Nail Care: Weekly Maintenance

Basic self-manicuring should be done once a week and only takes 15-20 minutes. It is also commonly recommended (although I don’t do it myself) to visit a professional manicurist every 4-6 weeks.

1. Remove old nail polish. Moisten a cottonball with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Firmly bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat until all the polish is gone.
2. Shape the nail. Using an emery board, file each nail tip from corner to center. Do not file back and forth or in a “see-saw” motion over the nail since that can cause ridges and splitting.
3. Clean the fingers/nails. Soak the hands in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen dirt. Use an orange wood stick to clean under the free edge of each nail. You may want to use a toothbrush to gently scrub away stubborn dirt especially under the nails. (Tip: Don’t use the same toothbrush you use for your teeth… that’s just really disgusting… sometimes I wonder about you!)
4. Push back the cuticle. The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail. Some professionals actually suggest that the cuticle be left in tact to help prevent infections. If you decide to work on them, do not cut the cuticles or push them back excessively.
5. Apply clear nail polish. There is no need to by items designed as a “base coat” or “top coat.” Clear polish or a clear nail hardener does the trick. Let the polish completely dry before continuing.
6. Apply color nail polish if desired. Make sure the polish is dry before applying another coat (if needed). You may want to apply a top coat of clear polish to prevent chipping of the colored polish.
7. Moisturize the hands and cuticles. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to help prevent nail splitting and keep them flexible. Polish and hardeners can actually make the nail more try and susceptible to chips so don’t assume you need hardener. I use a clear base coat more since it helps keep colored polish from staining my nails which sometimes happens.

 Source:  http://www.megajoin.com/beauty_hand-care/nail-weekly-maintenance_396.php

Nail Care

• Do you know that your fingernails and toenails can indicate potential problems in other parts of your body? Healthy nails should typically sport a pink hue, but sometimes they may change in tone and texture, signifying a deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
• If you keep your nails healthy and strong, you should notice changes in the composition and color of your nails. Keeping your nails healthy holds a twofold benefit – gorgeous fingertips and tootsies and a helpful clue to learn if anything might be wrong elsewhere in your body. And while we don’t necessarily think of nails as gauges of our health in most cases, we sure do love getting dolled up and showing them off!
• To begin your quest for healthy nails, first make a commitment to eating healthier foods. You can still enjoy the foods you love, but you should make a conscious effort to consume healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and eggs, among other nail-friendly foods.

Enjoy these great foods for healthy nails:

1. Apples
2. Asparagus
3. Brown rice
4. Cucumbers
5. Eggs
6. Garlic
7. Grapes
8. Liver
9. Nuts
10. Onions
11. Salmon
12. Seeds
13. Soy
14. Tuna
15. Whole grains

If you want healthy, strong and beautiful nails that last, don’t stop with diet. Make some minor changes in your life and you can enjoy lovely nails without the price tag that comes with a trip to the nail salon. Avoid biting your nails, buff away rough edges when necessary and make a few other small changes to achieve the perfect nails you’ve always wanted.

For great nails, follow these simple tips:

• Consume foods containing calcium and zinc. Calcium effectively promotes nail growth. (You know those little white spots that show up on your nails in funny places sometimes? Those spots mean you aren’t getting enough zinc in your diet.)Consume less sugar and less alcohol.
•       Do not use your nails as tools. No picking, plucking, poking, prying…
•       Don’t bite your nails. Try applying nail polish or painting a bitter-tasting liquid to the nails. Such products have been specially designed to help people quit their nail-biting habits.
•       Don’t remove hangnails by pulling at them. Gently clip them with manicure scissors to prevent damage to your skin and tissue.
•       Eat fewer saturated fats.
•       Ensure that you consume enough protein.
•       Increase your intake of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E.
•       Keep your nails short to prevent breakage.
•       Leave your cuticles alone.
•       Moisturize your nails often. When you apply lotion to your hands, legs or other areas, be sure to rub a little bit into your nails.
•       Reduce the amount of dairy in your diet.
•       Trim nails regularly, as needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming and when a nail breaks.

Source: http://www.megajoin.com/beauty_skin/healthy-nails_54.php

Healthy Hair and Hairstyles

Keeping your hair healthy is a full time job. There are so many products that claim to keep hair full of life, healthy, and shiny. But these products are usually over priced and fall short of what they advertise to do. With knowing these facts, why do we still spend tons of money on these expensive hair care products? Chances are because we are set in our ways and too lazy to change our habits.

Since the recession has hit, we have all been forced to cutback. The easiest place to start with is in the home, specifically with hair products. There are numerous ways to reduce the cost of taking care of your hair and maintaining its healthy look. Here are 7 cheap tips for hairstyles and healthy hair:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose hairstyles and haircuts that will last between your next trip to the hair dresser
2. Make your shampoo last longer. Don't throw out your shampoo bottle that you think is empty because chances are you still have a few washes left in it. Fill the bottle with water and use it until you are sure it is empty.
   
3. Collect complimentary shampoos/conditioners.
4. Stay away from perm and dye bottles. I know it's easier said then done. Try braiding your hair before you go to sleep that will give you extra body and waves for the morning. And if you cant seem to stay away from the bleach-try highlights instead, which you can easily do without going to the hairdresser.
5.  Make your own hair-detangling product. Recycle an empty hair spray bottle and use 1 part conditioner and fill the rest with water.
6. If you have dry/coarse hair, try rinsing it with beer.
7. Use honey. Honey is a great natural product that leaves hair healthy and shiny. Just be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_5416076_healthy-hair-hairstyles.html

Removing Make-up: Facial Care Routine

1. CLEANSING
Women who wear makeup should carry out a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturing turn back the clock each evening, as well as washing the face in the morning. Cleansing will remove old make-up and the grime and grease that have been accumulated during the day.

• Remove mascara with a cotton bud dipped in eye-dipped in eye-cleansing lotion. To make the job easier keep your hair off your face.
• Remove the eyeshadow by gently wiping it off with a pad of clean cotton wool moistened with eye-cleansing lotion.
• Pour a little face cleansing cream into the palm of one hand and dab it generously over the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks --- using two fingers of the other hand.
• Massage the cream into the skin, starting under the throat, using a gentle upward motion.
• Continue massaging the cream up to the forehead, using the fingertips.
• Gently massage the cream from the eyes to the nose.
• Massage cream back over the chin, which is particularly prone to blackheads. Use the index finger.
• Remove the cream from the face with tissue pads in each hand. Start under the chin and work over the cheeks and on to the forehead

2. TONING
Toners remove all traces of dirt, make-up or cleanser that remain after cleansing.

• Immediately after cleansing apply toner to the forehead and cheeks on a pad of corron wool
• Apply the toner to the crevices around the nose.
• Apply the toner to the crevices around the chin.

3. MOISTURIZING
Without moisture, the skin will not remain smooth and supple. The face is exposed to the drying effect of the weather, so moisturisers -- which form a film over the skin -- contain and augment the natural moisture.

• Using the tips ofthe fingers, dot moisturising cream lightly all over the face.
• Press the fingers of both hands into the centre of the forehead and work the cream slowly outwards. Pat the cream gentlyaround the eyes.
• Work the cream around the jawline, chin and mouth with the middle fingers of both hands.
• Massage the cream over the throat with alternating hands, using upward strokes from collar-bone to chin. 

Source:  http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/faceroutine.html

Natural Hair Care Products

DO-IT-YOURSELF CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT
Would you believe that most commercially bought cholesterol hair conditioners contain alcohol� the very thing that dries out hair? Instead, grab a cup full of mayonnaise, some plastic food wrap and throw a couple of towels in the drier on high.
Work the mayonnaise into your hair, starting by massaging it into the scalp and roots. Then draw it through to your ends until your hair is thoroughly coated. Pile the hair on top of your head. Take a couple of feet of saran wrap and wrap it around the top of your head to contain the mayo.
Take a pre-heated towel from the dryer and wrap it around your head over the saran wrap. The heat will aid with deep conditioning. After about 10 minutes, change to another heated towel and leave that on for another 10 minutes.
Remove the towel and plastic wrap and shampoo your hair as usual. Done once a month, this cholesterol treatment will keep your hair soft and shiny.
* Tip: if your hair ends are very damaged from chemical treatment, you can do this once a week. If your scalp is naturally oily, you might want to only add mayo to the hair ends for weekly treatments.

QUICK SOLUTION FOR OILY HAIR
If your scalp is naturally oil, you probably have to shampoo your hair daily to keep it from looking greasy or stringy. If, however, you are running short on time or need a quick lift in the middle of the day, grab a box of cornstarch and a large, clean blush brush.
Pour some cornstarch out onto a dish and dip the brush into it. Then, with a comb, part your hair in the center and brush the cornstarch onto your scalp and roots. Make another part 1/4 to � inch off-center and repeat. Continue this method down one side of your head, then from the center and down the other side.
Go about your business for about 10 minutes while the cornstarch soaks up the excess oils in your hair. Then, take a brush and brush out your hair, ridding it of the cornstarch flakes.

FOR A COLOR ENHANCER:
If your own natural color, or your color treated hair, begins to look drab, all you need are a few ingredients from your garden or local produce store to brighten it up.
Begin by boiling one quart of water. In a piece of doubled cheesecloth, add the following:

• for brunettes� a handful fresh rosemary sprigs (bruise by crumpling in your hand)
• for blondes� a handful of dried chamomile
• for "orange tone" redheads� a chopped-up carrot
• for "berry tone" redheads� a chopped up beet

Tie up the ingredient in the cheesecloth and toss into the boiling water, removing it from heat. Let steep for 10 minutes.
Remove and discard the cheesecloth bag. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Then, pour the warm (not hot) color-enhancing rinse over your hair. As a final rinse, use a quart of cold water. Once a month treatments will keep your hair color vibrant.

BUILD-UP REMOVER
Often the culprits of drab coloring and lackluster hair are all the styling products that we regularly use. They begin to build up and dull the shine and tone of our hair.
Get rid of the build up by mixing 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of distilled water. This can be stored in a cabinet or the refrigerator and used every couple of weeks to keep hair squeaky clean. To use it, wet hair with warm water, or shampoo and rinse as usual. Then pour 2 cups over the scalp and let mixture saturate the hair. Finish up with a cold-water rinse.

Source: http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/problem-hair.html

Homemade Skin Care Products

Homemade Skincare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-Taskers

• Baking Soda (exfoliating, acid neutralizer, skin soother)
• Lemon Juice (AHA citric acid, BHA citric acid, vitamin C)
• Grape Juice (AHA glycolic acid, AHA malic acid, AHA tartaric Acid, vitamin C)
• Tomato Juice (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B5)
• Mustard Greens Juice mixed with Powdered Mustard Seed (vitamin A carotene, sulfur)
• Egg Yolks (vitamin A retinol, vitamin B5, sulfur)
• Yogurt (AHA lactic acid, vitamin A retinol, vitamin B5)
• Red Peppers (vitamin A carotene, vitamin C, sulfur)

Exfoliating Scrub

For best results, use a scrub one hour after an AHA or BHA treatment.

• Mix baking soda with glycerin soap and water to make a paste that is moist enough to rub on your skin. Rub and rinse.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Everyone seems to have "alpha hydroxy acid" on their skin care labels, but you probably already have it in your home. The concentrations of AHAs in foods are not as high as those found in store-bought cosmetics, but if you use them daily, they will make a difference over time.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are currently being tested by the FDA, and there are results that show that it may indeed help reduce wrinkles, skin aging effects, and sun damage, but there have also been studies that have shown that they can cause damage if used long term and easily trigger skin allergies and irritation in some people. If you use an AHA, pay attention to any reactions you have, and stop using the product immediately if you have any irritation at all. Reintroduce it slowly at lower concentrations or stop using it completely. It may also increase sensitivity to the sun, which increases your chances of getting skin cancer from, so always wear sunscreen, cover yourself up, and avoid direct sunlight when possible.
There are a variety of AHA's, including glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. Products that contain AHA include:

Glycolic / Hydroxyacetic Acid (used for skin exfoliation, oil reduction, collagen building, and skin bleaching)

• Sugar from Sugar Cane or Sugar Beets
• Unripe Grapes

Lactic Acid (used for skin exfoliation and softening)

• Yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Sour Cream

Malic Acid (used for skin exfoliation)

• Nectarines
• Bananas
• Cherries
• Blackberries
• Apples
• Pears
• Grapes

Citric Acid (anti-oxidant used for collagen building, and skin bleaching)

• Lemon Juice
• Lime Juice
• Orange Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Grapefruit Juice
• Berries

Tartaric Acid

• Grapes

You can simply puree the fruit or make a mixture or sugar and milk and apply like a mask. Leave it on for up to 30 minutes. Then remove with a washcloth and rinse.
You can also put powdered milk or juice in your bath.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids

Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) are similar to AHAs, but they have the a better ability to cut through the greases, waxes, and oils in your skin, and some people claim they don't cause as much irritation as AHAs. Again, the BHAs you have at home aren't as concentrated as the stuff you buy at the store, but if you use them daily, they can make a difference.

Salicylic Acid

Chemically salicylic acid isn't a BHA but cosmetically it acts like one.

• Willow Bark Extract

Citric Acid

Yes, it acts as an AHA and a BHA.

• Lemon Juice
• Lime Juice
• Orange Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Grapefruit Juice
• Berries

Vitamin C (a.k.a. asorbic acid)

Everybody knows that Vitamin C is necessary for a variety of biological functions, but it can also be great for your skin. When use topically, it may help reduce lines and wrinkles, promote healing, aid in the development of collagen, and can even increase your natural sun protection factor (SPF) to decrease sun damage. It is also an anti-oxidant, so it may help to reduce free-radicals in your skin.

• Vitamin C powder (in the vitamin section of many stores, higher concentration than food sources)
• Oranges
• Peppers
• Grapefruit
• Peaches
• Papaya
• Grapes
• Apricots
• Broccoli
• Pineapple
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Kiwis
• Peas
• Sweet potatoes
• Lemons
• Mangos
• Tangerines
• Cantaloupe melons
• Honeydew melons

Puree fruit or mix vitamin C powder with water into a smooth paste and apply like a mask. Leave it on for up to 30 minutes. Then remove with a washcloth and rinse.
You can also apply juices directly to your skin and leave on over night.
You can also put powders and juices in your bath water. Don't forget to eat lots of foods with vitamin C to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also an anti-oxidant, and it is anti-inflammatory. It also improve skin moisture levels and promotes a smooth skin texture. Some studies have shown that it may increase your natural SPF to decrease sun damage and help repair sun damaged skin.

• Sunflower seeds
• Tomatoes
• Almonds
• Safflower oil
• Sunflower oil

You can puree tomatoes or almonds (or buy almond flour) with oil to produce a moisturizing mask that you can leave on for up to 30 minutes, or use the oils alone as a night time moisturizer (make sure you test it on a small area of your skin overnight before doing your entire face just in case it causes breakouts or rashes). You can also put juices, oils, or almond flour in your bath water. Don't forget to eat lots of foods with vitamin E to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can help reduce wrinkles and even acne. It has been used in prescription anti-wrinkle and anti-acne creams for years. It has also been shown to help repair sun damaged skin, reduce brown spots, and increase smoothness. It may even help prevent skin cancer.
Vitamin A is available in two forms carotene and retinol. Most studies show that the retinol form is the one that has skin benefits. Some studies show that carotene must be consumed to produce any benefits, but other studies show that the skin can convert carotene into retinol products. Retinol, which is only found in animal sources, can be applied directly to the skin.
Some studies have shown that topically applied vitamin A cannot penetrate skin cells without being stabilized. Currently, retinoic acid is the only proven wrinkle-reducing version of topical Vitamin A, and it is only available by prescription. Still... a little carrot juice or milk on your skin can't hurt, and, who knows, it might do some good.

Carotene Sources

• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Winter Squash
• Sweet Potato
• Dark Leafy Greens (e.g. Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, etc.)
• Red Peppers

Eat lots of foods with carotene to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.
You can apply juices directly to the skin and leave on over night.
You can add juices to your bath water.
You can create a mask from pureed vegetables/fruit and leave on your skin for 30 minutes. (Caution: some masks may stain your skin.)

Retinol Sources

• Egg yolk
• Fish liver oil
• Milk
• Yogurt

You can create a mask with dried milk and water and leave it on your skin for at least 30 minutes.
You can add milk to your bath water.
You can make a mask from egg yolk, but it may contain salmonella, so always use very fresh eggs.
Fish oil may stink.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 (niacin) has been shown to effectively treat acne. It may even help prevent and slow down the development of skin cancer.

• Cranberries
• Tomatoes
• Soy sauce (tamari)
• Summer squash (any variety)
• Green peas
• Meat

You can pure the fruits and vegetables to make a mask that you can leave on for up to 30 minutes, but I don't recommend making a mask out of meat. You can also put juice in your bath water. Don't forget to eat lots of foods with vitamin B3 to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.

Vitamin B5 (panthothenic acid) helps to increase moisture content in the hair and skin.

• Cranberries
• Sunflower seeds
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Yogurt
• Whole egg
• Winter squash

You can pure the fruits and vegetables to make a mask that you can leave on for up to 30 minutes. You can also make a mask out of yogurt or egg. You can use juice or yogurt in your bath water (but I don't recommend putting egg in your bath). Don't forget to eat lots of foods with vitamin B5 to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.

Sulfur

Sulfur is often used to treat acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and scabies.

• Egg yolks
• Hot red peppers
• Brussel sprouts
• Spicy cabbage
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Garlic
• Asparagus
• Horseradish
• Radishes
• Mustard greens
• Mustard (the yellow stuff that tarnishes your silver)
• Sulfured molasses

Honestly, most of this stuff seems a bit icky to put on your skin, but you can do it. Many juices and dried fruits are preserved with sulfur, so you may be able to use those instead. Don't forget to eat lots of foods with sulfur to help your skin get healthy from the inside out.

 Source: www.kristensguide.com/Health/Beauty/homemade_skin_care_products.asp

Top 10 Foods to Help Induce Sleep

Almonds

“Almonds are a winner,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, and author of the bestselling book From Fatigued to Fantastic! “They contain magnesium which promotes both sleep and muscle relaxation,” he says. “And they have the added benefit of supplying proteins that can help maintain a stable blood sugar level while sleeping, and help promote sleep by switching you from your alert adrenaline cycle to your rest-and-digest cycle.” Try this bedtime snack: Have a tablespoon of almond butter or a 1-ounce portion of almonds to help your body relax. Photo: Shutterstock

Tea

Yes, avoiding all caffeine in the evening hours is key, but some decaf varieties can help get you into sleep mode, says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Chamomile tea is a very helpful and safe sleep aid,” he says, adding that green tea is another good choice. “Green tea contains theanine, which helps promote sleep. Just be sure you get a decaf green tea if drinking it at bedtime.” Experts recommend trying a 1-cup serving of the hot stuff. Photo: Thinkstock

Miso Soup

You love to order this comforting, broth-based soup in Japanese restaurants, but keeping a few 8-ounce packs of instant miso soup at home may be key when you’re having trouble falling asleep, says Stella Metsovas, CN, a nutritionist in Laguna Beach, California. Here’s why: Miso contains amino acids that may boost the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that can help induce the yawns. Bonus: Research shows that warm liquids like soup and tea may also relieve cold symptoms, helping you sleep better when you're feeling under the weather. Photo: Shutterstock


Banana

Worried about falling asleep tonight? Have a banana before bed, says Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, an internist and the author of Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. “Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming hormones." Try this tasty and incredibly simple bedtime smoothie: Blend one banana with one cup of milk or soy milk (and ice, if desired). Pour and enjoy! Photo: Shutterstock

Dairy

Yogurt, milk and cheese do contain tryptophan, notes Dr. Dalton-Smith, but also have a surprising sleep-inducing nutrient: “Calcium is effective in stress reduction and stabilization of nerve fibers, including those in the brain." That means a serving of your favorite Greek yogurt before bed can not only help you sleep, but also help you stop worrying about the weird thing your boss said earlier at work. Photo: Thinkstock





Oatmeal

You eat it for breakfast, but could a bowl of warm oatmeal help you get more rest? Yes, says Stephan Dorlandt, a clinical nutritionist based in Southern California. “Think about it,” he says. “Oatmeal is warm,soft, soothing, easy to prepare, inexpensive and nourishing. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and potassium—the who's who of nutrients known to support sleep.” But go easy on the sweeteners; too much sugar before bed can have an anti-calming effect. Instead, consider topping your bowl with fruit, like bananas (see above). Photo: Shutterstock

Hard-Cooked Egg

If you have trouble staying asleep at night, it may be because you didn’t eat a pre-bedtime snack high in protein, or perhaps your snack was too high in simple, high-sugar carbohydrates, like cake and candy. “The problem with simple carbs is that they can put you on a ‘sugar roller coaster’ and drop your blood sugar while you're sleeping, causing you to wake at 2 or 3 in the morning,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. A better bet? “Eat an egg, cheese, nuts or other protein-rich snack instead,” he says, “so you can not only fall asleep, but stay asleep.” Photo: Shutterstock

Edamame

Craving a salty snack before bed? Turn to lightly salted edamame, says Dr. Dalton-Smith—especially if you’re dealing with menopause-related symptoms. “The natural estrogen-like compounds found in soy-based products can be very beneficial in controlling those nighttime hot flashes that can disturb your sleep,” she says. If it’s crackers and dip you’re craving, try making this easy edamame recipe: In a food processor, blend together 2 cups of shelled, cooked edamame with 1 tsp salt, a drizzle of olive oil and 1 clove garlic (optional) until smooth. Photo: Thinkstock

Cherries

Oddly, a glass of cherry juice may be an effective way to fall asleep faster, says a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Rochester. In their study, they found that cherries, particularly tart cherries, naturally boosted the body’s supply of melatonin, which helped people with insomnia. While the jury is still out on how much juice or how many cherries are needed to make you sleepy, experts say sipping a glass of cherry juice (available at most natural foods stores) or having a serving of fresh, frozen or dried cherries before bedtime couldn’t hurt. Photo: Thinkstock

Cereal

There’s no need to feel guilty about having a small bowl of cereal before bed, especially if it’s a low-sugar, whole-grain cereal. Not only is it a healthy snack (make sure you top it with milk to give your body the protein it needs), but it may also help you snooze. “Complex carbohydrate–rich foods increase the availability of tryptophan in the bloodstream, increasing the sleep-inducing effects,” says Dr. Dalton-Smith. Bonus: Top your bowl with a sprinkling of dried cherries (see above) for extra help catching your zzz's. Photo: Thinkstock

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.