Tips For Damage Free Hair Straightening

Flat irons are one of the most popular tools used by women to create the hairstyles they want. The problem with using flat irons every day to make your haircuts look like the one in the magazine, is that hair straightening with flat irons can damage your hair.

Hair straightening can be done frequently, without causing hair damage, as long as you follow some simple tips. Hair straightening is not the problem that causes the damaged hair; it is the catalyst that brings the problem to light.

Haircuts that require the use of flat irons also require that you apply heat protective serums to your hair. You can buy spray on applications of heat protection for your hair, or you can get these products in creams that you apply to your hair. If you are going to use a flat iron on a daily basis then you need heat protection.

Professional straightening techniques can be performed by your stylist. These professional straightening will usually last between three and six months before you need to have them repeated. If you are going to get haircuts that demand straight hair you should consider letting your stylist straighten your hair so that you do not have to use a flat iron each day. This could save you time, and save your hair from heat damages.

If you have split ends, or dry hair, then you need to avoid apply massive amounts of heat to the hair. Hair that is already damaged will not be able to withstand the concentrated heat of the flat iron. Dry hair becomes brittle when it is exposed to frequent applications of heat. You need to provide your hair with plenty of moisture before you begin to iron it straight. If you have split ends think about having the hair trimmed to remove them. There are methods of repairing split ends, but you cannot apply daily heat treatments while you are making these repairs.

Take a break from the heat applications as often as you can. If you are going to use a flat iron each day then try to let your hair dry naturally instead of blow drying it. The blow dryer applies heat to the hair just like the flat iron and by letting the hair air dry you will cut the amount of heat it is exposed to in half.

You can also wash your hair with cooler water than you normally use. A lot of people do not realize that the temperature of the water they wash their hair in can help create damage like flat irons, and blow dryers. The hot water is going to destroy the natural oils in your hair. The natural oils are what prevent the heat from penetrating the entire hair and drying it out. Use cooler water to wash your hair with and you will reduce the amount of natural oils that are stripped from the hair.

By Afshin Nejad 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Anti-Aging Cream

Women as young as 18 years, reveal anti-aging is a benefit they lookout for in their skin care products. It has come to the attention of skin care manufacturers, these women contend with many challenges, including how they look.

The major concern of women between 18 and 24 is oily skin and breakouts, as well as keeping acne at bay, while women above the age of 24 years shift focus toward lightening dark spots arising from sun damage and preventing wrinkles.

Therefore, facial cleansers, facial/neck moisturizer, lip products, facial scrubs and eye-products containing anti-aging ingredients are popular. The following are some of the factors to consider when choosing an anti-aging cream, including:

· Scientific results

Many of the skin care manufacturers seek to promote their products it the best light. Therefore, it is advisable to do your homework and research about the product. It is important to find out whether the product has passed through a scientific analysis for purposes of determining its safety. In addition, find out whether the product has been authorized by the relevant foods and drugs authorities.

· Presence of Vitamin A, C & E

Good anti-aging products contain several basic vitamins, including Vitamin A, C and E. These vitamins are recommended for people looking for a smooth, younger and healthier skin. Vitamin A helps to generate a skin that has the correct tightening.

On the other hand, Vitamin C creates collagen which helps the skin to correctly replenish itself, while Vitamin E, helps to shield the skin from the harmful effects of the UV rays and a quick aging process.

· Effectiveness

Advertisements can be deceiving. Therefore it is advisable to find real people with real experiences of having used a particular product. By reading through the reviews you will have an idea about the quality of the product.

Comments by real customers will help you know what to expect from a particular product. Furthermore, most of the approved companies are convinced of the effectiveness of their product.

As a result, they often give their customers a 1 month money back guarantee. Therefore, if the product falls below your expectation, you can expect to receive a refund.

· Professional recommendation

Any good anti-aging cream can help to maintain a younger look, by getting rid of unwanted face lines and wrinkles. However, not all products work the same way because people have different skin types- some people have sensitive skin while others have coarse skin.

Therefore, before choosing a product it is advisable to consult with your dermatologist who will be able to recommend a product that is right for your skin. The doctor will be able to conduct the necessary test in order to recommend the best product.

By Imma Sila

Laser Hair Removal: Why Is It Worth the Trouble?

Different people have different opinions when it comes to hair removal. In fact, the opinions are so different that the topic has been controversial, especially when cultural and religious factors are involved. However, as we advance so do our perceptions. Today, it is easier to accept hair removal and it is becoming more common and popular.

There are several reasons why people remove body hair. It can be a matter of personal appearance, cleanliness and hygiene or performance or simply fashion trends. Modern hair removal techniques provide good results but many people are still suspicious if these methods will meet their expectations of not. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are currently the most popular permanent removal techniques.

There are other methods of hair removal such as shaving, tweezing, trimming, using depilatory creams etc. but these methods do not provide long-lasting results. Laser removal, on the other hand, provides long-lasting results and is also more convenient and cost-effective. It is not possible to perform the procedure on your own at home. You will have to book an appointment with the clinic. It is also not a one-time affair you will have to get the procedure done multiple times. And by no means it is cheap. However, in the end it is all worth the trouble.

The main advantage of laser removal is that it is permanent. Basically, the procedure involves the use of laser light to kill the hair follicles. The laser burns the hair follicles and prevents hair growth. However, the hair will eventually grow back but you can rest assured that you will be hair free for at least a few years. Even when the hair grows back, it won't be of the same texture as before. Another round of treatment would probably get rid of it. Thus, laser removal provides more or less permanent results.

If you are looking for a way to get rid of excessive body hair, laser removal may be an option for you. For more information about laser hair removal, you can contact your nearest clinic. You will also able to know the exact cost that you will have to pay for the procedure. Keep in mind that the costs vary from country to country. For instance, in developing countries the cost will be less.

Though laser removal has many advantages, it is not without disadvantages. First and foremost, it is not suitable for all skin types. It works best if you have light skin and dark hairs. If you have dark skin, you are not a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. Secondly, it is a costly process. Lastly, it is time-consuming. You will help to do multiple seatings to get desired results.

By A. K. Nath 

Why You Shouldn't Be Ashamed Of Seeking Out Cellulite Treatment

One common reason why women and men who have cellulite refuse to seek treatment is because of the stigma that comes with admitting that they have cellulite. Cellulite, that unsightly form of nonuniform fat commonly spotted on thighs and legs, can be hard to get rid of with just regular diet and exercise techniques. In many cases, cellulite can be so persistent that it can only be removed by professional cellulite treatment methods. Seeking help for visually unappealing cellulite shouldn't be something to be ashamed of - even if it means admitting to yourself and a doctor that you have it.

While teens may find that ignoring issues like acne may cause it to go away in time, ignoring a beauty problem like cellulite will never make it go away. Actually, cellulite that remains unchecked can actually become worse. In very rare cases, cellulite can become so stubborn and rampant that it can make fitting into pants more difficult. By looking into cellulite treatment from a professional office, you can stop the spread of cellulite in its tracks and reverse the aesthetic damage it has already done.

Of course, there is also the issue of embarrassment when talking about problems like cellulite. Women in particular believe that cellulite is a "fat girl's issue." Surprise, surprise - even women who are underweight can get cellulite. Cellulite is actually a genetic issue, which means that there are some cases where it just happens to happen, even if the person in question eats well and exercises regularly. Getting rid of cellulite the natural way often would take a ridiculous amount of effort for those of us who are genetically predisposed to this condition.

Admitting that they have cellulite can be especially brutal for men who have it, since 95% of all people who have cellulite are female. Men shouldn't feel ashamed of seeking help for this, because it will help restore their self confidence. Doctors aren't going to poke fun at a man with cellulite, because it's not a female-only issue. If anything, most doctors will be especially understanding about the way a male patient feels when they ask about cellulite treatment options because it's so rare that it happens.

The vast majority of women and a decent amount of men will struggle with cellulite at one point in their lives or another. Though it's easy to let people shame you for actually wanting to do something about your cellulite, it'd make your life a lot easier to look for inexpensive cellulite treatment for you. After all, when summer comes around, you want to make sure that you look great in shorts, don't you? By just trying one or two cellulite treatment sessions or techniques, you might be able to get your body picture perfect within a matter of months.

By David Rabia

Stay Young With Best Skin Care Solutions

Have you begun noticing wrinkles on your face? Do you feel you look older? You are not alone! Begin your transformation today. The cosmetic market is flooded with skin care solutions from innumerable brands. This article discusses about how you can begin to look younger and say goodbye to wrinkles and age spots.

Quality of Skin Products
Quality is one factor you can never ford to compromise on. Research thoroughly about different anti aging skin care products. The internet revolution has brought information to our finger tips. Read reviews online and post questions on beauty forums. This will give you a rough idea on the best products in the market.

You also have the option of going for natural skin care solutions. Ponds age miracle and Olay skin care are considered to be the best in the market. Apart from this Aloe Vera gel has become popular because of its magical natural healing process. To begin with you can choose to decide on a few products like facial cream, body lotion and an under eye cream.

Caring for Your Skin
Our skin undergoes a lot of stress due to environmental and health factors. UV radiation and pollution has contributed to premature aging in a big way. Certain medicines have also stimulated age spots and lines over a period of time. This has made regular skin care a necessity.

Keep in mind cleaning your skin before applying your skin care products is important. Daily application is vital to see tangible results. Regular skin care will help you keep your skin nourished and hydrated. Using a facial scrub once or twice a week which will help open your skin pores and keep your face clean. Covering your face with a scrap when stepping out in the sun will help prevent further damage. You may also use gloves or wear full sleeve clothes to protect your hands. Apart from this it is a good practice to wash your face, neck and hands after travelling.

Online cosmetic shops have made things easier for consumers. You can browse through products and reviews before placing your order. Most of the reputed websites offer a quick turnaround time for the order placed. This way your product reaches you the same day in most cases. There is an old saying which goes "Prevention is better than Cure". Start taking care of your skin early and stay young and beautiful.

By Olivia Ha 

Breast Implant Costs You May Not Have Considered

Women interested in breast implants often want to know how much they cost. When they research it online, they may be surprised to find that they only cost about $3,500. Unfortunately, most procedures don't end up totaling that amount, and many times, women are floored when they see it cost them double the amount they thought it was going to be. The reason the costs are more is because it's not only breast implants you have to pay for, but you have to pay for everything that goes into getting them put into your chest.

Medical Follow-Up

Breast augmentation is surgery, so you will need to have a medical exam and tests. You may have to pay for them if your insurance company refuses.

Surgical Fees

Surgeons charge you for their time. You will need to pay your plastic surgeon, and this is on top of what the actual implants cost.

You will also need to pay for the surgical facility. If it's done in a hospital setting, you'll have to pay for the room. The costs may be lower if it's done at a medical center, so keep that in mind as you do your research.

Anesthesia

You don't want to have breast augmentation without anesthesia. You will have to pay for the drugs you receive and the anesthesiologist's time. This can be expensive, but like all things, you can shop around.

Pain Medications

Most insurance companies will not pay for pain medication when they are for plastic surgery. You will need to factor in the cost of those pain medications because you will likely have to pay for them out of pocket.

Garments for Recovery

You will likely have to wrap yourself following the procedure. You will need to pay for these garments.

Paying for It All

Breast implant cost includes the surgeon's fees, surgical facility fees, anesthesia, pain medications, and garments. Some plastic surgeons will group all the fees into one. You pay him one fee and he ends up paying everyone and everything else you need for the procedure. If you like this better, be sure to ask about this when you have your consultation. This way you will know exactly what you need to pay, so you can financially prepare yourself for it.

By Marcelina L Hardy 

Easy, Safe, And Effective Hair Growth Tips

Hair care and hair growth are important to many people, and you may be wondering about how to make your hair grow faster and look its best as well. Tips may range from simple and natural to hazardous and complex, but a brief overview about how to make hair grow faster can help you achieve a healthy look in the safest way possible.

Regular trimming can be excellent for promoting hair growth. This may sound counterproductive at first, but trimming removes damaging split ends and promotes healthy hair follicles. How to grow hair faster may be as simple as getting your hair trimmed every two months or as needed.

Adhering to a balanced diet can have a significant impact on the health of your hair, and this is why vitamins for hair growth can be beneficial. You can promote the growth of your hair by consuming foods that are rich in biotin, iron, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and retinol. Excess amounts of these vitamins and minerals can have adverse effects on your skin, immune system, and hair, but minerals and vitamins for hair growth that are taken according to a recommended daily intake can leave you with safe and positive benefits.

Getting enough rest and a proper amount of sleep can improve many areas of your life, and your hair may benefit as well. Rest and sleep allow your body to relax and rejuvenate, and this includes cell repair and the growth of your hair.

You may find many prescription and nonprescription drugs that claim to promote hair growth, but you should use caution when considering chemicals and medicines. Natural herbs have been linked with increased blood flow to the scalp, and this is why natural herbs may be safe and effective in many instances. A three to five minute scalp massage with various herbs may lead to greater hair health.



3 Things You Can Do at Home

You can blend red onion and carrots to create a good scalp treatment. You should apply this mixture prior to your hair wash.

A raw egg mixed with Aloe Vera is another good scalp massage treatment.

A paste composed of mashed birth control pills can be massaged into your scalp. You should leave this on your hair for ten minutes and then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.


By Leonardo Clemenza

Stun Guns And Tasers - What Is The Difference?

Many people, including those in the news media, often mistakenly equate tasers and stun devices. While tasers are all stun devices all stun devices are not tasers; the two are nowhere near being equal. Here we will explain the difference between the two so you can decide which one you want for your self-defense and personal safety.

A stun gun is a handheld nonlethal self-defense weapon that is second only to pepper sprays in terms of popularity. An electrical charge that is high voltage and low amperage is conducted through two or more probes on one end of the device. The electrical charge short-circuits the body's muscular system depleting the blood sugars so there is no energy left to do harm.

A stun gun must be applied to an assailant for 3 to 5 seconds in order for the effects to take place. It is on average close to 85% effective. The effects are not long-lasting and wear off after about five or 10 minutes, which is plenty long for a victim to escape and get help. Stun devices range in cost from just below $20 up to just under $50 each.

Tasers on the other hand shoot out two electrified darts up to 15 feet away for civilian models. The darts are connected to wires that are electrified with low-voltage and high amperage which gives it its stunning near 100% takedown rate. It has been rated to be more effective than a 9 mm handgun.

It uses neural muscular incapacitation (NMI) that temporarily overrides the command and control systems of the body to impair muscular control.

They also use a "sophisticated pulse wave that utilizes a high voltage leading edge to penetrate barriers such as clothing around the body followed by a lower voltage stimulation pulse to cause NMI."

Tasers are so effective that they are used by 90% of the 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States and in at least 10 foreign countries. Next to pepper sprays, a taser is the primary nonlethal self-defense weapon for any law enforcement officer. How is that for an endorsement?

Tasers for civilians range in price from the low $400's up to as much as $1,000.00.

As you can see, the differences between a stun gun and a taser are enormous in just about every category from price to effectiveness to size. The one you choose may save your life but certainly will be part of your personal safety.

By James Lesney

Skin Care for Extreme Dry Skin

I have recently found the best products for dry skin. I have extremely dry skin, actually I have eczema. So every year in October my skin starts acting really funny. My dermatologist told me if I lived in Florida I wouldn't have any skin problems. But I don't, I live in Chicago where the weather is brutal on my skin 6 months out of the year. If you go to a dermatologist for any dry skin issue they will give you a cortisone based cream. It may clear up the problem, but it also thins out your skin. My normal remedies were not working this year, which sent me on a search for something better. Here is what I found.

For my body I started using First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. This stuff is like a miracle! I had red dry flaky patches up and down both arms and across my chest and shoulders. I would wake up at night to scratch my arms and legs because they were so dry and irritated. After the first application I noticed an improvement in my skin, the itchiness was gone immediately. I applied it morning and night, within 1 week my skin looked awesome. It's very rich and moisturizing, but not heavy or greasy. It soaks right in and doesn't leave any white residue on your clothing. MUST HAVE for winter dryness!

For my face, the only thing I changed is in my nightly routine. After I cleanse my skin I apply Fresh Seaberry Face Oil. Several drops on my face and I softly massage it in, I even will apply it under my eyes. This oil is so moisturizing and feels so amazing on my skin. The smell of it makes me feel like I'm in a spa set in the middle of a flower garden. It does not leave any greasy residue on my pillow case and it does not break me out. I have been using this every night for 3 weeks and my skin has never looked so awesome. My skin is glowy and even toned and baby soft. You will definitely have to wash your face in the morning. You can not apply make-up over top of this and wear it all day. The results are amazing! Another MUST HAVE!

Here are my 2 must haves for winter dryness. The winter weather can be very harsh on skin, so take extra good care of your skin! Keep yourself looking young forever!


By Rachel Barkules 

The Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can haunt a person for their lifetime. When a victim survives this type of attack, it can take years of therapy for them to begin working past some of the emotions that come up as a result. The most common of those being:

Anger
Disorientation
Fear
Guilt
Helplessness
Loss of emotion
Loss of trust
Self blame
Shock
Vulnerability
Weakness



If you are the victim of sexual assault, you need to understand that none of this was your fault and that you aren't alone in this. Every two minutes, someone else is being sexually assaulted. That means each year there are 237,868 victims. Of those, 44% of the victims are under the age of 18, while 80% of all the reported cases are those under the age of 30.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the assault can't happen to others. There is evidence that the elderly, disabled individuals and both genders can be assaulted. Of these individuals 2/3 knew the person who was attacking them and 38% of the attacks came from people that the victim was a friend or acquaintance with. This established level of trust, is one of the reasons why most rapes actually take place in homes, offices and even vehicles during the day, rather than in a dark alley in the middle of the night.

After an assault, the victim often experiences fear and embarrassment. This is why 60% of victims don't take the time to report the crime to the police. The fact they aren't being reported and a crowded legal system also results in 97% of attackers from never spending a single day in jail. Even then, most attackers claim they had a false claim made against them when in truth only 2% of attacks are falsely reporting according to the FBI.

A lot of the misconception about sexual assault has led to problems when dealing with these crimes. Many people look at victims as being someone who provoked the attack by dressing suggestively or asking to be attacked. The truth is that these attacks are about power and control and the victim is left humiliated and degraded afterwards. Meaning this isn't something that they ever asked for or deserved.

Some other important things to keep in mind include:
It is possible for a man to be sexually assaulted. One out of every six man has been a victim of sexual abuse in their life. However, the majority of these cases go unreported.
Typically, these assaults occur between members of the same race. Although, while uncommon interracial assaults do happen.
Even when a person doesn't physically fight back, if the sex is against their will it is an assault. Many victims will never try to fight back because of their attacker's size, threats, shock and the fear of the unknown.

When this type of crime takes place, you need to remember you are never alone. When an assault takes place, make sure you contact the police and they will take you to get medical treatment. You can then meet with professionals at crises centers, speak to therapists and do what you can to begin the healing process and always understand that none of this is actually your fault.



By Richard Mongiovi

What You Didn't Know About Airbrush Makeup Vs Traditional Makeup

1. Airbrush makeup applied properly is 'invisible' through a camera and on digital/print view.

Reason being that airbrush makeup is sprayed in hundreds of 'dots'.

Similarly, a camera picks up light and displays it in pixels on your computer screen or the LCD screen. Pixels are tiny, tiny dots as well.

Airbrush makeup is applied the same way a camera reads what is infront of it, which is tiny dots of color, which is why it is extremely easy to have 'invisible' makeup with airbrush makeup!

2. Airbrush makeup isn't always the most natural way of doing makeup.

Every skin and person is unique and an experienced makeup artist is able to use different mediums to produce the most 'natural' result for you.

For example, when a person has very dry, parched skin, sometimes using a gel based foundation will work better than airbrush because it will 'tone' and hydrate the skin better than an airbrush makeup will. (depending on the formula and brand)

For example, I look and treat the skin first, then I determine which medium will produce the healthiest look of skin for them that similarly reflects the same skin throughout their body, as if it was at it's optimal, healthiest state.

3. You can achieve the 'airbrush' makeup look with traditional makeup!

Yes an experienced makeup artist with the right layering technique can produce an invisible effect as well.

It just takes more blending and knowledge of deceiving the way light is picked up on the camera. Powder helps this because it is also tiny, tiny dots, similar to airbrushing. It comes out 'softer' looking.

Airbrushing has it's way of having the edges already blended but with traditional makeup, the blending is manual with your brushes.

4. Airbrush makeup doesn't mean it's longer lasting either.

It depends how it is set and the prep of the skin, and treatment of the skin before the makeup is applied.

40% of the makeup application is in the skincare prep and moisturizing ritual.

If you don't prep the skin well enough, most likely your makeup will oxidize faster, slide, or sweat off in a worse case scenario!

5. Airbrush makeup isn't for fine lines and the elderly and mature skin!

You need a brush to get into the crevices so it all depends on the medium of the artist once again.

For skin that has fine lines, ideally you require a brush to make sure that it can get into the folds for optimal results.

For example, when that face starts to move, you don't want gaps of makeup and areas with no makeup when the skin stretches!

After, make sure that you set it with powder so that it prevents creasing.

6. Airbrush makeup is great for covering blemishes, especially ones that are patchy!

If you go in with a brush and makeup, you need to blend out the edges to make sure that the concealed area is blended well.

With an airbrush gun, it delivers the already blended area immediately and all you are required to do after, is to powder the concealed blemish.

It also prevents you having to go in with a brush that disturbs any patchy, flaky skin otherwise. You can avoid it with a patting motion but most cases, it's easier and can be faster to apply with an airbrush gun.

In Summary,

A lot of people like to 'hype' up airbrush makeup but truth is, it is just a tool and an option to make some applications easier to apply versus traditional makeup.

It's skill over the tool, and the purpose of why it is used, not just the tool itself.
(For example if I gave a 10 year old an airbrush and a paint brush with some paint, it doesn't mean airbrush would be 'better'.)

It does give a different look to your makeup that is unlike any other finish because it's sprayed on, but improperly applied it can look even worse than if you applied your own foundation traditionally!

If you're looking at this in hopes to see if you should invest in an airbrush machine, I would advise to skip it. The idea seems more promising than the reality where you have to close your eyes to 'guess' where you spray your makeup. Not to mention the difficult steps to cleaning your airbrush gun and machine too. It always has to be clean and properly taken care of or it will clog!

If you're trying to decide airbrush vs traditional makeup with an artist, look at their work on the difference.

The best way to indicate if the artist is good for you is if you were to look at their before and afters without the use of professional photography and post editing in Photoshop. You can determine their skill level and work if they're able to deliver that result to you that you wish for that way, rather than judging if they are an airbrush artist or not.

In this industry, I've met fantastic artists that choose not to use airbrush makeup as a medium because they're extremely skilled with traditional makeup.



By Olivia Ha 

Best Hair Removal Methods and Products

Excessive body hair is a nightmare for every modern woman. Having excessive body hair can be a painful experience. It can also lower self-esteem and confidence. It is almost the same for men. Being too hairy can affect social interaction especially since people will always be talking about the hairy growth and not about other valuable things such as character.

If you have excessive body hair, you do not have to worry. Many methods and products are available in the market today. And these do provide good results. In fact, these products are a separate industry of their own. This is a clear-cut indication of how much people want to be hair free. Because of the large number of products available in the market, it is important for consumers to take proper decisions while buying these products.

Here are some of the common hair removal methods and products:

Hair removal creams and lotions

Creams and lotions are the most popular way to get rid of unwanted body hair. They are cheap and can be easily purchased. They're also easy to use. All that you have to do is apply a layer of the cream or lotion on the area with unwanted hair, wait for some time and then wash it off. The chemicals present in these products dissolve the hair strands and remove them. Hair removal sprays are also available these days. The main disadvantage with hair removal creams and lotions is that they contain harmful chemicals which can cause allergic reactions. You should always do a patch test before using this products.

Threading and waxing

Threading and waxing are cheap way of removing unwanted hair. However, they are time-consuming and painful as well. Threading cannot be used to remove hair on larger areas. It also doesn't work effectively if the hairs are too thick.

Shaving

Shaving is another easy method to remove unwanted hair. Special shaving razors are available for women. These are designed for shaving legs and arms.

Shaving is cost-effective but it is not permanent. The hairs will grow back within just a few days. It also needs to be done carefully as there is a risk of cuts, rashes and irritation.

Epilatories

Epilatories remove the hair from the root mechanically. They are effective for removing a few hair strands but cannot be used on larger skin surfaces.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is becoming very popular these days. The method involves the application of electricity to the hair roots to remove the hairs. It is painful and time-consuming but provides very good results. It also provides permanent results.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is an advanced and effective hair removal technique. As the name suggests, it involves the use of laser to destroy the hair follicles and prevent hair growth in the future. It provided more or less permanent results. Laser hair removal technique is very effective but it is not suitable for everybody. And it is not light on the budget either.

By A. K. Nath

Does Your Skin Lightening Cream Contain These Harmful Ingredients?

The demand for skin whitening treatments (aka also known as bleaching creams, skin brighteners, skin lighteners or fade) continue to skyrocket, especially in countries where having paler skin is so greatly admired.

Whenever I travel to the United States and parts of Europe, I don't notice such a fascination with lighter skin among females.

However, on my trips to China and Thailand, I do notice that many women sport pale complexions.

While In China and Thailand, I ventured into a couple drugstores and supermarkets and I can tell you that skin whitening treatments abound.

Even though these treatments are applied topically, they are not without risks. As with any new product, be sure to read the label and investigate any skin whitening product before you buy.

What Determines Skin Color?

The color of one's skin is determined by the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Darker skinned people have more melanin.

The amount of melanin in your skin is predominantly a matter of your genetics. Hormones, exposure to certain chemicals and sunlight can also affect melanin production.

Changes in complexion are often temporary and eventually the skin will revert to its normal complexion. For example, a tan will start fading when the skin's exposure to sunlight is lessened.

But as time goes on, certain discolorations such as "age" spots or "liver" spots become permanent.

What Are Skin Whitening Treatments?

People use over-the-counter and prescription skin whitening products for a variety of reasons. Some use them to treat skin problems such as age spots, acne scars or to even out skin tone.

These treatments are also applied over the entire body to lighten naturally dark skin. Using such products over one's entire body can be a risky affair.

One ingredient that makes this practice potentially harmful is mercury, an active ingredient in many skin lighteners. Using lightening products can lead to mercury poisoning.

Mercury is a known inhibitor of melatonin but mercury toxicity can cause serious psychiatric, neurological, and kidney problems. Pregnant women who use skin lighteners with mercury can pass the mercury onto their unborn children.

The use of mercury as an ingredient in skin brighteners sold in the U.S. is banned. However, some bootlegger creams sold in the U.S and skin lighteners produced outside the U.S. continue to contain mercury.

How Do Skin Brighteners Work?

Skin whitening products contain a combination of ingredients that reduces the amount of melanin production wherever on the body it is applied. The most popularly used ingredient in skin whiteners sold in the U.S. market is hydroquinone.

How safe this ingredient is debatable.

It has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice. Actually, in Europe, the use of this ingredient in cosmetic products has been banned since 2001.

In the U.S., the FDA regulates the cosmetic industry more loosely. So hydroquinone is used in over-the-counter skin lighteners. Those products however can only contain a maximum of 2% hydroquinone.

In order to use a cream that contains more than 2% -4% hydroquinone, a prescription from a dermatologists would be needed.

Some skin brighteners use drugs such as steroids and retinoic acid, which come from vitamin A. Other products use natural ingredients such as kojic acid, a compound that comes from a fungus and arbutin, a compound found in various plants.

Risks of Skin Lighteners

I previously touched on some of the health risks the mercury in skin brighteners pose. A study conducted by the Chicago Tribune reinforced the need for consumers to be vigilant about the creams they buy.

The Chicago Tribune analyzed 50 skin-lightening treatments and found five made in Asian countries that were high in mercury and sold in the Chicago.

The EPA reported similar findings in imported skin whitening treatments sold in California, New York and Virginia.

Overall, they are potential risks to using skin brighteners. Some of these risks include:

=> Premature skin aging after prolonged use.

=> Increased risks of skin cancer from sun exposure. If you are going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, you may want to use a sunscreen that is not absorbed into the skin.

For health reasons, you may not want to use sunscreen daily.

=> Increased risk of acne, skin infections and thinning of the skin due to the presence of steroids in some of these products.

=> The presence of hydroquinone in these creams can cause unwanted and untreatable discoloration of the skin.

=> Some bleaching agents, including natural ingredients, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Safety Precautions When Using Whitening Creams

=> Have a chat with your dermatologist or pharmacist before using these types of creams. Get his/her opinion as to whether or not these creams are safe.

It is quite possible 

By Rose T. Kelly

Secrets Unveiled on Making Perfumes Last Longer

Senses expound all the details around us in a very encyclopedic way. The warmth of sun, the beauty of spring, the smell of the flowers are all felt only because of the senses. One couldn't simply imagine the life without senses. Out of all the senses one possess, the sense of smell is the most important and powerful one in an exciting person. A good smell always resembles a healthy environment and is easily approachable. Good smell around us boosts the confidence inside us and helps us in maintaining the relations in the society.

A perfume is the one that decimate the odor which is a result of sweating after a long tiresome day. It spreads pleasant smell around us and makes us sociable. In a group, one needs to be gregarious and for this he/she has to smell pleasant and for this we prefer perfumes. We spray perfumes all around the body for a pleasant smell. But this is not the end of the problem. We have to smell good throughout the entire day. We can't carry a perfume with us and spray it whenever it is. Here are the secrets that you always wanted dig out in preserving the smell of the perfumes to last longer.

Now let us look at the steps we have to take for a perfume to last longer. Some of them are listed as below:

1.The perfumes are to be stored properly: The perfumes may get degraded when exposed to sun and light which in turn effects the smell. The pleasant smell of the perfumes may turn into odoriferous when it is exposed to sun. So we need to store it in a dark place in our home. The chemicals used in it may also start reacting and cause other side effects like allergies, rashes etc. This suggests us to store our perfume in a dark and dry place.

2.Using the right amount of perfume: All of us has got different types of skin. Some of them can withhold the smell of perfumes for a long time and hence a little quantity may be sufficient. On the other hand, there are many who will need more puffs. In fact perfumes get evaporated on a dry skin very quickly but the oily skin can withhold the aroma for a longer time.

3.Applying perfumes depending on the weather conditions: Heat usually energizes the chemicals present in a perfume to react and give strong fragrance. Therefore, in warm temperature only little amount of it would be sufficient whereas in cold weather we may have to spray a bit high.

4.Applying perfume to the pulse points: This is one unique practice followed by many and has proven effects as well. The beauty is that you don't have to shake the entire bottle; instead a mild application can do the job!

Also, the application of perfumes right after bath and just before dressing up plays a vital role in holding the smell for a longer time.

By Rizvana Manzoor

The Best Way to Finance Breast Implants

Breast Implants can be expensive. Many women will spend as much as $10,000 on them. They don't pay that amount with cash though. Most of them will finance the breast implants. If you're considering breast implant financing, you might want to take these tips and use them, so you don't get yourself into financial troubles.

Pay As Much As Possible In Cash

The more you can put down on the cost of breast implants, the less you'll have to pay back. Not only that, you won't have to pay as much in interest because it won't take you as long to pay back the remaining amount. Even putting $500 towards the cost of the implants is better than not paying anything at all.

Shop Around for the Lowest Interest Rate

Lenders have different interest rates. The lower the rate, the less you'll have to pay on top of the amount you are financing. This is why it's important to shop around for the lowest rate possible. Some lenders will even match rates, if you tell them you found a lower one elsewhere.

After having your loan for a few months, call your lender to ask if there are any specials that will lower your interest rate even more. Some lenders do this, but they don't advertise it, so the only way to get it is to ask.

Pay More than the Minimum

Don't pay just the minimum due each month because you'll end up paying the full interest. If you pay more than the amount due, you decrease the interest amount significantly.

Don't Default

If you can't pay on your loan, do not ignore it. It's important that you don't miss a payment because you may end up with a mark on your credit report. You may also end up having to pay a hefty late fee. Find a way to make each payment, so you don't end dealing with a bad financial situation.

Finance the Right Way for Breast Implants

If you finance using these tips, you'll end up with breast implants that will be worth the cost. You'll love the way you look, and you'll love the way your bank account and credit report looks. As long as you financially prepare for the expense, you should be okay. If something unexpected comes up, simply find another way to cover the cost. This might mean making sacrifices, but that's what it will take to make ends meet in tough financial times. It's all worth it when you can look in the mirror and feel the confidence of perkier, larger breasts.

By Marcelina L Hardy

Stalking Can Happen To Anyone

The term stalking refers to unwanted, obsessive attention paid to someone, that may or may not know the perpetrator. Harassment is another term used by law enforcement to describe this behavior. No place is immune to having this kind of illegal activity and that includes schools, workplace, or even the local grocers. Negative consequences can be associated with having someone watch everything you do, and that includes losing a job.

Some Quick Facts

Every year, 3.5 million people report that they have been the victim of stalking and that makes it a serious crime. Nevertheless, numerous incidents are never even reported. Following are some facts about this crime.

• Three or every four cases involves someone the victim knew 

• A third of victims were once intimate with the perpetrator 

• Just 10% of cases involved strangers 

• People between 18 and 24 are the most frequent victims 

• 46% of victims say that they receive a minimum of one undesired contact attempt per week 

• Instant messaging, email and other technology related forms of contact occur in one of every four cases 

• Of every one hundred victims that report this abuse, ten of them say that they have been illegally monitored via video cameras, GPS or listening devices

Typical Victims

The most frequent victims of this unwanted behavior are women, but men are not excluded from this abuse. Victims, no matter their gender, should understand that they are not at fault. They bear no responsibility for what someone else does. Even so, it still leaves the victim feeling out of control of what is happening to them.

Victims often feel isolated and confused and their lives become taken over by the assault. They are unable to enjoy everyday life because they become fearful that something bad might happen. The best thing they can do is tell someone what is happening to them and bring the identity of the perpetrator out in the open. Even causal acquaintances outside intimate circles of friends and family can become allies when they know what to look for to help. Taking back control is the one thing you can do to combat this offense.

Protect Yourself

Although laws are on the books that address stalking, police officers can only do so much. It is often thought that one can protect themselves against the perpetrator by obtaining a restraining order, but the majority of these are violated anyway. There is just so much that law enforcement can do, and most people cannot afford a bodyguard. Learning as much as you can about protecting yourself is always your best defense against becoming a victim.

You must begin by understanding that when you are the target of such behavior there is the potential that it could become violent. You must take steps to educate yourself on what you can do to defend yourself. Your best defense is always listening to your intuition and immediately doing something to get away from danger and protect yourself. You could be saving your life when you do.

By Richard Mongiovi