Tips for Preventing Razor Burn

Shaving is a fact of life. Although more of a chore than a pleasantry it has to be done on a regular basis. Anyone who has been shaving for a while has probably experienced razor burn. That bleeding, painful sensation you get that leaves your skin red and burning sometimes for several days. Here are ten tips for preventing razor burn.

1. Never shave dry skin.
2. Use a lotion or shaving cream, usually after a shower or bath.
3. Make sure the razor you use has a sharp blade.
4. Use disposable razors.
5. Try not to shave the same spot over and over.
6. Shave in the direction of the hair growth for best results.
7. Use the razor lightly against the skin.
8. Apply moisturizer to your skin after shaving.
9. Use an electric razor for a smooth and even result.
10. Avoid using soap and water, as it will only dry your skin.

The skin irritation caused by razor burn is a direct result of peeling off part of the top layer of your skin. If you notice redness after shaving, don’t worry – it’s normal. However, we all know that razor burn is very hard to get rid of because every time you shave, you irritate your skin.

While some experts would tell you to stop shaving, it is certainly not an option many would consider. You can reduce the redness by applying hydrocortisone to the area after you shave. Hydrocortisone will temporarily relieve some of the pain and irritation, however, those in the know warn not to use it too often. They feel that over-use of hydrocortisone can cause a rebound effect where you may experience additional irritation and redness.

With so many products available today, there are safe and effective methods you can use to prevent razor burn. While some prefer shaving cream, others may use a different approach. Whatever method you choose in preventing razor burn, any one of the ten tips should help.

Tips To Help Reduce Bloating

One of the most uncomfortable feelings in the world is when you’re bloated, right? Clothes do not fit properly, you become irritable, and pain often accompanies the symptom, especially during PMS. While most people who experience bloating are affected by different foods or drinks, here are some tips to help reduce bloating.

1. Reduce your sodium intake. Salt is the number one contributor to bloating.
2. Exercise as much as you can.
3. Avoid foods which are gassy such as cabbage, beans, milk and other vegetables and foods which contain lactose.
4. When eating meals, chew slowly. The old adage of chewing 100 times may be true. Lay down your fork between each bite.
5. Avoid chewing gum to reduce the amount of air you are swallowing.
6. Avoid powdered milk as it contains salt which increases bloating.
7. Too many starchy foods combined with protein contribute to bloating.
8. Try not to drink anything that is very cold, but keep it at room temperature.
9. Do not eat too much of anything. Portion control can reduce bloating.
10. Check to determine what condiments may cause your bloating, such as mayonnaise and the like.
11. Eating processed foods such as mac and cheese can cause bloating due to its high sodium content.
12. Snacks such as chips and certain types of cheese flavored popcorn have high sodium content.
13. Avoid diet sodas and candies.
14. Constipation may also be a factor in bloating. Eat foods rich in fiber.
15. Drink chamomile tea, which is not only good for the digestive system, but reduces bloating as well.

Finally, and this may be hard to take ladies, but experts suggest that avoiding chocolate during your menstrual period will reduce the bloating as well. The reason is because chocolate contains both sugar and dairy, thus contributing to the bloating problem. However, no one can definitively tell you not to eat chocolate, especially when you are PMSing! Between the water retention and the bloating, denying yourself chocolate can be a lethal request.

These tips to help reduce bloating depend upon what actually causes it in your particular case. Keep track of those foods, drinks, and habits which contribute to it. Once you ascertain the cause, you’ll most likely never have to deal with it again.

Tips for Do It Yourself Facial Hair Removal

For some women, having facial hair is a fact of life which, unfortunately, we cannot avoid. Those little tiny, dark, hairs seem to crop up in places you’d least expect. The problem is most of the time you can’t even see them. To alleviate the pain of have them professionally removed, here are some tips for do it yourself facial hair removal.

While most of us use tweezers to remove facial hair around the eyebrows, some use this implement to remove hairs on the upper lip and under the chin as well. Painful? Yes. But the hairs grow back more slowly because you are plucking out the root as well.

If your hair is dark in nature, and you would rather not use tweezers, an excellent method is to use crème bleach. This lightens excess dark hair and lasts quite a long time. In fact, it is a great alternative to plucking a sensitive face.

Another method commonly used is waxing. While it is a bit painful, it is an effective way to remove hairs from the upper lip and/or facial area. The wax kits available today can be purchased for home use; and it should be noted, that most home kits use cold wax to prevent burning.

A more popular way of removing hair is by using sugar waxing. The difference between a sugar wax and a regular wax is that the sugar is water-soluble therefore hairs are removed easier by simply using water. This is a good thing.

Whether you pluck, bleach, or wax, removing facial hair is a necessary evil. Be sure to use the best method your type of skin, sensitivity, and facial hair. Either way, while it has to be done, the process should be as painless as possible.

Tips for Getting Rid of Cellulite

While not dangerous, cellulite is an annoying and unsightly problem for many women. Cellulite is bumpy skin usually found on the butt and thighs. While there are many theories on what causes it, it’s usually considered to be fat cells bulging out through tight, inflexible connective tissue.

If you turn on infomercials or the home shopping channels, you’ll probably see tons of different products to help get rid of it. The truth is: you can’t get rid of cellulite without expensive surgeries, but there are ways to reduce its appearance. Here are just a few suggestions to bring back your smooth, supple skin.

Get Healthy. While you can’t get rid of the cells that cause cellulite without surgery, you can shrink them down by losing weight and building muscle. While being overweight doesn’t cause cellulite, getting rid of excess pounds usually helps reduce its appearance.

Increase circulation. To loosen tight connective tissue and give your skin a smoother appearance, you should take steps to improve circulation in the area. While there are many products out there that are designed to help (even cellulite reducing pantyhose), the best way to do this is with daily massage. Plus, this can be a nice way to relax at the end of the day.

Use aloe vera. There are many “miracle” cellulite creams on the market, but you probably already know that it’s best to avoid them. Instead, get a good aloe vera cream. This will help loosen up the connective tissue and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular use of an exfoliating scrub may help as well.

Get rid of toxins in the body. One theory suggests that cellulite is caused by excess toxins in the body. Having well hydrated cells washes away the toxins and keeps them from building up; so drink plenty of water. Some people have found improvement after wraps and other treatments designed to remove toxins from the skin. You should also avoid adding new toxins to your system; cut back on caffeine, additives, preservatives, artificial colorings, and unnecessary medications.

While none of these suggestions can totally get rid of cellulite, with a few changes and patience, you can have smoother, less lumpy skin.

Is Acne Linked to Diet?

I remember as a teenager going to the dermatologist for help with my acne. My mother was always telling me to cut back on chocolate and sugary foods so she mentioned this to the dermatologist. Strangely enough my dermatologist disagreed and said that diet isn’t linked to acne.

I’m not so sure this is true. Perhaps in many cases such as when you’re having hormonal fluctuations, acne is inevitable, but the food we put into our bodies does have an overall effect on our health and so of course it will have an effect on our skin too. Everything we eat makes up who we are, our skin, hair, nails, and even the way we think and feel.

I’m not saying in your case your diet is the direct cause of your acne but in many cases it does play a role. Recent research at Colorado State University showed that high insulin levels due to excess sugar in the body led to a release of higher levels of androgens (male hormones) in the system. Androgen triggers excess sebum production which can lead to acne. Therefore reducing insulin levels can help acne and oily skin.

The way to reduce insulin levels is by reducing the amount of sugar you eat. By sugar we don’t just mean things like donuts and candies. Unfortunately, sugar is found in processed carbohydrates such as white bread, crackers, and any white flour products. The best thing you can do is switch to whole grain carbohydrates as these don’t raise your insulin levels in the same way the white flour products do.

And watch out for hidden sugars in processed foods and canned foods as well. By eating a diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats your skin should look better and you’ll also be taking care of the rest of your body, you’ll look and feel great.

I’m glad to say that years later I’m acne free but my diet is also much, much healthier these days. However, there are still times during the year like the holidays when I eat extra sugar and chocolate and without a doubt I start noticing a few small blemishes here and there. Once I stop my overindulgence the blemishes clear up.

Great Skin Foods - Stay Younger and Feel Good

Everything you put into your body will be reflected in your skin. If you have a diet high in fat, processed foods and little fruit and vegetables your skin will surely reflect that. In our teens, and 20s we’re able to get away with a lot but once we hit 30 and beyond our skin isn’t so forgiving anymore.

Here are a few must have foods to incorporate into your daily diet.

Green tea – Not only is this drink loaded with health benefits, it will also help the look of your skin by reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals that cause skin damage. So drink up.

Water – You probably already know this one but we need approximately 8 glasses of clear water a day (no sodas, soups or other drinks are included in this quota). For maximum benefits clear water is best. It helps purify your body and eliminates toxins.

Selenium – This powerhouse nutrient is found in foods such as turkey, brazil nuts, tuna and whole grain breads. Include at least one of these foods in your daily diet.

Fatty Acids – These are found in oils such as walnut and flaxseed. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are also rich in essential fatty acids.

Dairy – Low fat dairy products are high in Vitamin A which is beneficial to the skin. Low fat yogurt is also good for the digestive system which in turn helps skin health.

Fruits and Vegetables – A variety of fruits and vegetables are good for overall healthy skin but there are some foods in particular which are very high in powerful antioxidants and promote good skin health. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are great for fighting against free radicals which can cause skin cell damage. Vegetables that are brightly colored such as red peppers, yellow peppers and sweet potatoes are also great skin foods.

Now that you know what to eat there are some things that should be left out altogether if you want to look young longer:

White Flour Foods – White bread, rice, pasta and sugar are less nutritious than the whole grain types and will cause inflammation in the skin which can lead to aging. Try cutting these items from your diet for two weeks and look in the mirror. Your skin should look less inflamed and fine lines will be less apparent.

Alcohol – dehydrates the skin and speeds the aging process, try to only have it in moderation. A little red wine may have some health benefits whereas beer does not.

Smoking – This will age you, cutback or better yet cut it out altogether. Your skin and lungs will thank you for it.

Processed Foods – Processed foods are loaded with sugar and additives, these wreck havoc on the skin and are best left out of your diet altogether. Sodas and other sugary drinks are not only bad for your health but can also rob your skin of essential nutrients. They’re also not good for your waistline and have been known to cause cellulite (even the diet variety).

For truly glowing, young skin a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and essential oils is best.

Anti Aging Tips for Women

Throughout time, there’s been a persistent myth about the fountain of youth. Sure, we all know there’s no spring in Florida that will keep us young forever, but we still chase after pills, crèmes and anything else that will magically make us feel younger or live longer. Nothing can help us live forever or be ten years younger, but there are things you can do to help turn back the clock.

Stay on your diet. You may be on a diet to lose weight, but it has other benefits too. While carrying around extra pounds causes extra wear and tear on your system, a healthy diet also makes all your systems work right. If your organs are properly nourished, they’ll operate more efficiently and won’t get worn out as fast. It’s also a good idea to take a daily multivitamin. You might find other supplements beneficial; just be sure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients and not too much of the wrong ones.

Don’t forget your skin. An important part of feeling young is keeping your organs healthy. Well, your skin is the largest organ of your body. Having healthy skin can make you look younger, which in turn can make you feel younger. In addition to using anti-aging skin care products, be sure to eat a diet that helps improve skin quality. Good choices are fresh fruits and vegetables and foods rich in protein. Keep your skin (and the rest of your body) hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Get Exercise. Everyone’s heard the old adage “if you don’t use it you lose it”. Well, you’ve probably heard it so much because it’s true. Regular exercise keeps your body working properly. It can also strengthen your heart and help you lose excess pounds that are weighing you down. And remember, exercising your mind is just as important for staying young as exercising your body.

Feel good about getting old. It may seem silly, but people who have a positive view about getting older tend to live longer. Instead of worrying about how hard it will be to get around or do normal things, concentrate on the fun of retirement or other benefits to getting older.

Sure, there’s no fountain of youth, but taking small steps to stay healthy and keep yourself going will go a long way in helping you feel younger and live longer.

Mineral Makeup as a Healthy Alternative!

Why Mineral Make up is a Healthy Alternative

The food we eat is usually pretty safe; there are standards used to keep harmful chemicals from making it onto our plates. However, there are no similar standard for body care products. Shampoos, soaps, lotions, and make ups all contain chemicals that can harm your skin or even cause cancer. Mineral make-ups shouldn’t contain these harmful chemicals and are much safer for daily use. Plus, they look great, feel light on your skin, last forever, and can be used on all skin types. Natural make-ups have been used in other cultures for centuries, why not try some for your skin?

While the some of the artificial chemicals in traditional make-up products may be considered safe, it’s still possible that you’ll react poorly to them. If may be that you have an allergy to traditional make-ups and don’t even know it. What you think is just unpreventable acne may actually be a reaction to the make-up or other products you put on your skin. Mineral make-up are hypo allergenic so they won’t contribute to your breakouts and other skin conditions.

In addition to the fact that mineral make-ups don’t harm your skin, the natural ingredients actually nourish your skin making it more healthy and radiant. They allow your skin to breathe without zapping out all their moisture, and they even protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. Imagine, your skin looking and feeling better because you’re wearing make-up.

To cover up imperfections with a normal make-up, you need concealer, foundation, and a powder. And most of the time, your skin imperfections still show right through. Mineral make-up provides great coverage for skin imperfections, acne, and even Rosacea. With these make ups, anyone can look like they have beautiful skin. And isn’t that what makeup is for?

If you’ve seen the T.V. advertisements, you already know that mineral make-up is a whole lot easier to use. You don’t have to worry about rubbing, smoothing, and blending. You just brush it on as you buff it in. It’s quick and easy. Plus, it lasts all day so you don’t have to keep reapplying to keep your skin looking fantastic.

Currently, there are little to no restrictions as to what can go into “natural makeup”. Many times the company will put a few natural ingredients in along with a slew of harmful chemicals and claim the product is natural. You can verify a product is natural by looking for guaranteed seals, like from the USDA. Just be sure you know what the seal your trusting means (what do they check, what percent must be natural, etc). You can also simply read through the ingredients list. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient name, don’t buy the product.

So if you’re looking for a make-up that looks great, feels great, and can even improve the condition of your skin, why not go buy some mineral make-up today.

Mineral Girlz is your place to get great Mineral Makeup that is natural and good for your skin! Great for girlz too!