Philosophy Beauty Products

© Catherine Solmes
Jun 27, 2008

Philosophy cosmetics blends science and fun for a unique line of highly effective skincare and beauty products that enhance your life as well as your appearance.
Adored by Oprah Winfrey, long-standing cosmetics company Philosophy has the medical background, the word-of-mouth buzz and inspirational lifestyle philosophy behind it.
The History of Philosophy

The Philosophy cosmetics story begins with the medically-based skincare company Bio-Medic, founded by Cristina Carlino. A high-tech, frill-less skincare line specifically designed for distribution by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists, Bio-Medic was intended for the intensely sensitive/cosmetically damaged skin of their patients.
The move to a less-specialized market was made when Carlino founded Philosophy. Using the research of Bio-Medic, Philosophy cosmetics has years of revolutionary formulations and ingredients behind it.

Today, the brand is sold at Sephora, department stores such as Bloomingdales and Macy's in the US and smaller specialty boutiques as well as on QVC. The product line runs the gamut from serious skin care products such as facial peels and serums to fun, colourful shower gels and "un-make-up" make-up.

Philosophy's Packaging
Simple and effective is the idea behind the product packaging as well at the brand. Frosted or clear plastic bottles hold the colourful shower gels, cleansers, scrubs and skincare and small glass bottles hold the fragrances.

Each container is decorated with inspirational messages such as this one, found on their popular facial moisturizer Hope In a Jar: "Philosophy: Where there is hope there can be faith. Where there is faith miracles can occur." or on their deep conditioning hair mask Shear Splendour: "Philosophy: Begin to define shear splendour in the simplest of terms. Ask yourself is this a choice that is good for my soul? By doing so the splendour of life and living become yours."

Philosophy's Skincare
The idea behind Philosophy's skincare is that the best make-up is no make-up. Using extensive medical knowledge, the Philosophy skincare line is designed to give you the best possible complexion and ideally to make make-up optional.

Easily their most famous skincare product is the Hope line of facial moisturizers. Chockfull of rich antioxidants, the original Hope In a Jar facial moisturizer for all skin types is designed to smooth, hydrate and even skintone while giving the skin a natural rosy, youthful glow. There is also the Hope In a Bottle moisturizer that contains salicylic acid (a deeply exfoliating agent that helps to clear acne, clogged pores and soften fine lines) and the restorative and protective When Hope Is Not Enough moisturizer for dehydrated skin.

Another noted and bestselling skincare product is Philosophy's Purity Made Simple, a 4-in-1 gentle but effective facial cleanser that removes eye make-up, cleanses, tones and lightly hydrates the skin all in one step.

Philosophy's Shower Gels
In something of a contrast to the serious effectivity of the skincare lines, sit the brightly coloured and deliciously fragranced Philosophy shower gels. Designed as a guilt-free way to indulge in treats we're told not to, the 3-in-1 gels work as a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, and come in scents such as Cinnamon Bun, Frozen Lemon Custard, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita and Powdered Sugar Cookie.
And just to go one step further, each bottle is printed with a recipe for the treat the shower gel is named for.

Philosophy's Fragrances
In line with their simple and clean branding, Philosophy's offers three fragrances: the best-seller Amazing Grace, Inner Grace and Pure Grace - each soft, feminine and clean-smelling.

Philosophy's Make-Up
While they tout their skincare line as giving you skin that doesn't need make-up, Philosophy also carried a line of "Un-make-up Make-Up" called The Supernatural. They offer Airbrushed Canvas, a powdered mineral foundation that gives your skin a soft, glowing, airbrushed quality, The Supernatural Lipgloss, a richly tinted, minty, moisturizing gloss that looks soft and natural and their best-selling lip plumper Big Mouth.

The copyright of the article Philosophy Beauty Products in Beauty Products is owned by Catherine Solmes. Permission to republish Philosophy Beauty Products in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hair Care Product: Kerastase

by Maclyn Zaportiza

One of the highly recommended hair care products nowadays are Kerastase products. Kerastase hair care products are for the after care and maintenance of the hair. Hair conditioners, hair shampoos, hair treatments, hair leave in, hair masque, styling mousse and hair serums are some of the hair care products that Kerastase offers.

Here are some

Kerastase products with descriptions:
Conditioner for Kerastase includes Lait Vital Protein- Care for Dry and Sensitized Hair and Volumactic Soin Vitaliseur Conditioner. Lait Vital Protein treats and enriches sensitized and dry hair without heaviness making hair silkier and shinier. Volumactive Soin Vitaliseur gives strength to fine hair without heaviness.

Kerastase also have hair treatment products such as Masquintense, Aqua -Oleum Nourishing Recharge With An Instant and Long Lasting Effect , Ciment Anti Usure (Resistance), Crème-Richesse Intensive Repair Treatment , Forcintense Progressive Reconstruction Programmed and Masquintense Epais. Masquintense nurtures and treat very dry or fine hair, Aqua -Oleum Nourishing Recharge with an Instant and Long Lasting Effect changes your hair making it soft and silky by penetrating and nourishing the hair shaft with a long lasting effect. Ciment Anti Usure(Resistance) is a treatment for damaged hairs with split ends, after using this product hair could be easily untangled because it smoothes and nourishes the hair. Crème-Richesse Intensive Repair Treatment contains Phytodefense System that deeply repairs hair that is exposed under the heat of the sun, oceans or beaches or chlorinated water. Forcintense Progressive Reconstruction Programme is for hair that is very weak. Using Forcintense Programme restores the hair's health for lasting strength.

Another great Kerastase product is the Leave In formula which is called Substance Constructive; it is a leave in treatment for chemically weakened hair that instantly improve hair's resistance to breakage.

Masque Oleo-Relax, is a nutritional hair masque that easily detangles hair, making the hair silky and smooth. Styling Mousse comes in two forms, Emulsion Nutri-Instantanee, a leave on foam which nourishes dry or sensitive hair and Nutri-Body Volumizing Treatment is a mousse that gives body to dry and fine hair.

Oleo-Relax Ultimate Controlling Elixir, Serum Nutri-Instante and Serum Oleo Relax are Kerastase hair serums. Oleo-Relax Ultimate Controlling Elixir is for dry, unmanageable and untamed hair. This hair must be applied on towel-dried hair. Serum Nutri-Instante is a Silicone treatment for damaged hair that also eliminates frizz. Serum Oleo Relax a protection against frizz which is long lasting with a smooth-shine finish.

Shampoos such as Bain Après Soleil, Bain De Force Shampoo, Bain Oleo Relax Shampoo, Bain Prevention, Bain Satin1 Shampoo, Bain Satin 2 Shampoo, Bain Satin 3 Shampoo, and Bain Volume active are products from

Kerastase.
Without a doubt, with these products, beautiful, shiny and healthy hair is just within your reach. Remember though that these products are here to reinforce the maintenance of your hair, you should also have proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to achieve the kind of hair that you want.
*** Product Ranges ***
Biotic - for keeping the scalp healthy
Nutrients - new range of dietary supplements
Nutritive - for normal to very dry hair
Resistance - for weakened, damaged hair
Reflection - for color-treated hair
Specifique - for scalp concerns (not available in the US)
Soleil - for sun-exposed hair
Dermo-calm - for sensitive or stressed scalps
Noctogenist - night treatment for hair

When you lose your hair

Hormonal disorders, under nutrition, taking some kinds of medicine, stress are just a few reasons which can cause thinning and hair loss.

Extensive falling out of hair is one of the most common causes of consulting a dermatologist by men and often by women these days.

Often there is no reason to be anxious and, in fact, there is no need to panic. You should be concerned about your hair loss only if you lose more than 100 hairs a day.

Why do we lose our hair?

There are various factors responsible for our hair loss.

• The mechanical reason for losing one’s hair is, for example, the hair style, like: a pony tail or a bob. Such hairstyles make the hair to be pressed too much. In such cases you should simply consider changing your hairstyle. If you change it early enough, your hair will grow up again completely. However, if you wait for too long, your hair loss may remain because of the disappearance of your hair follicles.
• Falling out of hair happens also for various toxic reasons, mainly if a body gets intoxicated with arsenic (As), thallium (Tl) or mercury ((Hg). In case of talasemia there are some characteristic changes in the hair structure which can be observed under the microscope. Alopecia development appears about two weeks after taking the toxin in, and eventually hair loss is almost complete. However hair usually grows again within following six to eight weeks. In cases of body intoxication, first of all a patient is given an antidote to save his/her life.
• Exceeding hair loss during and after contagious diseases is caused mainly by high body temperature and, in addition, some toxic factors and food deficiency which may appear a disease is developing. Exceeding hair loss would usually appear between 2 and 4 month after the fever is gone. Hair grows back on its own accord. As body reinforcement, some vitamins and minerals are also given to patients. People who suffer from syphilis also deal with hair loss, which may be extensive or rather focal in its character. Of course, this type of disease needs specific kind of treatment which helps in growing hair again, too.
• Systemic illnesses which cause baldness are, for example, lupus erythematosus, but also hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The treatment of hair loss in such cases is strictly connected with the treatment of the basic illness.
• Drug-induced baldness is caused by, for instance, cytostatics and immunosuppressants which are used in not only treating chronic cancer cases but also in dermatology in dealing with such illnesses as: difficult cases of psoriasis, systemic collagenosis or pemphigus. Hair loss is likely to appear in about third week after the drug is given. After we stop giving the medicine, and in some cases, in spite of further giving it to a patient, hair grows back again. Hair loss may be also caused by taking antithyroid drugs, anticoagulants and contraceptives. When we take contraceptives, however, the hair growth is never fully stopped.
• Hair loss is also connected with some skin diseases and scalp diseases. For example, in mycosis baldness would usually appear in the type of hairless inflammatory focus (es). The treatment in such cases means giving the patient oral and local antimycotic remedies.

Baldness of women
Women can suffer from two characteristic types of baldness: female androgenic alopecia, which is quite rare and appears mainly after menopause, and progressing baldness.
Androgenic alopecia is conditioned with both hiperandrogenism, i.e. higher level of androgens, and genetic condition. Hair loss takes place usually at the forehead ankles and on the top of a head. It is often accompanied by the saturation with fat of a scalp. When hiperandrogenism has been diagnosed, it is necessary to continue the diagnosis and to follow the endocrynological treatment.

In other cases, it is supposed that hair follicles may become oversensitive to the normal level of androgens in a body. This type of "oversensitivity" may be connected with uncongenial factors, e.g. genes. Some contraceptives of estrogenic or antiandrogenic action may be taken in (e.g. Diane 35). For external use one should take tablets with estrogens, for example Alpicort E, and Loxon or Regaine, which help to cure baldness of men. Any medicine, for oral and external use, should be taken under the strict control of a dermatologist. If you have seborrhoea diagnosed, you may try out on your own accord Seboren or seboradin which lower the production of tallot.

Extended form of alopecia may be a symptom of various diseases, for instance the lowered level of iron in the blood serum, which sometimes appears with no symptoms of anaemia, or neuroses, or hormonal disorders. Those women, who have genetic predisposition for growing bald, may find out that some detergents in many hair cosmetics such as: hair sprays, shampoos or paints can provoke the hair loss. This chronic illness often causes the feeling of a scalp tension.

Extensive alopecia treatment of women must start from excluding all other possible diseases. Then you may try to use contraceptives as in the case of androgenic alopecia. If there is some stress in the scalp’s skin, the patient may be given larger doses of vitamin E. Some drugs with sterydes like, Alpicort or Neril lotion may be used in certain parts of a scalp. In all cases one should stop getting one’s hair waved or dyed. For washing one’s hair one should use only very mild shampoos without any dyes or fragrances, for instance Freederm PH Balance.

Each case of alopecia should be carefully examined by a dermatologist and other specialists in order to decide on the best treatment. It is also important to remember that re-growth of hair may take 2 to 3 months because of the specific cycle of hair growth.

Do you know that…?
Epilation of hair, both chemical and mechanical, causes only the change of the stage the hair is in, i.e. moves from the phase of resting to the phase of growth.
Cutting hair has got no influence on the hair growth.
Trichotillomania, the pulling out of one’s hair is the psychopathic symptom and it is characteristic only for neurotic children.

After-birth alopecia
In pregnancy the secretion of estrogens gets higher which stops falling out of hair. After the childbirth the level of these hormones gets lower. This, and the labour itself, causes that many hair bulb go to the catagen phase. Extensive alopecia may thus occur between 11th and 16th week after the childbirth. Yet, the hair grows again within the following six months with no treatment whatsoever.
Destructive factors
Falling out of hair may become extensive due to some hormonal disorders, e.g. dysadrenocorticism or malfunctions of: thyroid, hypophysis or sexual glands. Hair loss is also caused by under nutrition, and some amino acids and some deficiencies of metals, like zinc or iron.
There are types of hair loss which may cause stress and some psychic disorders. Another damaging factor is ionizing radiation. The high dose of this radiation, i.e. 350 R, results in the total hair loss after several days. Hair will grow again, however, after six weeks. The dose which causes permanent hair loss is 1500 R.
Other damaging factors, for instance, hair paints or hair lotions for permanent etc., they usually damage the part of a hair which grows out of the hair bulb and not a hair bulb itself.
Alopecia areata
It usually happens to men and children, but occasionally it also occurs to women. In this type of alopecia, there are a few hairless areas around a scalp. The cause of this has not yet been found. The probable explanation is that this disease has got auto immunological or genetical source. Treatment must be taken under the full doctor’s guidance and lasts for many months.

Hair Straighteners - Top 10 Review

There are many different ways to create the sleek, shiny look of pin straight hair. Here is a review of the top ten methods of straightening hair, in no particular order.

1. Shampoo and Conditioner: There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today to help encourage your hair to straighten, but most need to be used in conjunction with another product. Be sure to look for products that can help protect your hair from the heat of blow drying or ironing, and choose a very good conditioner.

2. Silicone Serum: Adding a touch of silicone serum will give your hair extra shine, but be careful, as a little bit goes a long way.

3. Blow Dry Straight: Blowing drying is an effective way to straighten your hair, but it must be used with a protective product and you should use a weekly conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy. Remember that heat is not as important as a good strong air flow.
4. Ion Conditioning Blow Dryers: A new concept in blow drying hair, these blow dryers send negative ions to the hair, replacing moisture and protecting the hair, while also cutting down drying time.

5. Straightening balm: Usually used in conjunction with blow drying or ironing, a straightening balm can help cut down on frizz, especially in humid weather, and protect dry hair.

6. Chemical Straighteners: Chemical straighteners should always be applied by a professional, as everyone’s hair is different. The good news is that chemical straighteners can keep the hair straight for up to six months, but the hair needs a great deal of conditioning, blow dryers should be used sparingly, and adding color could damage the hair.

7. Thermal Reconditioning: This new procedure, which was developed in Japan, is a permanent way to straighten hair, and is good for all types of hair. The downside is that it takes a very long time and can be very expensive.

Finally, we’ll take a look at three different kinds of straightening irons:

Ceramic Hair Straighteners: Hair irons that have ceramic plates have extremely smooth surfaces, usually have no edges that will catch the hair, and heat up very quickly, in around thirty seconds.

Titanium Hair Straighteners: Hair irons with titanium plates infuse the hair with negative ions which help protect the hair and helps prevent colored hair from fading.

Steam Hair Straighteners: Steam is an effective way to straighten hair, but beware of badly made products that will eventually break down or cause hot water to spill on you as you iron your hair.

Facial Laser Hair Removal

In general, facial laser hair removal is entirely possible and can be perfectly safe. However, there are additional considerations to be aware of that are not relevant when you are looking simply for treatment of leg hair or considering laser therapy on non-sensitive parts of your body.

When looking at nose / facial hair removal, you need to be aware of the following issues. Note that reputable suppliers of laser hair reduction treatment will make certain that all of these issues are addressed before commencing treatment.

Face Laser Considerations
1) Your eyes must not be exposed to laser streams as they can damage the eyesight.
2) The skin on the face is vulnerable and special care must be taken, such as cooling the skin. You may want to take some time off work as there is likely to be some transient facial redness after treatment.
3) Hair color - the color of the hair is relevant for all laser therapy. Do be cognizant that lasers can effectively remove the dark facial hair. But very pale, fine hair on the nose or face is probably not a good candidate for removal with lasers.
4) Nostril hair removal is feasible with lasers but is a specialist procedure and quite a lot of clinics do not offer this; you may need to travel to find a clinic that has the correct equipment to successfully and safely offer you nostril hair reduction by laser.

Safe Laser Hair Reduction on the Nose Surface
Most reputable beauticians and clinics will not perform laser therapy on the area of the face immediately below the eyebrow. However, all other surfaces of the face are eligible for laser hair reduction treatment, including the chin, above the upper lip, cheeks, surface of the nose, forehead and even the area between the eyebrows. Safety equipment that shields the eyes from the laser streams is crucial, and the actual facial areas that a clinic will be able to treat may be dictated by their equipment and the physical structure of their safety goggles.

Laser Hair Reduction on the Nose Surface
Women often find that facial hair worsens with age. The "vellus" hairs on the face that in young women are virtually invisible may be replaced, as we advance in years, with darker and thicker hairs on the nose and on other parts of the face. The good news is that unwanted dark-colored hair on the surface of the nose can be treated successfully with lasers.

Nasal Hair / Nostril Hair Removal
If you have unwanted nostril hair, beware because the mucosal lining inside the nose is highly sensitive. For this reason many clinics shy away from offering laser hair reduction treatment for nasal hair. They may even try to persuade you to opt for electrolysis to deal with your nostril hair, which can be extremely painful, or tell you that laser therapy is impossible for nasal hair. This is not completely true. While putting a laser tool right inside the nose is not advisable, laser streams can be applied to the surface of the nose, yet penetrate deeply enough to effect excellent hair reduction inside the nose!

Pick out your Clinic with Care!
Safety must be the first consideration, so you should always make certain that you are dealing with a reputable clinic that has all of the necessary safety measures in place for performing laser hair removal for the nose and other areas of the face. As we have seen, laser hair removal on the face requires careful, specialist treatment and in some cases very specific[/V]highly specialized equipment. So it is quite likely that you will have to travel to a number of clinics before you find the one that offers precisely what you require. However, if you are willing to do your research carefully, and to travel if necessary, you will find that there are clinics available that have the expertise and equipment to perform all manner of facial laser hair removal.

By Jim Price

Anti Aging Supplements

Supplements play an important role in making you look and feel younger. There are many anti-aging supplements on the market today and option varies widely as to their effectiveness and to any possible health hazards. Anti aging supplements are known to work in different ways in combating the aging process.

Supplements containing DHEA (Dehydroepiandorsterone) is believed to slow down the aging process, increase your sex drive, and assists in removing fat from the body. DHEA is also being tested for its ability to prevent and fight certain types of cancer. Scientists believe that the human body production of DHEA peaks at around 25 years of age and by the age of 80 it has dropped to less that 10 percent of that amount. It is often referred to as the Anti-Aging Hormone because specific DHEA receptors are found in cells throughout the human body.

Research on DHEA is still ongoing and the positive effects can be highly beneficial you should also consider the possible side effects prior to starting any type of hormonal anti-aging therapy. Some research has shown that DHEA can damage the liver and may be harmful to the prostate gland.

Phytonutrients found naturally in fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of cancer because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aspirin was originally extracted from the bark of the White Willow Tree and is now synthetically produced has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Taxol was initially extracted from the Pacific Yew Tree and is the number one drug used for treating Cancer.

Diindolylemthane is another Phytonutrients found in vegetables such as Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale and Brussels sprouts used in the treatment of cancers caused the Human Papilloma Virus. The National Cancer Institute of the United States is testing this compound in the treatment of prostate, lung, colon, and cervical cancers. Phytonutrients is believed to be destroyed by cooking and by modern food processing techniques. For this reason only fresh uncooked Phytonutrients should be consumed.

Lycopene found in tomatoes is in clinical trials for Prostate cancer and Heart disease. It has been shown to improve blood flow throughout the human body. A nutritional study has shown that a diet rich and broccoli and tomatoes was more effective in limiting prostate cancer growth than any of the leading drugs for prostate cancer.

Bioflavanoids provide visible benefits to the anti-aging process such as reducing wrinkles, improving skin tone, helping to prevent sagging skin as well as improves pigmentation.

Substances called Antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body. Natural Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, Grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

Fish oil contains omega 3 and fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate the brain and increase memory and mental awareness.

Foti also called He Shou Wu in China is legendary in its ability to lengthen life. Modern studies have show that Foti has the ability to lower serum cholesterol, prevent premature gray hair, promote red blood cell growth, and to increase longevity on a cellular level. This herb raises the level of the naturally occurring antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body.

Anti-Aging supplement can be very effective but they must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet. Care must be take to also ensure that you remain active both physically as well as mentally. If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

By David Cowley
Published: 8/8/2008
http://www.aging-team.com

Anti-Aging Fruits and Vegetables

It's a wondrous thing, how the human body is meant to heal and restore itself. Cuts heal themselves, infections can be cleared up on their own, and even broken bones mend and repair. And when it comes fighting the effects of time, there are actually anti-aging fruits and vegetables that actually work.

They may not be miracle pills that you can take when you're 80 and expect to live forever, but it is true that many persons today are living longer than they ever did before, and it may be partly due to what scientists and doctors are finding out about how our bodies actually work. We now know more about how the things we put into our mouths affect our systems overall, including the aging process. By following a diet rich in anti-aging fruits and vegetables, a person can not only extend their life, they can also look great as they age as well!

Those that are high in Vitamin C seem to be the best anti-aging fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is a natural healer than boosts the body's immune system. Higher levels of Vitamin C have been linked to reduced risks of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers in both men and women.

Anti-aging fruits and vegetables should also contain high amounts of Vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is produced naturally when we are exposed to sunlight, but it's said that when we reach our 70's, we are producing only about 40% of the Vitamin D our bodies need.

Anti-oxidants, the elements that our bodies use to fight free radicals or the agents that damage healthy cells, are also necessary as we age and are found in all anti-aging fruits and vegetables. These anti-oxidants help our body's to repair themselves from the inside out.

So with all that being said, what are the best anti-aging fruits and vegetables? Obviously citrus fruits as they contain high amounts of Vitamin C. This includes oranges, tangerines, limes, and grapefruits. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries and apples are also high in many vitamins. Cantaloupe, peaches and apricots have those vital anti-oxidants as well.

And of course you don't want to overlook the vegetable part of anti-aging fruits and vegetables. Having a healthy digestive system is vitally important for your overall health; if your body is working hard to digest that heavy steak or spicy burrito, you're overworking your heart and lungs that are sending blood and oxygen to your stomach and intestines. Anti-aging fruits and vegetables are those with a lot of fiber that help the digestive process along. This includes all green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and kale. Carrots, cucumbers, and celery are also crunchy, fibrous, and healthy.

It seems from most research that all fruits and vegetables can be considered "anti-aging fruits and vegetables," so there really isn't much of a need to decide whether or not to have a certain piece of fruit or whether or not to have a salad - the problem simply lies in making these great products a regular part of your diet in the first place!

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with aging such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Selenium, Beta Carotene, Lycopene, L-Glutathione, Vitamin D, Green Tea, and Antioxidant.

Vitamin C, E and some forms of Vitamin A and the mineral Selenium are known to be antioxidants that help to protect the body from these free radicals.

Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A. Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

The mineral Selenium has been associated with a significant reduction in the incidences of lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. Good sources are fish, asparagus, brazil nuts, meat, poultry and bread.

Beta Carotene helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency. Symptoms of Beta Carotene deficiency include ache, dry dull hair, dry skin and thickened scaly skin on the palms and soles of the feet.

Lycopene is very powerful in quenching free radicals as is L-gultathione. Ultra Antioxidant allows cells to perform more efficiently with oxygen, enabling sufficient oxygen to be utilized for the cells and organs that specifically need it.

Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight. Many studies show that Vitamin D production decreases in older people and in those who are housebound. Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium, which makes your bones stronger and helps prevent fractures.

Green Tea Contains antioxidants that may protect against heart disease, several types of cancer, and skin damage.

Natural antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

A 2006 article in the Journal of American Medical Association suggested that by periodically restricting our caloric intake to as little as 890 calories a day, or fasting, resulted in a decrease in insulin levels and body temperatures, another two biomarkers of longevity. Restricting calories helps to eliminate the free radicals by burning off more calories than you take in thus reducing the amount of fat stored in the human body.

Skipping a meal here and there from an evolutionary point of view would be beneficial. The human body is used to going days without eating anything but today we have constant access to food and we are taking in calories all day long.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

By David Cowley
Published: 8/11/2008
http://www.aging-team.com

Anti-Aging Herbs

If you're considering surgery, Botox injections, or some other extreme method in your battle against Mother Nature and Father Time, first consider using some of these anti-aging herbs. Many who have tried them report that they have gotten great results in the form of soft, smoother skin and more radiant glow to their face, the likes of which they haven't seen in years. Of course, not all anti-aging herbs are miracle cures, but it's always a good idea to try natural methods before going "under the knife" or trying something that could be dangerous to your overall health.

Red Clover
Red clover is thought to be one of the good anti-aging herbs because it contains estrogen-like features. This can help with menstrual pain or menopausal symptoms, but also helps skin that is showing signs of age due a decrease in female hormones, which typically leads to wrinkling and tiny lines. This herb is found in pill form in most health food stores.

Pearl
Pearls contain great anti-aging herbs on the inside of them; of course, you shouldn't go grinding up your pearl jewelry and smearing it on your face. The ingredients in pearls can be found in mists and sprays, and is used to exfoliate. These sprays report a rejuvenating effect for those who use them, as they polish away dead skin cells and moisturize the layers underneath.
While pearls are considered anti-aging herbs, they are not meant to be taken internally but are ingredients found in face polishes and creams. Never make the mistake that because they are often advertised as an herb that they should be ingested.

Ginseng
Ginsengs are wonderful anti-aging herbs because they work as an anti-inflammatory agent. These anti-aging herbs also work to stimulate energy in the body and can do the same in the face, so that the skin can repair itself; they boost the immune system and stimulate healing properties.

St. John's Wort
The best anti-aging herbs are those that can stimulate repair in the body, helping it along its own natural processes of rejuvenation. St. John's Wort seems to do just that, helping the body to calm and revitalize itself. It has been used for years as a treatment for depression and mood disorders, and to help those with chronic sleeplessness.
As with other anti-aging herbs, St. John's Wort works by encouraging the body to repair and refresh itself. It is not used as a face treatment or cream, but helps the body to work from the inside out. Many realize that stress and other negative emotions cause the body to age prematurely, and by eliminating these or helping someone cope better with them, St. John's Wort can help someone to have a more radiant glow from their skin.

Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola has been used for years in parts of India as a healing treatment and works as one of the anti-aging herbs by promoting restoration in the skin. As it helps to heal scars and burns, it also helps to stimulate the skin's natural healing and restorative properties. Always

consult your doctor before using this information.


By David Cowley
Published: 8/11/2008
http://www.aging-team.com

Natural Skin Care: Secrets to a Younger-Looking and Fresher-Feeling Skin

The skin forms a protective covering, a close-fitting garment, for the whole body. It is of unequal thickness, it is thick and tough over those parts that are exposed to pressure and friction, but it is especially elastic in other parts that vary in size. But in every place it is adapted to the purpose of protection.

It is both a secreting and an excreting organ, and our health, our very lives, depends upon its proper action. If its millions of glands and pores become obstructed it is impossible for one to be healthy. On the other hand, when these openings — the safety valves of the body — are free and clear the impurities of the body are readily thrown off. The circulation is then improved, digestion is easier, intestinal and urinary secretions become more regular.

Equilibrium is established in the eliminating process between the skin and the internal organs, and an improvement in the nervous condition result as well. My own experience has been that daily friction of the skin will materially relieve insomnia. These friction exercises should be followed by a tepid bath. The moral of it all is: Keep the skin clean by friction and bathing.

The skin is composed of three layers. Overlying the true skin is the cuticle, or scarfskin, and although we commonly call this the skin, it is really only a protecting layer over the true skin. It has no blood vessels, so it never bleeds and, since it contains no nerves, it feels no pain. The microscope shows that it is composed entirely of minute flat scales, which overlap each other very much like the shingles of a roof. These scales are formed by the true skin beneath, and are constantly thrown off from the body. Ordinarily this is imperceptible; but sometimes the scales accumulate into masses, called scurf. Or, if the accumulation is upon the scalp, it is known as dandruff.

The complexion largely depends on the condition of the scarfskin. If it is rough, a good complexion is impossible. Temporary improvement can be obtained by use of the remedies dear to the feminine mind — "skin foods," face creams and face powders. But all of these ap¬plications have the same result: they simply fill up the minute lines, and temporarily smooth the rough surface. However, when this coating is washed off, the skin will resume its former condition.

Advertisements of so-called "skin foods"— lotions, creams, etc. positively assert that these preparations feed and nourish the skin, and build up the underlying muscles, and that the benefit derived from their use is therefore permanent. If the ingredients of all these preparations could be forced into the true skin and the muscles, and could there be converted into living cellular tissue, of which all parts of the body (the skin included) are com¬posed, this claim might have some foundation of truth.

But as these cells can only come into life by the process of digestion and assimilation, the fallacy of the above claim is apparent. You certainly cannot form or "build up" living tissue from dead matter. The term "skin food" is a very attractive title for these greasy, waxy preparations, but neither the skin nor the muscles can feed on that kind of food. By friction some very slight superficial absorption of the lotion or cream is possible; but even this does not become living tissue.

Their immediate effect is to coat the surface of the skin, which, after their use, assumes a smoother appearance. But this is temporary, and there can be no growth or improvement of the underlying muscles by such applications. The objection to these ointments is that they clog up and obstruct the myriads of underlying pores and glands. If you would have a healthy skin, these out¬lets for the impurities of the system must be kept clean and clear. Otherwise the skin cannot be healthy.

Natural Skin Care: The Exercise Way to Cure Wrinkled Skin

The secret of a fresh, healthy skin is friction and cleanliness. It is advisable that these friction exercises be practiced daily— and followed by a tepid bath. For the face and neck, friction with the palms of the hands is an effective method of removing wrinkles. They can be rubbed out, and the skin can be polished just like any other piece of leather. Use tepid water and soap for the ablutions of the face and neck. In a very short time after beginning these friction exercises for the body, you will find that the nervous system is calmer and that both the digestion and the circulation are improved. And what will prove of special interest to ladies is that the friction exercises for the face and neck will surely result in a marked improvement.

Skin Care Ingredients / Weighing The Benefits

If you've ever stood in the aisle of the skincare section
of your favorite cosmetics department looking for a face
cream to help you look younger and healthier, you know
how confusing it can be to find a product that will help
improve the look and texture of your skin.

As confusing as it is, science and research have become
our best friends in the quest for younger looking skin, and
the quest isn't over, there are promising new studies and
clinical tests every day that help us understand what it takes
to stay looking young and youthful.

Then why are we so confused about what we need?

According to consumer industry tracker Packaged Facts,
the 2004 U.S. skincare sales reached $6.4 billion and is
expected to reach over $9 billion by the year 2010. If you
consider all the skincare manufacturers competing for their
share of the industry it's not surprising that we fall prey to the
more prominent marketing hype and miss the actual research
findings.

The best advice is to do your homework. Understand what
your needs are and be realistic about the results. Don't expect
a magic potion that will erase years off your face in a few days.
It took years for those lines and wrinkles to develop, it isn't
practical to expect they will disappear in a few days.

It's also important to remember that the aging process can
only be slowed down, it can't be reversed. Everyone
experiences different levels of improvement. Skin care experts
have found it reasonable to expect about a 30% improvement
over the course of six to eight weeks time.

The best place to start is to identify what your skin care needs
are. Read the labels and understand what the ingredients do.

Depending on what doctors, specialists and advertisers you
talk to, you're likely to get differing answers but if you do your
homework by researching the ingredients and using products
as prescribed, you will most likely see a difference.

Here are a few facts on the most popular ingredients.

AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHA's are used as a skin exfoliator. It can clear pores and rid
the skin of dead cells. Beta Hydroxy or salicylic acids are often
used for acne prone skin but can be a bit drying. Experts seem
to agree that AHA's are an excellent skin exfoliator but it is
questionable as an anti-aging ingredient.

Copper Peptides
It is not conclusive as to whether copper peptides can reduce
the aging process by reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging
in the skin. It may be possible since copper peptides seem to
stimulate the production of collagen in unscarred skin and help
reduce skin inflammation, however there is a lack of clinical
evidence and more extensive research studies are needed
before the experts can agree completely on these claims.

Green Tea
Teas, be it black, white or green contain antioxidants which
are clinically known to fight off free radicals. Most skin care
experts agree that these teas can help decrease inflammation
and swelling of the skin and can also decrease the effects of
UV exposure. Skin care products that contain antioxidant teas
are often recommended.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that occurs naturally in humans,
animals and in young skin, however aging, smoking and dieting
can result in its loss.

Hyaluronic Acid has often been used as an injected lubricant
for osteoarthritis and other ailments. When applied topically,
it helps retain moisture and has been used to plump the skin.
Experts can agree that it is excellent in helping retain moisture
but are unsure of its long-lasting value.

Kinetin
Kinetin is a plant-growth hormone, and its technical name is
N6-furfuryladenine. Kinetin can offer temporary hydrating
benefits, however further applications of kinetin need to be
investigated. Kinetin is probably best used as a preventive
measure as opposed to reducing the look of aging.

Retinol
Most experts seem to agree that Retinol, (a derivative of
Vitamin A) and tretinoin (Retinol's stronger counterpart)
which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova, are
the most effective ingredients in the fight against anti-aging.
They can help regenerate collagen to reduce lines and
wrinkles, and help lighten dark spots, freckles and sun
damaged skin.

Absorption is a key factor in using retinol so it is recommended
that using a combination of retinol and palmitic acid (retinyl
palmitate) be used for proper penetration at the cellular level,
however if you use retinyl palmitate you will need to use more
of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same
effect.

Retin-A can cause skin sensitivity in which case retinol is an
excellent alternative.

Soy
It is believed that soy has mild skin rejuvenating effects as it
contains botanically-based estrogen. IT contains anti-oxidants
and anti-inflammatory that soothe the skin but there are no
anti-aging elements to soy.

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