Simple Skincare & Beauty Tips ~ Just for You!
An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and third you must look and decide the best ways to care for your skin.
Many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it.
The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too.
A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. ( I personally react to latex) 
The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible.
Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy.
The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching.
Managing your skin’s condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation. A good simple product is Gold Bond, it has been around for years
and is well known for its anti-itch properties. its one of the products that anyone can use, and it will help your skin stop itching.
When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin.
Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin.
After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion/ body butter or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture.
To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself. Make sure you get rid of the chlorine out of your hair, if you are blond you can go green,,
Follow these three steps and you will be able to control your skin allergy and minimize its impact on your everyday life.
If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want
~ Elbert Hubbard
There are many different options that are currently available to assist in improving the skin’s health and appearance. One of these options is dermabrasion for acne scars. Dermabrasion for acne scars is a treatment that uses a motor drive, tiny instrument that removes the superficial layer of skin in a way that is similar to sanding. Once this layer of skin is removed, your healthier skin cells are able to surface. The end result is smoother and tighter skin as well as an improved complexion.
Acne scars are a major concern for millions worldwide. Acne scars can affect boys and girls, men and women. Acne scars can lead to emotional problems and lower self-esteem. Similar to wrinkles, most acne scars are visible because they are lower and deeper than the surrounding skin. Light can also cast shadows into acne scars which can cause them to become more visible. The main purpose of dermabrasion is to bring acne scars to the same level as the surrounding skin. This process diminishes shadows and their visibility.
It is important to note that dermabrasion for acne scars is not a miracle cure and the results vary from person to person. In general, it is estimated that each dermabrasion treatment can improve the appearance of acne scarring by 20 to 40%, so it is likely that you will have to undergo several treatments to achieve optimal results.
Dermabrasion treatment is typically performed in your dermatologist’s office. It can also be done in a hospital under sedation. The procedure can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the severity and the area to be treated. This procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, so you are able to go home after it is done. However, you will need to remain at home for at least 3 days due to redness and swelling. In addition, your doctor may prescribe pain medications for you to take for 3 to 7 days after the dermabrasion procedure. Swelling typically lasts between 7 to 14 days and you need to make sure that you apply the post-surgery sunscreen. After your skin heals, it will appear sunburned. This can last up to 6 weeks. The results as far as the scar diminishing will appear within 4 to 6 weeks and is permanent.
Dermabrasion has been used for decades to safely diminish the appearance of acne scars. Like many other treatments for skin problems, one session may not be enough to achieve optimal results. Many professionals are switching to laser technologies as treatment options and there are also a variety of these laser treatments to evaluate in terms of sustainability for your skin type and scar.
The above information regarding Dermabrasion for acne scars is meant for informational purposes only. It is no way intended to be used as a substitute to consulting a medical professional.
If food is your best friend, it's also your worst enemy
~ Grandpa Edward Jones, 1978
Just the mention of the word “acne” fills some people with dread. They envision having to spend long hours caring for their skin by scrubbing it, applying expensive creams to it, and avoiding the foods they most love to eat in order to prevent pimples from breaking out all over their faces.
The great news is that advances are being made in the treatment of acne and experts are discovering new ways to prevent and treat this dreaded skin condition. Some of the old wives’ tales about acne have proven untrue and new information about how to get clear, beautiful skin is being uncovered daily.
Take a look at these 5 little-known facts regarding acne treatment and skin care:
1) To scrub or not?
Although experts once thought that scrubbing was necessary to get clean, pimple-free skin, they now know that scrubbing skin with harsh abrasives only serves to irritate and injure the skin. Because skin is delicate, it can easily become damaged, leaving it unable to act as a shield against harmful bacteria. So scrubbing your skin with or without abrasives must be avoided.
2) Can the sun make my skin beautiful?
Although the sun is capable of stopping bacteria in its tracks, it also harms your skin by drying it out and clogging your pores. Prolonged exposure (more than 15 minutes per day) to sunlight will not help you obtain beautiful skin and should be avoided.
3) Will cold air help clear my skin of acne?
Extremely cold weather damages the skin much the same way as sunlight does by drying it out and clogging the pores. Cold air should be avoided because it will interfere with any progress you are making towards clearing up your acne breakouts. The best temperature for maintaining beautiful, clear skin is between 70 and 80 degrees F.
4) Will swimming harm my skin?
Swimming is an excellent choice, both for your fitness level and your acne-prone skin. Swimming in an ozone-purified indoor swimming pool, with water that is approximately 75 to 85 degrees F, will cool down your irritated skin, reduce stress, and provide great exercise for your entire body.
5) How can I avoid coming into contact with the bacteria that causes acne?
The best way to prevent bacteria-causing acne and have pimple-free skin is to keep everything around you as clean as possible. Bacteria thrive in linens, towels, and washcloths so you must wash them each time you use them. Some natural products that have been proven to cut down on bacteria are vinegar, essential oils, and tea tree oil, all of which can be used to wash your linens and undergarments.
Following these 5 steps will help you effectively fight and control your stubborn acne because you will learn to change your bad habits.
Changing your unhealthy habits will lead to a healthier lifestyle which will, in turn, lead to beautiful, clear, acne-free skin.
To feel "fit as a fiddle," you must tone down your middle
~ Anonymous
Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you and that is why a proper skin care regimen is so important. There are many products that claim to help improve skin tone and promote a flawless complexion, but the truth is that there is no such thing as instant results.
Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you and that is why a proper skin care regimen is so important. There are many products that claim to help improve skin tone and promote a flawless complexion, but the truth is that there is no such thing as instant results. An effective skin care regimen is one that is done consistently over a time before results will begin to develop.
Skin Care Tip 1:
Always use some type of exfoliation product, which will help to remove old skin cells and other debris and particles from your skin. This will expose the healthy cells and rid your body from the old ones.
Skin Care Tip 2:
If possible, avoid constant sun exposure and tanning beds. In addition to being dangerous where health is concerned, these may also lead to early signs of aging. Everyone loves a suntan, but there is no reason to sacrifice your skin or your health in order to achieve it. Therefore, many individuals opt for a self-tanning spray instead. Back in the day, these products had a tendency to turn the skin orange, but that is no longer the case. Improvements have helped to give self-tanning products a more natural, streak-free look. Before applying the lotion to your entire body, apply it to a small test area just to make sure there is no irritation.
Skin Care Tip 3:
If your lips tend to become chapped in the winter months or wind burnt at other times, using lip balm or lipstick will help to protect the lips from nature’s worst.
Skin Care Tip 4:
Dry or cracked skin can be very unbearable. Not to mention the discomfort of tight red skin, it can be downright embarrassing. A container of Pacquin Plus hand & body cream will eliminate soreness, redness and help to add moisture back to dry skin.
Skin Care Tip 5:
Do not use products that irritate your skin in any way, including soaps that have harsh ingredients. If possible, use a moisturizing soap or that which is designed for sensitive skin.
In addition to these tips, skin care products are available as commercial or prescription based treatments. A dermatologist is often consulted for matters relating to acne or other skin disorders, especially if they are severe. Many skin care enthusiasts also believe in using plenty of moisturizing body lotion in order to replenish the skin’s natural moisture, which is often stripped in today’s harsh environment.
The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes. It should not be considered as, or used in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning any skin care regimen or if you have been diagnosed with any disorder involving the skin.
I'm on a 90-day wonder diet. Thus far, I've lost 45 days
~ Author Unknown
When it comes to self-improvement, its not always on the outside, sometimes you need to look inside to find the answers. You can put on tons of makeup, all the best designer clothes money can buy, but if you aren’t happy with you, then that has all just been a waste of money.
10 questions you should ask to yourself
Be all you can be, but it’s not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it’s hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.
Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.
So we’re all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn’t even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?
1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.
Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.
2. Should I really change?
Today’s generation has taken another level of redefining ‘self’, or at least that’s what the kids are saying. Having been a child of the 80′s it has taught me that there are far worse things than just having acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?
If history has taught us one thing, it’s the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn’t appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.
3. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It’s an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It’s not like you can’t have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that’s it. Just try it piece by piece.
4. What’s the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it’s a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!
5. Am I comfortable with what I’m doing?
There’s always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn’t take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we’ll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.
6. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you’ll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.
7. Am I happy at where I am today?
It’s an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!
8. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don’t have an answer to that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.
9. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it’s more on how badly you really need it. I’d like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?
10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it’s something that you really want.
No matter how you look at it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you feel beautiful then its not going to matter if you are a size 0 or size 20. Be who you are, be truth to yourself. If you are going to try to do any improving on yourself, do it for you and no one else. That is one of the true keys to self improvement.. 
Im not overweight. Im just nine inches too short
~ Shelley Winters
