Monday, May 31, 2010

Tackling Acne the Natural Way


Acne, also known as pimples or zits, affects people of all age groups. Scarring and post inflammatory discoloration are the most important complications of acne. No matter how severe acne is, it affects different people in different ways and many people with acne suffer from insecurities, depression, and a poor self-image. Teenagers and young adults are more prone to developing acne due to the natural hormonal changes that take place at that age. Factors like heredity, stress, dandruff, abuse of cosmetics and smoking can trigger acne. Just a few precautionary measures can help you to have freedom from acne.
Wash your face 2-3 times a day. Don't overdo the washing. Too much washing can cause other skin problems, such as dryness or skin irritation. Use a mild soap or face wash. Apply the cleanser and wash it off with your fingertips. This reduces skin irritation. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. Never scrub the skin. Scrubbing the skin clean does not clear acne. In fact, scrubbing irritates the skin and can aggravate acne.
Women must avoid oily makeup and cosmetics. It can worsen acne. If you have to use makeup, choose water-based and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) makeup. Makeup should be thoroughly removed before going to bed. Avoid facials, clean ups and face massages while having active acne.
Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed as quickly as possible after perspiring. Men need to shave with care. Soften the hair before shaving. Wetting the face thoroughly with lukewarm water can help to do so. Experiment with various methods or technologies. Try shaving with electric and safety razors to see which works best for you. Make sure that the blade is sharp. This helps to prevent nicks from a safety razor, which can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. Shave lightly. This can help avoid nicking acne lesions to make them worse. Never try to shave off the acne. This aggravates the condition further.
Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands. Control your dandruff. Use a mild antidandruff shampoo. Avoid oily hair care products, such as oil-containing gels and pomades as they can drip onto the skin and clog the pores to give rise to acne. Never scratch, rub, burst, pinch, squeeze, or fiddle with acne. This can lead to spread of the infection and scarring.
Have at least one lemon daily, either in the form of lemon juice or added to your vegetable or curry. Vitamin C helps to heal acne-prone skin more quickly and prevents the formation of new blemishes. Extensive scientific studies have found no direct relation between diet and acne. In other words, foods like chocolates, French fries, and pizzas do not cause acne. Nonetheless, some people insist that certain foods affect their acne. In that case, avoid those foods. Besides, eating a

Makeup can truly make or mar a bride's day


To every woman, her wedding is just about the most important occasion in her life. Every woman will go to any extreme to look her best on that special day. In the past, friends and relatives played an important part, in dressing up the bride in all her finery. Today, that handiwork is entrusted to professionals, who attend to every minute detail of the bride's appearance – right from the bridal outfit through her hairstyle to the color of her nail polish.
Bridal makeup is an essential part of a bride's appearance. Along with her stunning array of jewelry and her spectacular wedding dress, are a cosmetic makeup and a coiffure to make heads turn.
It is essential to use makeup that goes well with the bride's features and complexion. Indian bridal makeup is rather dazzling with blues and golds dominating, but it should be borne in mind that such colorful splendor should enhance rather than subdue the radiance of the bride. The makeup should be subtle enough to cover any imperfections and yet highlight the bride's strong points to her advantage.
Since bridal makeup today, is far more important than it was in our grandmothers' days, here are a few tips to help you along the way… Consider having your makeup done professionally. If, however, you choose to do it yourself, consult an expert and learn whatever is necessary. Ask for advice on how to attain that 'perfect look.'
Choose the most lightweight foundation possible while still getting the exposure you need. Heavy foundations are rather noticeable. Have your eyebrows arched 3-5 days before the wedding. You may experience some redness after the procedure, and that can be difficult to conceal.
Your eyes represent your soul, and on this day at least, your eyes will most likely be filled with joyful tears. Prepare your eyelids with an eye shadow base or a little face powder. Use waterproof mascara allowing each coat to dry for a few seconds before applying the next layer. If you expect to cry a lot, leave your lower lashes clean, this minimizes smudging.
Stick to a soft and delicate tone for lipstick, since bold or dark colors might be overpowering. Remember to match the hues in your blush to those in your lipstick. Consider the lighting in the area where the wedding will take place. If you are to be married in the sunshine, go for lighter or softer colors.
If you expect to be in a hall with very low lighting, deeper tones work best. Contour your face with blush or bronzer, even if it's not part of your daily routine. It will give your skin a healthy glow and subtly define your features.
You should test your makeup at least two weeks before your wedding to leave time to make any adjustments. It's your day! You've got to set the world around you on fire!