hair on the head is lost (alopecia totalis) or even a complete absence of body hair results (alopecia universalis).

In most cases the hair will reappear on its own but until then, the condition can be very distressing to sufferers particularly as its cause can be difficult to determine. If you feel you may be suffering from this form of hair loss, seek the advice of your physician who will carry out a physical examination and conduct blood tests to help determine the cause.

Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning or shedding of hair over a period of months and is most commonly found in people who have recently experienced trauma. Common causes include childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, psychological stress and chemotherapy. The good news is that the abnormal growth behavior associated with telogen effluvium is temporary and reversible.

There are numerous other less common hair loss causes that need to be discounted before a course of treatment is chosen. Traction alopecia is the loss of hair from constant pulling, usually as the result of hair styling. Broken hairs can result in thinning, often caused by excessive styling or exposure to chemicals and sun. Finally, severe illnesses or nutritional deficiencies can cause side effects that may include degrees of hair loss.

I hope this brief article has gotten across the message that diagnosing the real causes of hair loss is not always a straightforward process. Once you and your physician have identified a cause, then you can work towards restoring your hair to its former glory. And the good news is, most forms of hair loss can be treated successfully. The next article in this series will look at some of the best hair loss treatments currently available.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.', 156, 'What Are The Common Hair Loss Causes?, Hair-Loss, Hair-Loss articles, Hair-Loss information, about Hair-Loss, what is Hair-Loss, Hair Loss Information', 'What Are The Common Hair Loss Causes? plus articles and information on Hair-Loss