February 22nd, 2010
Collagen in the skin is one of the main things that makes it look youthful and healthy. Collagen is the number on protein that forms the structure in the skin. The look and feel of the skin is determined by the amount of collagen it has. The condition of that collagen also makes a difference.
As we age collagen does begin to break down. The sun is one of the main causes of skin damage. Some of the other factors that can affect the skin are hormones, environments, free radicals, and nutrition. Smoking has also been shown to cause the skin to age and become damaged.
The rate at which collagen is produced slows as we get older. The decreased collagen combined with damaged collagen leads to sagging, wrinkling, and even drooping skin. Collagen is the substance that plumps skin and makes it look youthful.
Some people think they can make skin look youthful again by simply applying a cream with collagen in it. Unfortunately it is not that easy. Collagen molecules are not small enough to penetrate deep into skin where they need to be to do their magic. Collagen can be injected. This does work temporarily to plump the area around the injection. The problem with injections is that the results do not last long. There can be adverse side effects, not to mention the high cost.
The only way to really get more collagen deep into the skin where it is needed is to actually increase natural collagen production. There are some great ingredients that have been shown to do just that. Vitamin C has been used for centuries. It can increase collagen production naturally. Some other ingredients that are also useful are hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000. A good skin cream or skin serum with these ingredients used regularly can increase collagen production. This will make skin look and feel younger and fuller. It can also reduce wrinkles.
Tags: collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Care, skin serum, vitamin C
Posted in Skin Care | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
Body wraps have become increasingly popular. They are a great way to detoxify the skin, which is by the way the largest organ of our bodies. The skin is the body’s first layer of defense therefore it is subject to many toxins and bacterial agents in the environment. Wraps are excellent at cleansing and purifying the body and the skin. They promote healthy bodies.
Many people use herbal wraps to loose weight or inches. One great thing about a wrap is that results are visible immediately. Doing several treatments over a period of a month will help most people loose a few inches. This is real weight loss, not just water, but it does not mean that you can loose all of your excess weight through wraps. They do work well when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Herbal body wraps take of excess inches by actually shrinking fat cells. Minerals, clays and herbs are put on warm skin to draw out toxins from the tissue below the skin. This helps to break down fat which in turn results in weight loss. Some herbal body wraps are made specifically to reduce cellulite. Others are formulated to tighten skin that is saggy.
There are plenty of spas that offer body wraps. A spa wrap is good for you body and it can be relaxing for the soul as well. But it is possible to get the same results at home. There are a variety of “do it yourself” at home body wraps available. Be sure to get ones with quality herbal ingredients. And look for one that is designed for the specific outcome you desire: weight loss, firming, or cellulite removal. Use a wrap several times in a month to achieve optimal results.
Tags: at home body wraps, Body Wrap, healthy body
Posted in Body Wraps | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
Acne often shows up on the face as well as other areas of the body such as the back and chest. Sometimes acne and pimples also occur on the scalp. Even for people who may not experience acne on other parts of their body. Scalp acne can be hard to treat. It is often buried beneath the hair.
Various things can cause scalp acne to crop up. Stress is often a cause. At times the scalp produces too much oil. Extra oil and bacteria can get trapped in the hair follicles. This causes bumps and pimples. Scalp acne can be very itchy, but scratching of course will only cause the bumps to become infected and the problem to get worse.
Scalp pimples cab be mild with spots of small pustles. Even these small pimples can be painful and annoying. They often tend to be concentrated around the hairline. The more severe form of scalp acne consists of larger bumps, that are often crusty and enflamed. Sometimes cysts can even form. This type of severe scalp acne sometimes causes scaring.
Many people find it tempting to treat scalp bumps the same as you would those on your face. This however is a bad idea. Benzyl peroxide which is often used on acne, is not a good choice for the scalp. Chemicals like benzyl peroxide will only make the scalp more dry make the problem worse. The health of your scalp depends on a delicate balance. Benzyl peroxide has also been shown to bleach hair. It can even cause hair loss at times. It is a better idea to use natural product that will work to regulate the amount of oil on the scalp. Zinc is all natural and does just that, making it the perfect ingredient to use in creating a healthy scalp.
Tags: healthy scalp, scalp, Scalp Acne, scalp pimples
Posted in Scalp Acne | No Comments »
February 20th, 2010
The first signs of grey hair let most of us know we are getting older. For most people grey hair starts to appear in there late thirties. But premature graying starts for some individuals as early as their teens and twenties. The majority of us will find that about half of our hair will be gray at fifty. No matter when it starts most of us would rather not turn grey.
So what does cause hair to loose its color? The hair follicles are surrounded by cells that have melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the hair. Depending on how much melanin is present the hair will be various shades of blond, brown, black or red. Unfortunately the cells that contain the melanin die slowly as we get older. As the hair looses melanin it also looses its color and may become grey or sometimes white.
Luck for us that hair doesn’t turn grey in an instant. This is a gradual process. When you first start to notice grey hair it can take ten years or so for the rest of the head to turn. Gray hair starts at the temples and spreads to the crown. It eventually moves around to the back of the head.
Everyone will eventually get grey hair, but it is sometimes possible to slow down the process. Getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals may actually help the cells stay alive longer. The longer they are alive the longer melanin will be produced. Some vitamins supplements that may help are Vitamin B, PABA and Vitamin B12. Folic acid is also helpful in keeping grey away.
Grey hair is also often drier and coarser than colored hair. It can sometimes even be wiry. Vitamins can help as well as natural ingredients like jojoba oil and emu oil. These ingredients can work to deeply moisturize rejuvenate the hair, even the ones that have lost their color.
Tags: gray hair, Grey Hair, hair vitamins
Posted in Grey Hair | No Comments »
January 18th, 2010
Rosemary Oil Benefits for Skin and Hair
Rosemary oil has many useful benefits. This popular essential oils is used for stimulating the brain, improving memory and clarity, reducing congestion, loosing stiff muscles and even pain relief. It is also has many benefits and uses for skin and hair care.
Rosemary oil comes from the rosemary plant, which is often used in culinary applications. Its smell is crisp, clean and refreshing. The oil is almost watery and has antiseptic properties. It has been used for centuries. One of the most used rosemary products is a rosemary shampoo. A good rosemary shampoo adds circulation enhancement to the scalp for helping with hair growth issues.
This powerful oil has been shown to increase circulation. This makes it very useful in stimulating hair growth. When used regularly on the scalp, rosemary oil will stimulate the hair follicles making hair grow faster, stronger and longer. It may be able to slow down the process of hair loss and graying. It makes a good tonic for people who are balding.
Scalp conditions may also be treated with rosemary oil. Dry flaky scalp can be reduced with rosemary oil. It is also good at treating some scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis. When massaged into the scalp rosemary oil can help removed the buildup of excess skin cells. It is good to combine rosemary oil with other essential oils like tea tree oil and basil oil for scalp treatment.
Rosemary is used extensively in skin care as well as hair care. For the skin, rosemary oil is used to reduce swelling and puffiness. It is a good toner and helps reduce dryness. It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Tags: rosemary hair care, Rosemary Hair Products, rosemary oil, rosemary oil shampoo, rosemary shampoo
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »