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Saturday, January 30, 2010
Healthy and radiant skin is an asset. Skin care is not just about beauty but it's also about health. You need to treat skin care seriously. If you encounter a skin problem, you'll need to take the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. You have to start with a remedy that targets the root of the problem not just the symptoms. of course, the best thing you can do is preventive skin care. This way the problem never gets started in the first place. This would include washing your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap. Not using heavy makeup and using a good quality skin moisturizer.

Here are some skin care treatments for some of the most common skin conditions:

Brown spots which are caused by too much sun exposure can be a problem if you're outside a lot. While there's not a lot you can do about removing them, you can prevent more spots from occurring by wearing a good quality sunscreen, such as SPF 20 or higher. Also, remember to cover up your skin as much as possible while you're outside and wear a hat to protect your face.

Do you have dry skin? You can treat this condition by washing with Dove soap every morning. Use it again on your face and hands just before bed. This is the best soap I've found for dry skin. It has just the right amount of moisturizing lotion in it to be effective without over doing it. Also, remember to use a moisturizing hand lotion a few times a day, especially if your hands are frequently in water. It's best to apply a moisturizing body cream while your skin is still damp. Right after taking a shower is best. Dry off with a towel first and then apply it to damp skin, not wet skin.

Acne is a very common skin care problem. It can affect even adults, not just teenagers. Use a very soft wash cloth and apply dove soap for dry skin or Ivory soap for oily skin. I got this tip from a dermatologist with many years of experience. Do not touch or rub acne. It will just make it spread. Do not squeeze pimples as it can leave permanent scars. If your acne is really bad, try a benzoyl peroxide solution. Follow the instructions of the bottle for best results. Don't over do it. If after two weeks, you don't see any improvement, see a dermatologist.

In general, stay away from any kind of chemicals or harsh cleansers or products than contain skin irritants. Also take a good multi-vitamin every day with food. It's very important to keep your skin clean and don't use heavy oil based makeup. Let your skin breath by periodically taking a break from wearing makeup. Be careful not to use too much perfume. Don't let it get on your face while you're applying it. These are just a few things you can do to take care of your skin. There are also some very good anti aging supplements on the market that treat your skin from the inside. This type of supplement contains important amino acids and herbs to make your skin younger looking and keep it healthy.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Skin-Care-Treatments-For-Common-Skin-Conditions/944775#ixzz0e9zIXExs
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What really is the difference when it comes to spring and summer makeup? Think of fall and spring as times of transition. In the winter months, you have darker makeup than you do in spring. In spring, your makeup transitions to more natural like colors and softer hues for summer. As you can see, this transition can be quite dramatic over the period of time, if it is done improperly.

What Makes Them Different?

- When considering sprint time makeup and makeup for the summer months, there are differences. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
In the spring months, you are likely to need a bit more tint or bronzer in your foundation or moisturizing products than you would in the summer months. The summer allows you to have a natural tan instead.
- Move to powders rather than oils in the summer. In the spring months, you can still use the oil based products you were using in the winter without a problem. For the summer, though, you want to have more powder based products to ensure that your pores are not getting clogged.
- As your skin darkens in the summer months, you may need to increase the color you use on your eyes and cheeks. The spring time colors are very pastel and light in color. In the summer, if your skin is deep golden colors, you definitely want to transition to a shade or two darker so that the color can stand out. If your skin does not deepen in color much, keep the hues lighter!

There does not have to be a lot of difference in color during the spring and the summer months. What is important is to keep makeup light and to ensure it offers the sunscreen protection that is vital at this time of the year.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Differences-Between-Summer-Makeup-And-Spring-Makeup/944806#ixzz0e9yCFG3P
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Millions of people are affected by acne all over the world, as the number of skin care products proves it available in the market for treating pimples. Many of the over-the-counter products meant for treating acne contain chemicals, which might deteriorate the skin and might be only a temporary remedy. As the people are now aware of the hazards of the chemical usage, everyone is looking for a natural and herbal remedy to treat acne. Herbal medicines are not harsh because it does not contain any chemicals and are compounded mixtures of naturally available plants and herbs.

Some of the natural herbal treatments for acne :

Natural treatments can be in the form of lotions, creams, home made products or even herbal formulations. Below listed are some ingredients, which can be procured from a herbalist and made to use for treating acne.

Echinacea and tea tree oil are the very common natural herbal remedies known for treating acne and is available widely. Echinacea and Oregon grape can help in increasing the immune system of the body. While tea tree oil consists of terpenoids, which is known for its antifungal and antiseptic property.

Green tea is used in the defense of bacteria lowering the hormone activity, thus acne can be controlled. Almond oil is very good in removing acne scars.

Apricot and citrus juices alleviate the presence of cysts and acts as a natural ex foliate, getting rid of the dead skin cells making the pores free from clogs.

Distilled white vinegar can be applied as a topical solution on the affected area to cleanse the pores. Honey mask helps in the healing process of the skin affected by acne due to its anti bacterial quality.

Green tea, chamomile and oatmeal are excellent herbs for treating inflammation due to its anti inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe the affected part and aids in the release of heat and making the skin to heal properly. When the affected part is washed with oatmeal, the itching sensation is reduced. Ginger helps to reduce redness and inflammation and can be consume in any form.

Licorice is a very important herb used in the treatment of acne since the Middle Ages. Licorice increases mucous secretion, stimulating the adrenal gland function making the natural defense system of the body into overdrive to remove bacteria and germs responsible for acne and pus.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Reducing the hazardous waste in landfills starts at home. Millions of households are producing billions of pounds of solid waste. Products used every day in our homes leach hazardous chemicals after entering landfills. There are a number of simple steps that average consumer can take to limit the damage that many of these toxic materials are doing to the environment.

The garbage situation has become a big concern in cities all around the world and not only is this a political issue, but it is also a problem that has caught the attention of the general population. We all realize there is a growing problem but nobody likes to admit that their garbage is contributing to the problem.

Many municipalities have already started a recycling program to deal with the growing mountains of paper, plastic, glass, etc. Although it takes a bit of effort on the part of the public to sort and separate their garbage, people are now beginning to realize that the future of our environment is at stake.

One household product that is causing a problem these days is throwaway batteries. Each year, Americans throw away 84.000 tons of alkaline batteries. These AA, C and D cells that power electronic toys and games, portable audio equipment and a wide range of other gadgets comprise 20% of the household hazardous materials present around the country in America's landfills.

When a battery in one of the products we use fails, we simply run out and buy a replacement. The dead battery ends up in the garbage and no one thinks about where it goes and what happens to it after the garbage is picked up.

Sealed inside these alkaline cells are harmful materials which are not encountered by consumers during normal use. However, when the batteries enter a landfill, the casings can be crushed, or can easily degrade, which causes mercury and other toxins to leach into the environment.

The problem of batteries in landfills is one of the easiest to solve. Using rechargeable power can significantly reduce the number of batteries which end up in landfills. Rechargeable batteries can be used again and again, up to 1,000 times. One rechargeable cell can replace up to 300 throwaway batteries, keeping the landfill free not only from the batteries themselves, but also from the paper and plastic materials that are used to package them.

There are a number of manufacturers in the country today who deal in rechargeable products and some of them have a number of programs already in place to ensure that rechargeable batteries never enter a landfill at all. For example, one of the largest manufacturers of rechargeable products is now offering a lifetime replacement guarantee on all round cells. If the product ever fails to accept or hold a charge, the company will promptly replace it and recycle the used cell.

If you have an environmental agency in your area, you might like to work on this issue with them, or perhaps they already have a program set up to dispose of used batteries. As a concerned citizen, your suggestions and input will be invaluable to them as they attempt to come up with some solutions.
Monday, December 31, 2007



Hay fever is a chronic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny and itching nose, palate, ears and eyes. If you recognize any of these symptoms chances are, you or some member of your family has experienced hay fever at one time or another.

Doctors call it allergic rhinitis. Most people know it as hay fever and if you've got it - - as 22 million Americans do - - you're likely to be plagued during the spring and fall seasons by such annoying symptoms as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy throat and red, watery eyes. Allergy has different names. Allergy reactions occurring in the nose and sinus are called "sinus" or "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis." And when allergy reactions occur in the chest we call it "asthma." Allergy reactions in the skin are named "hives" or "angioedema." So you see, allergy has different names depending upon where in your body it occurs.

One out of every six Americans suffers from an allergic condition. Allergy is an inherited trait, a genetic susceptibility towards the production of certain allergy anti-bodies.

Hay fever is basically an allergic reaction to pollens from trees, weed and grasses. Unlike garden flower pollen, which is carried by insects, the dry lightweight pollens which cause allergic rhinitis are generally spread by wind currents which make them difficult to avoid. In fact, samples of ragweed pollen have been found 400 miles at sea! While most people suffer mild discomfort with hay fever, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of the 5.8 million children who have respiratory allergies miss some school, stay in bed or feel upset by the condition.

Additionally, complications from allergic rhinitis can be serious. The same allergens that cause hay fever can reach the lungs causing asthma and other complications. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities) and nasal polyps (small outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the nose) may develop. Secondary infections of the ear, larynx and bronchial tubes may occur. Also, prolonged year-round nasal stuffiness and mouth breathing may lead to facial bone growth changes in children.

Surprisingly, many parents realize that their children have asthma before their physicians do. An accurate diagnosis, however, is most important in helping to determine an appropriate individualized treatment program. Physicians specializing in allergy/immunology have special skills in the area of asthma management. The allergy and asthma specialist will detect and determine those environmental elements (pollens, molds, dust mites, animal danders, workplace chemicals) which may be the cause of a patient's asthmatic condition. A careful medical history, physical examination, selective allergy skill testing and lung function studies are typically performed. Occasionally, blood tests, home and workplace evaluations, and x-rays of the sinuses and lungs are required.

Unlike hay fever, asthma is a more complex disease involving a reversible constriction of the muscles lining the human airways,. It is more often associated with allergy immune cells and can get progressively worse reaching life-threatening stages if not properly controlled. It can be treated more effectively when it is diagnosed early.

Could there be a more compelling symbol of our throwaway society than a plastic bag, trapped and flapping on a suburban hedge? Even when disposed of properly, it is likely to end up in a landfill site, where it will take hundreds of years to decompose, slowly emitting harmful carbon dioxide.

On a brighter note there is a simple and proven solution to this environmental blight. Ireland imposed a modest plastic bag tax back in 2002, which has reduced their use by 90 per cent. The bad news is that, despite the fact that plastic bag pollution is every bit as bad as it used to be around the globe, governments are reluctant to follow Dublin's example.

Yet something is stirring at a grass-roots level in this country and abroad, without regulations put in place by the government. Many citizens around the western world have imposed their own voluntary ban. And the heads politicians turn, as they are starting to realize the environmental effects of wasteful policies.

Many people are not aware of the hidden costs of producing and cleaning up plastic bags, catching in trees, blocking sewer grates and ending up in the stomach of an animal that subsequently died from eating a plastic bag.

The marine animals are most widely affected, beached whales have been found to have over seven pounds of plastic bag fragments in their stomachs.

Back in 2005, a cleanup event in the U.K. called Beach Watch, saw 3,891 volunteers survey 332 beaches. On average, 1,981 items of litter were found per kilometer, with plastic items making up 59 per cent of the recorded litter.

The town of Leaf Rapids in northern Manitoba, Canada, is the first local government to ban the use of plastic bags in North America. The shores of California have followed suit this past September.

Some grocery chains have sensed which way the wind is blowing, with many now offering reusable bags, and charging a small fee for plastic bags. Charging a small fee for plastic bags is an incentive to reuse the bags, but due to the lack of strength, the plastic bags often don't last.

At ptoone.com we also noticed the torn plastic bags blowing in the wind. Thats why in early 2007 we launched our very own reusable cotton canvas bag. The ptoone.com bags have an endorsement from Environment Canada to assure environmentally safe standards are met. These bags are rigorously tested for durability and strength, ensuring the $5 cost a worth while investment.


With new research, new products and new skin protection advice popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin.

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.

These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Those eight glasses of water a day your mom always told you to be sure to drink are essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. And don't count coffee or any of the caffeinated sodas as part of the eight glasses because caffeine is dehydrating. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. Another suggestion is that you keep a liter-size bottle close at hand, or simply drink a glass or two with your meals, and a few in between.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you sue. 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. One of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests that cosmetic brushes be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a month. 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.

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.

One skin care expert has come up with a do-it-yourself version of a treatment you may like to try. Stir the juice of half a lemon into one cup of plain yogurt. Keep it in the refrigerator and apply it as you would a cream every night before bed. You can even apply a thin coat of moisturizer over it is you like, after waiting about five minutes for the yogurt mixture to penetrate. With consistent use, you should see more even pigmentation and smoother skin in three to four weeks.

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. Be sure to get enough sleep. 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.