Muscle can turn to fat~ Muscle and fat are two different tissues and cannot convert into the other. Decreased physical activity reduces your muscle tissue and your metabolism.
You can spot reduce~ You can’t lose weight in any particular place before another. Your weight will first come off from the last place you put it on.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
BEAUTY MYTHS
Beauty myths are more often than not old adages that were handed down to each generation. Some of these misconceptions are centuries old and just plain silly. While logic doesn’t seem to play a big factor in beauty myths, they’re still abundant. These are a few that deserve to take their place in the myth “HALL OF SHAME”
Soap is bad for your skin~ Older formulas contained animal fats and vegetable oils. Newer soaps are formulated to be milder and some contain moisturizers that don’t dry out your skin.
Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker~ Your hair thickness is genetically determined. So when you shave it your hairs will be stubbier causing it to look thicker.
Drinking a lot of water leads to beautiful skin~ While drinking water is necessary for our bodies, too much will only lead to bloating and too many trips to the bathroom. However most of us do not drink the suggested 64 oz a day which would be sufficient to hydrate your body and skin.
Split ends can be repaired~ The ONLY way to rid split ends is to cut them off and prevent them in the future with good hair care and proper trimming.
You can wash away acne and pimples~ Scrubbing too vigorously can do just the opposite, it will increase oil production and aggravate the condition.
The sun clears up blemishes~ While the sun will temporarily dry out pimples, it interferes with healthy skin cells. This can cause a worse breakout a couple days after sun exposure.
Stick to one brand of products~ This beauty myth was probably put out there by manufacturers who want to keep customers loyal to their brand. However if you are using a acne skin care line you should stay in that line (so you aren’t mixing chemicals that don’t blend with each other)
You don’t need a sunscreen on a cloudy day~ The sun’s UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin.
Natural ingredients are non-allergenic~ Whether it’s natural or chemical ingredients, if you’re allergic, you’ll see a reaction. With the big hype about using more natural products we are seeing more and more people allergic to wheat products.
You can shrink the pores on your face~ Your pore size is another thing that is genetically determined. Pores may appear larger by bacteria and dead skin cells. Retin-A and alpha hydroxys are designed to break up these materials and bring the pores back to their original appearance.
Soap is bad for your skin~ Older formulas contained animal fats and vegetable oils. Newer soaps are formulated to be milder and some contain moisturizers that don’t dry out your skin.
Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker~ Your hair thickness is genetically determined. So when you shave it your hairs will be stubbier causing it to look thicker.
Drinking a lot of water leads to beautiful skin~ While drinking water is necessary for our bodies, too much will only lead to bloating and too many trips to the bathroom. However most of us do not drink the suggested 64 oz a day which would be sufficient to hydrate your body and skin.
Split ends can be repaired~ The ONLY way to rid split ends is to cut them off and prevent them in the future with good hair care and proper trimming.
You can wash away acne and pimples~ Scrubbing too vigorously can do just the opposite, it will increase oil production and aggravate the condition.
The sun clears up blemishes~ While the sun will temporarily dry out pimples, it interferes with healthy skin cells. This can cause a worse breakout a couple days after sun exposure.
Stick to one brand of products~ This beauty myth was probably put out there by manufacturers who want to keep customers loyal to their brand. However if you are using a acne skin care line you should stay in that line (so you aren’t mixing chemicals that don’t blend with each other)
You don’t need a sunscreen on a cloudy day~ The sun’s UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin.
Natural ingredients are non-allergenic~ Whether it’s natural or chemical ingredients, if you’re allergic, you’ll see a reaction. With the big hype about using more natural products we are seeing more and more people allergic to wheat products.
You can shrink the pores on your face~ Your pore size is another thing that is genetically determined. Pores may appear larger by bacteria and dead skin cells. Retin-A and alpha hydroxys are designed to break up these materials and bring the pores back to their original appearance.
Friday, June 25, 2010
FOUR COMMON SKIN TYPES
With the skin being one of the largest organs of the body, it’s no wonder how much emphasis is placed on caring for it. The skin is also the most visual of all the organs and good skin care means a more beautiful, healthy you. Our genetics, race, and age all play a factor in our skin type. How our skin reacts to our diet, hormones, the environment, and climate we live in can help us determine how to choose the best skin care products and the most effective way to treat our problem areas. I’ll outline four common skin types:
NORMAL
Normal skin feels comfortable and requires the least attention. Those lucky enough to have this skin type have a proper balance of moisture and oil production to have healthy, smooth skin with minimum breakouts. Cleansing with a mild soap everyday and using a light moisturizer is usually enough for this low maintenance skin type.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can affect any age group but it’s more common as we get older. It’s uncomfortable and tight, often with dry patches that can get irritated and itchy. Because of the lack of oil, dry skin is prone to fine lines and wrinkles appearing. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer often, underneath makeup and before bed to increase the comfort level and reduce your chances of unwanted lines.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands work overtime and provide too much oil, giving our skin a shiny and sometimes greasy appearance. Large pores often are a characteristic of those with oily skin and teenagers frequently experience pimples and acne, reducing their self esteem. Fortunately there are many products on the market today to keep the oil in check, thus reducing or eliminating any scarring that may occur. Use of makeup or powder helps to soak up excessive oil while minimizing shine.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is the trickiest to care for because some areas are dry, some are oily and some are perfectly balanced. Oily areas are usually in the T-zone and forehead while dry areas are common on the outer areas of the cheeks. Use of hair care products that come in contact with the skin around the hairline can cause an unwanted drying affect. There’s no one product that magically solves problems for each individual area so it’s best to take the time to treat combination skin types accordingly.
No matter your skin type or environment you need to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and protect. Always use sunscreen, your health and life depend on it!
NORMAL
Normal skin feels comfortable and requires the least attention. Those lucky enough to have this skin type have a proper balance of moisture and oil production to have healthy, smooth skin with minimum breakouts. Cleansing with a mild soap everyday and using a light moisturizer is usually enough for this low maintenance skin type.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can affect any age group but it’s more common as we get older. It’s uncomfortable and tight, often with dry patches that can get irritated and itchy. Because of the lack of oil, dry skin is prone to fine lines and wrinkles appearing. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer often, underneath makeup and before bed to increase the comfort level and reduce your chances of unwanted lines.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands work overtime and provide too much oil, giving our skin a shiny and sometimes greasy appearance. Large pores often are a characteristic of those with oily skin and teenagers frequently experience pimples and acne, reducing their self esteem. Fortunately there are many products on the market today to keep the oil in check, thus reducing or eliminating any scarring that may occur. Use of makeup or powder helps to soak up excessive oil while minimizing shine.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is the trickiest to care for because some areas are dry, some are oily and some are perfectly balanced. Oily areas are usually in the T-zone and forehead while dry areas are common on the outer areas of the cheeks. Use of hair care products that come in contact with the skin around the hairline can cause an unwanted drying affect. There’s no one product that magically solves problems for each individual area so it’s best to take the time to treat combination skin types accordingly.
No matter your skin type or environment you need to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and protect. Always use sunscreen, your health and life depend on it!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Control Frizz
From the straightest of tresses to the curliest, most if not all of us have issues with FRIZZ! It’s an awful nuisance and some of us have a hard time trying to control it. Try these tips:
• Make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you keep your locks moisturized it will help to tame the unruly frizz.
• Deep condition your hair once a week.
• Use a leave in conditioner or serum.
• Once a month apply a clear demi permanent hair color to coat the hair shaft and calm the frizz.
• Get regular trims.
• Make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you keep your locks moisturized it will help to tame the unruly frizz.
• Deep condition your hair once a week.
• Use a leave in conditioner or serum.
• Once a month apply a clear demi permanent hair color to coat the hair shaft and calm the frizz.
• Get regular trims.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Bad haircut help
The dreaded bad haircut goes beyond a bad hair day! It can change the way you feel about yourself and undermine your self esteem for months. It’s no secret women are picky about their hair. It’s hard enough to get a good style but with a bad cut it’s almost impossible.
Fist of all, don’t panic! If misery loves company, you’ve got plenty. The bad hair cut club is not exclusive anybody can get in; it may help to know that you are not alone. Here’s some advice to get you through it.
Contact your stylist
You need to tell your stylist that you are not satisfied with your cut. It’s possible you wont realize it’s bad until you are home. If that’s the case, give your stylist a call and tell him or her why your not satisfied. If there is some hair to work with, make an appointment to have it corrected. If it’s too short it is better to just let it grow you don’t need to make it any worse.
If this is a new stylist and you wont trust him or her again, get a referral, go back to a trusted one, or try a new one to get help for your bad cut. There’s no reason to have someone cutting your hair again if they’ve caused you so much grief to begin with.
If this was a trusted stylist who botched your hair, it’s better to forgive and allow them to make a mends. Nobody is perfect, and it may just have been a bad day for them or simple miscommunication. While this is little relief, they’re trying their best to make it right.
Some Consolation
Now for some bad haircut help. For your emotional stability, you need to remember that hair grows about ½” a month and it’s probably not going to take near as long as you think to grow it out to a stage where it’s acceptable. Trust me, this is the only time you will appreciate dark roots because it means your hair is growing!
Give it some time. If you’re one of the few lucky ones, you may decide the cut wasn’t that bad after all and you may even like it. If that’s not the case…
Growing out a bad haircut is awkward but there are ways to minimize your discomfort. If the hat fits wear it. Some people look great in hats and already have some. Ok so that may not be what you had in mind.
Add some style
Try adding some body to straight hair with Velcro rollers or a curling iron. Adding some waves and curls will help disguise any blunt cuts. If your hair is wavy or kinky, straighten it out to give it some length. Don’t be stuck in a rut. Now that you have a different haircut (like it or not) you need to do damage control with some new styles.
Use hair Accessories
A rotten haircut gives you a good excuse to try out some of the awesome new hair accessories. If your hair is long try pulling it back and leaving a few strands hanging out around the face to give the illusion of longer tresses. Try using some of the new headbands and clips that have come out recently with bows, feathers, flowers and rhinestones.
Add hair extensions
You can find clip on synthetic pony tails, braids and straight hair extensions almost anywhere these days. If you can match the color of your hair you’re in luck! You will have an instant feminine look. I personally do not suggest extensions that are glued or fused into the hair because in the long run they will create more damage giving you one more thing to have to work at growing out.
Whatever bad haircut fix you decide on, remember, it’s only a matter of time before you’re back to your normal fabulous self and this will be only a bad memory.
Fist of all, don’t panic! If misery loves company, you’ve got plenty. The bad hair cut club is not exclusive anybody can get in; it may help to know that you are not alone. Here’s some advice to get you through it.
Contact your stylist
You need to tell your stylist that you are not satisfied with your cut. It’s possible you wont realize it’s bad until you are home. If that’s the case, give your stylist a call and tell him or her why your not satisfied. If there is some hair to work with, make an appointment to have it corrected. If it’s too short it is better to just let it grow you don’t need to make it any worse.
If this is a new stylist and you wont trust him or her again, get a referral, go back to a trusted one, or try a new one to get help for your bad cut. There’s no reason to have someone cutting your hair again if they’ve caused you so much grief to begin with.
If this was a trusted stylist who botched your hair, it’s better to forgive and allow them to make a mends. Nobody is perfect, and it may just have been a bad day for them or simple miscommunication. While this is little relief, they’re trying their best to make it right.
Some Consolation
Now for some bad haircut help. For your emotional stability, you need to remember that hair grows about ½” a month and it’s probably not going to take near as long as you think to grow it out to a stage where it’s acceptable. Trust me, this is the only time you will appreciate dark roots because it means your hair is growing!
Give it some time. If you’re one of the few lucky ones, you may decide the cut wasn’t that bad after all and you may even like it. If that’s not the case…
Growing out a bad haircut is awkward but there are ways to minimize your discomfort. If the hat fits wear it. Some people look great in hats and already have some. Ok so that may not be what you had in mind.
Add some style
Try adding some body to straight hair with Velcro rollers or a curling iron. Adding some waves and curls will help disguise any blunt cuts. If your hair is wavy or kinky, straighten it out to give it some length. Don’t be stuck in a rut. Now that you have a different haircut (like it or not) you need to do damage control with some new styles.
Use hair Accessories
A rotten haircut gives you a good excuse to try out some of the awesome new hair accessories. If your hair is long try pulling it back and leaving a few strands hanging out around the face to give the illusion of longer tresses. Try using some of the new headbands and clips that have come out recently with bows, feathers, flowers and rhinestones.
Add hair extensions
You can find clip on synthetic pony tails, braids and straight hair extensions almost anywhere these days. If you can match the color of your hair you’re in luck! You will have an instant feminine look. I personally do not suggest extensions that are glued or fused into the hair because in the long run they will create more damage giving you one more thing to have to work at growing out.
Whatever bad haircut fix you decide on, remember, it’s only a matter of time before you’re back to your normal fabulous self and this will be only a bad memory.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Summer Beauty tips
As the weather changes, so should your beauty routine. When the temperatures start rising, your body and skin reacts differently than it does in colder climates. A change in your routine is in order for your skin, make-up and hair to keep it healthy and look fabulous. If you want to look great when the summer heat finally hits, take note of these basic summer beauty tips to adjust yourself to a different climate and keep your youthful glow.
Change your skin routine
Hot weather means more humidity and your skin will need less moisture than it does in the winter. Switch to a lighter moisturizer to keep your pores clear and you will be less likely to experience blemishes. Keep your feet in top notch shape by regularly exfoliating to slough off dry skin and calluses. Moisturize to the max and treat yourself to a pedicure so that you can show off your feet in a strappy pair of sandals.
Drink more water
Water is the trick to beautiful youthful skin. Your body needs more water in the summer to stay hydrated. Since you will sweat more in hot weather, it’s vital that you restore your fluids when exercising or simply being out and about in warmer temperatures. Always keep a bottle of water handy in your car so it’s ready to go where you are.
Keep your tan in check
A healthy tan is a myth! There is no such thing. Your goal should not be to suntan, but to protect your skin against the suns dangerous UV rays so you don’t prematurely age. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 on ALL exposed areas of your body when you are outside. (Please see my previous blog on choosing the right sun protection)
You can still get a healthy looking tan without damaging your skin if you use a sunless tanning lotion.
Exercise in Cooler Temperatures
If you have to do your walking or jogging outdoors, then doing it in the morning is more beneficial because the temperatures haven’t risen to day time highs yet. If this means getting up earlier, then give it a try. You may find that a little time alone is a good way to start your day. Another alternative is to work out in doors, where the temperature is controlled. Whether you do this at home or in a gym, use your own towel to keep your skin clean and dry.
Use insect Repellent
Bugs and mosquitoes are common pests in the summer, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. When outdoors, especially camping and hiking, use bug repellent to avoid any irritating bites and bumps that go along with it. Sometimes it’s not a pimple that sprouts on your face it’s an insect bite!
Change your skin routine
Hot weather means more humidity and your skin will need less moisture than it does in the winter. Switch to a lighter moisturizer to keep your pores clear and you will be less likely to experience blemishes. Keep your feet in top notch shape by regularly exfoliating to slough off dry skin and calluses. Moisturize to the max and treat yourself to a pedicure so that you can show off your feet in a strappy pair of sandals.
Drink more water
Water is the trick to beautiful youthful skin. Your body needs more water in the summer to stay hydrated. Since you will sweat more in hot weather, it’s vital that you restore your fluids when exercising or simply being out and about in warmer temperatures. Always keep a bottle of water handy in your car so it’s ready to go where you are.
Keep your tan in check
A healthy tan is a myth! There is no such thing. Your goal should not be to suntan, but to protect your skin against the suns dangerous UV rays so you don’t prematurely age. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 on ALL exposed areas of your body when you are outside. (Please see my previous blog on choosing the right sun protection)
You can still get a healthy looking tan without damaging your skin if you use a sunless tanning lotion.
Exercise in Cooler Temperatures
If you have to do your walking or jogging outdoors, then doing it in the morning is more beneficial because the temperatures haven’t risen to day time highs yet. If this means getting up earlier, then give it a try. You may find that a little time alone is a good way to start your day. Another alternative is to work out in doors, where the temperature is controlled. Whether you do this at home or in a gym, use your own towel to keep your skin clean and dry.
Use insect Repellent
Bugs and mosquitoes are common pests in the summer, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. When outdoors, especially camping and hiking, use bug repellent to avoid any irritating bites and bumps that go along with it. Sometimes it’s not a pimple that sprouts on your face it’s an insect bite!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
How to get the Best Haircut and Style
Have you ever come home from the salon upset because you thought your hair was ruined? And to top it off you paid for the catastrophe on your head! It’s probably happened to just about all of us at one time or another but you can prevent it from happening again. On your quest for the most fantastic hair cut and style here are some important steps to ensure you get just what you want.
Choose a Reputable stylist
Seek out others for referrals. Ask your friends with great looking hair which salon they go to and the name of the stylist. More important, ask those who have similar hair texture, thickness and styles that you prefer where they go. If you see stranger whose hair you adore, don’t be shy, flatter that person with compliments and get the information you need. Most people are happy to share their stylist and can often get a discount for giving referrals.
Take Pictures to your appointment
It’s not always easy to vocalize what haircut you want. Your description may bring up something completely different in the stylists mind, leading to a bad cut that can take months to recover from.
Salons are full of magazines and styling guides for a reason. If you bring a picture from home or select one from the salon’s magazines, you’re more likely to get just what you want, Be reasonable, not all cuts and styles will work on every hair texture and some can accentuate facial flaws. The best insurance is to bring along a few pictures and ask the professional’s advice.
Be Precise
If you want your long hair to stay long, say just that. If you want just a trim, tell the stylist how much you want cut and make sure you show them with your fingers. Don’t be afraid to interrupt while your hair is being cut. If you just sit there, knowing they are on the wrong track you will kick yourself later. A stylist who asks plenty of questions about how you want your hair to look is one that wants to make sure that you will walk out happy.
Watch Closely
Don’t get into heavy chatting and then discover that you have no idea how to achieve that fantastic look. A great hairstylist is one you’ll want to replicate over and over so it’s important to watch carefully and see how it’s done. Again, ask questions and you can pick up some good tips for manipulating your hair into the style that’s perfect for you.
Be Decisive
There are times when you’re just not happy with the cut. If you are aware of it before you leave the salon, make it known. If the salon is not busy, this may be able to be corrected then and there. If you feel rushed, tell the stylist and let him or her know that you may be in touch soon. If you discover that the haircut is not to your liking after you get home, make another appointment to follow up. After all, you wanted to look better, right? The best way to do this is to communicate with the professional.
Choose a Reputable stylist
Seek out others for referrals. Ask your friends with great looking hair which salon they go to and the name of the stylist. More important, ask those who have similar hair texture, thickness and styles that you prefer where they go. If you see stranger whose hair you adore, don’t be shy, flatter that person with compliments and get the information you need. Most people are happy to share their stylist and can often get a discount for giving referrals.
Take Pictures to your appointment
It’s not always easy to vocalize what haircut you want. Your description may bring up something completely different in the stylists mind, leading to a bad cut that can take months to recover from.
Salons are full of magazines and styling guides for a reason. If you bring a picture from home or select one from the salon’s magazines, you’re more likely to get just what you want, Be reasonable, not all cuts and styles will work on every hair texture and some can accentuate facial flaws. The best insurance is to bring along a few pictures and ask the professional’s advice.
Be Precise
If you want your long hair to stay long, say just that. If you want just a trim, tell the stylist how much you want cut and make sure you show them with your fingers. Don’t be afraid to interrupt while your hair is being cut. If you just sit there, knowing they are on the wrong track you will kick yourself later. A stylist who asks plenty of questions about how you want your hair to look is one that wants to make sure that you will walk out happy.
Watch Closely
Don’t get into heavy chatting and then discover that you have no idea how to achieve that fantastic look. A great hairstylist is one you’ll want to replicate over and over so it’s important to watch carefully and see how it’s done. Again, ask questions and you can pick up some good tips for manipulating your hair into the style that’s perfect for you.
Be Decisive
There are times when you’re just not happy with the cut. If you are aware of it before you leave the salon, make it known. If the salon is not busy, this may be able to be corrected then and there. If you feel rushed, tell the stylist and let him or her know that you may be in touch soon. If you discover that the haircut is not to your liking after you get home, make another appointment to follow up. After all, you wanted to look better, right? The best way to do this is to communicate with the professional.
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