tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36365686630055348292024-02-20T03:18:50.641-08:00Health & Fitness ZoneUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-43738353516612533002007-08-03T11:21:00.000-07:002008-05-10T17:32:30.307-07:00Benefits of Resistance TrainingDo you want to have a stronger and more beautiful body? Then the best thing to do is get on your feet and start doing the resistance training.<br /><br />What Is Resistance Training?<br /><br />Resistance training involves activities that use weights, machines and even body weight to work out the muscles properly. It is also known as strength training or weight training. This can be very helpful in achieving a healthier body.<br /><br />This kind of training is usually associated with athletes who have to build up their bodies. Most people would think that when resistance training is done, the body will grow bigger. Actually it will not. Resistance training is simply about increasing the strength of the body, not its size.<br /><br />Actually, this can be practiced by anyone. It basically builds and tones the muscle to give the body a better look. This training program is even very much advisable to the elders. The usual training programs undergone by the elders are standing free-weights resistance or the moderate-intensity seated machine training.<br /><br />How Does Resistance Training Work?<br /><br />A resistance training program will include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. When the equipment is used, the muscles of the body will be pitted against the weight. The cells of the body will then adapt to the extra weight. This will then result to hypertrophy or the enlarging and increasing of the nerve cells to help in the muscle contraction.<br /><br />Before doing any resistance training, it will be best to consult first with the doctor. This goes especially for people who have medical conditions or are overweight. This kind of training is not something that you can explore on your own. You have to know the proper equipment for the needs of your body. The body must also be conditioned first before taking in the weights.<br /><br />Resistance training can also be done without resorting to the equipment. Doing push-ups is one good example. You can do it just about anywhere where there is enough space for you to move. This time it is your own body weight that will be pitted against the muscles. So those who are a bit constrained in the budget can still do resistance trainings.<br /><br />What Are the Benefits of Resistance Training?<br /><br />1. Increase Bone Mineral Density<br />Bones are constantly remodeling, meaning the tissues break down at the same time they build up. The peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. However, as a person ages, there may be problems with the bone mineral density as the remodeling may not be as active anymore. This is especially a problem to post-menopausal women.<br /><br />Bone mineral density is usually supported by the hormones. To address the problem of not having the hormones to maintain the bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best option. Resistance training is one physical activity that can address this.<br /><br />2. Increase Strength<br />Strong bones and strong muscles will be developed as you undergo the resistance training program.<br /><br />3. Increase the Range of Activities<br />When your body is strong enough to carry some considerable weight, then definitely you will also be capable of doing more strenuous activities. You are less likely to be lazy and you can live a more active lifestyle.<br /><br />4. Reduce the Body Fat<br />Pitting the weights on your muscle will definitely give it the body the exercise it needs and get rid of the undesirable fats. Thus expect the tone of the body to improve. Even more, expect the body to look better, to be leaner.<br /><br />5. Improve State of the Elders<br />For the elderly, undergoing a resistance training program will help improve their health and decrease the risks brought about by the age. They can be more independent, without needing to rely on other people for doing simple things. Being able to do so will also decrease the risk of injuries in the elders<br /><br />6. Improve Heart Condition<br />Regularly doing resistance training can result to a lowered heart rate and lowered blood pressure, especially after exercise. The risk of heart diseases is reduced to a considerable extent.<br /><br />This kind of training however must be properly done. It requires commitment and consistency. It will have to be done in a regular basis, following a schedule that the doctor or the physical trainer would recommend. If done incorrectly, the benefits of the program may not be enjoyed and it can even result the injury.<br /><br />The key here is to simply take your time. Do things one step at a time correctly. As your body condition improves, then move on to more challenging tasks. The strength of the body and its overall look are at stake in the resistance training. So you better be sure to do it properly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-10757011160631608972007-08-02T11:21:00.000-07:002008-04-30T02:52:26.913-07:00Benefits of Cardio TrainingBeing fit and healthy is the in thing. Actually, it really never goes out of style. That body is the most valuable asset you could have in your lifetime. Thus it is important that you take good care of it. Give it the proper attention it needs. <br /><br />When it comes to ensuring and maintaining the health, the best option is to do cardio training.<br /><br />What Is Cardio Training?<br /><br />Cardio training involves any activity that requires the use of the large muscle groups of the body in a regular and uninterrupted manner. It elevates the heart rate between 60 to 85 percent of the fastest heart rate you could get. <br /><br />Some of the usual cardio training activities are walking, jogging, running, aerobics, cycling, tae bo, swimming and rowing. Cardio training is considered an aerobic exercise as one is required to move from one exercise to another.<br /><br />What Are the Benefits of Training?<br /><br />1. Gives Energy to the Body<br />You can expect more energy and higher endurance after some time of regular cardio training. <br /><br />2. Prevents Diseases<br />One could prevent heart diseases with regular cardio training. It is also helpful in preventing other variety of diseases like diabetes, obesity and even high cholesterol. The cardiovascular training strengthens the heart and the lungs. The low to moderated type of cardio exercises are required for people seeking to prevent diseases. Examples of these are walking, brisk walking or jogging.<br /><br />3. Control Your Weight<br />With cardio training, you are able to burn more calories. This will help one who needs to lose weight. While those who already achieved their ideal body mass, the training will make it easier to control the weight. <br /><br />Cardio training helps burn calories. However this generally depends on your current weight and the kind of cardio training you are undergoing. Better consult this matter with your physician or trainer, to know the proper type of training for your needs. <br /><br />4. Lose Body Fats<br />Some people do not have problem with their weights. However, there may be some excess fats that keep bothering. Cardio training will help in getting rid of those. The activities involve the movements of large muscle groups. Regularly doing the training will make you leaner.<br /><br />5. Get Rid of Boredom<br />Cardio training is fun. It pumps up your system. You will definitely feel more energized and on the go.<br /><br />Recommendations to Better Enjoy the Benefits of Cardio Training<br /><br />Cardio training is essential when you need to make health improvements. For starters, it is best to do the 30 to 45 minutes of exercises, 3 to 5 days a week. If you are aiming for weight loss, the training must be done 5 days a week. The more frequent you do it; the more likely it is that you will lose weight. However, avoid exhausting yourself too much in exercise. Avoid going beyond 45 minutes. Remember, it has to be done in a regular basis. <br /><br />Start now. Walk or ride the bike around the neighborhood now. Follow that aerobics video you purchased. Set a goal and follow that goal. At the same time, modify your diet too. Eat healthy food. <br /><br />As you increase in the fitness level, the intensity of the training must also increase. This is to have an area of variation and there should always be room for improvement. Implement this by intensifying some parts of the training. If you are into jogging or running, increase speed every 5 minutes for at least a minute or two. It is important that you challenge yourself, so as not to be stuck in a stump.<br /><br />Avoid doing the cardio exercises before bedtime. You will have a difficult time sleeping if you do so as the energy level of the body will stay high for sometime.<br /><br />If you are undergoing weight training too, do the cardio exercises right after, not before.<br /><br />It is best to take a snack 30 minutes before doing the cardio exercises. Do not start with training in an empty stomach. This will not help in achieving the proper momentum when you train. At the same time, avoid indulging in large meals too before exercise. Just give your body the proper supply it will need to sustain exhausting movements.<br /><br />It is good to do the cardio exercises outdoors. This way you can easily interact with nature and breathe fresh air. You can also simply enjoy going around the neighborhood as you get your system healthier by the minute. It is possible to make some friends among the people who also do their exercises.<br /><br />Be consistent and stick with the training once you have started it. This is the only way that cardio training will benefit your body and your health in the long run.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-21242972822103051752007-08-01T11:21:00.000-07:002008-04-14T09:23:20.219-07:00Benefits of Cardio Interval TrainingIn a long-term study of the health of the people of in the United States, the U.S. Public Health Service documented the chances of developing heart disease among various groups in the population. Long before the any symptoms appeared, epidemiological research could identify high-risk groups.<br /><br />Among the highest risk factors are male sex, age over 35, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high levels of certain blood fats, and a family history of cardiovascular disorders.<br /><br />Other researchers have added to this list another risk factor: the compulsive, hard-driving, highly anxious personality. The greater the number of severity, the greater the person’s overall risk.<br /><br />These threats to the heart can be divided into two main categories: those beyond individual control, such as age, sex, and heredity, and those that can be controlled, avoided, or even eliminated. Among those in the second category are what cardiologists call “the triple threat.” These are the high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and high cholesterol levels in the blood.<br /><br />If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, your risk of having a heart attack is twice that of a nonsmoker. If you smoke, have hypertension, and eat a diet high in fats without any exercise at all, your risk is five times greater than normal.<br /><br />The Healthy Heart<br /><br />If these risk factors endanger the heart’s health, what enhances its well-being and improves its odds of working long and well?<br /><br />Obviously, quitting cigarettes and eating a low-fat diet will help. The next best thing you can do for your heart’s sake is to give it what it needs: regular exercise or a complete cardio interval training.<br /><br />The heart is a muscle, or, more accurately, a group or “package” of muscles, similar in many ways to the muscles of the arms and legs. And just as exercise strengthens and improves limb muscles, it enhances the health of the heart muscles as well.<br /><br />Since World War II, several large-scale statistical studies have evaluated the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease. One well-known survey compared 31,000 drivers and conductors of some bus companies. The more sedentary drivers had a significantly higher rate of heart disease than the conductors, who walked around the buses and climbed stairs to the upper level.<br /><br />The why and how behind these statistics were bet explained by classic experiments with dogs whose coronary arteries were surgically narrowed to resemble those of humans with arteriosclerosis. Dogs who were exercised were had much better blood flow than those kept inactive.<br /><br />The exercise seemed to stimulate the development of new connections between the impaired and the nearly normal blood vessels, so exercised dogs had a better blood supply to all the muscle tissue of the heart. The human heart reacts in the same way to provide blood to the portion that was damaged by the heart attack.<br /><br />To enable the damaged heart muscle to heal, the heart relies on new small blood vessels for what is called collateral circulation. These new branches on the arterial tress can develop long before a heart attack — and can prevent a heart attack if the new network takes on enough of the function of the narrowed vessels.<br /><br />With all these facts, it is now boiled down to a single question: What should be done in order to prevent such dilemmas?<br /><br />Some studies showed that moderate exercise several times a week is more effective in building up these auxiliary pathways than extremely vigorous exercise done twice often.<br /><br />The general rule is that exercise helps reduce the risk of harm to the heart. Some researches further attested the link between exercise and healthy heart based from the findings that the non-exercisers had a 49% greater risk of heart attack than the other people included in the study. The study attributed a third of that risk to sedentary lifestyle alone.<br /><br />Hence, with employing the cardio interval training, you can absolutely expect positive results not only on areas that concerns your cardiovascular system but on the overall status of your health as well.<br /><br />This particular activity that is definitely good for the heart is a cycle of “repeated segments” that is of intense nature. In this process, there is an interchange periods of recuperation. It can both be comprehensive activity and moderate motion.<br /><br />Consequently, the benefits of merely engaging into this kind of activity can bring you more results that you have ever expected. These are:<br /><br />1. The threats of heart attack are lessened, if not eliminated<br /><br />2. Enhanced heart task<br /><br />3. Increase metabolism, increase the chance of burning calories, therefore, assist you in losing weight<br /><br />4. Improves lung capacity<br /><br />5. Helps lessen or eliminate the cases of stress<br /><br />Indeed, cardio interval training is the modern way of creating a healthy, happy heart and body.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-54618798430244827132007-06-02T11:21:00.000-07:002008-04-10T11:24:56.031-07:007 Diet Secrets of the StarsCelebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.<br /><br />So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.<br /><br />1. Jennifer Aniston<br />The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:<br /><br />40% Low glycemic carbohydrates<br />-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes<br /><br />30% lean proteins<br />-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products<br /><br />30% essential fats<br />-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils<br /><br />It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.<br /><br />2. Kate Hudson<br />The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.<br /><br />3. Oprah Winfrey<br />As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.<br /><br />4. Gwyneth Paltrow<br />A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.<br /><br />5. Madonna<br />The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.<br /><br />6. Claudia Schiffer<br />The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.<br /><br />7. Christie Brinkley<br />Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.<br /><br />Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-69848281100967309552007-05-05T11:10:00.000-07:002008-04-15T12:34:57.024-07:00The Women’s Way: Some Recommended Bodybuilding SupplementsA woman’s sport as well. Bodybuilding is known to be for “the boys” only. However, these days it has grown its popularity to the female population.<br /><br />Bodybuilding for women is not solely for muscle build-up, they do it for several reasons such as to achieve a desired size, increase in strength, and most importantly confidence.<br /><br />The bodybuilding supplements utilized by the male species are different from those supplements for women. For instance, testosterone booster is not applicable for women since it may result to deepening of voice and more hair growth.<br /><br />Here are some bodybuilding supplements which you may consider:<br /><br />Use of Creatine<br />There is specially designed creatine for women such as the “Femme Advantage Creatine.” It comes in liquid form. The difference of the usual creatine from this type of specially-designed creatine is that it gets rid of side effects.<br /><br />The possible side effect of the usual creatine includes irritated stomach, muscle cramps, loose bowel movement and dehydration.<br /><br />Vitamin B Supplements<br />This type of bodybuilding supplement helps in proper metabolic process of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Additionally, the said vitamins are vital to keep your eyes, hair and skin healthy.<br /><br />Vitamin B6 helps in proper utilization of carbohydrates. On the other hand, Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is considered to develop “packed muscles.” Niacin or Vitamin B3 aids in several “metabolic processes” which produces energy. Alternatively, three important production of energy is involved with Vitamin B2 or what is commonly referred to as Riboflavin.<br /><br />Calcium Supplements<br />In bodybuilding you need to have robust bones to keep up with rigorous training, hence, the need for calcium. Calcium is a vital factor that maintains proper functioning of the bones.<br /><br />There are several calcium supplements you can purchase in the market. Alternatively, it is recommended to consume “natural sources of calcium” such as dairy products, seaweeds, and broccoli.<br /><br />Full Essential Fatty Acids<br />The use of essential fatty acids or EFAs brings numerous benefits to female bodybuilder since:<br />? It produces energy.<br />? It diffuses oxygen in the bloodstream.<br />? It reduces “water retention.”<br />? It has a “calming effect” as well as normalize mood.<br />? It aids in the transport and metabolic process of “triglycerides” and cholesterol.<br /><br />Most fish and plant oils are rich in essential fatty acids.<br />Protein Supplements<br />Protein is considered a necessary “building block” of muscles. It aids in proper functioning of the muscles through repair and growth. Bodybuilding protein supplements are commonly in power form.<br /><br />There are four major types where you can obtain protein: (1) Whey; (2) Egg whites; (3) Casein; and (4) Soy.<br /><br />Meal Replacement Products or MRPs<br />This type of supplement comes in bars or drink mixes. MRPs are good bodybuilding supplement since it is high in protein, less fat and carbohydrates. Most importantly, MRPs are said to contain various vitamins and minerals.<br /><br />Commonly MRP products consist of proteins from whey, casein, soy and egg. Additionally, MRP have carbohydrate ingredient which usually comes from oat fiber, wheat flour, and brown rice.<br /><br />The use of supplement must be consulted with your bodybuilding trainer so that you will be properly guided. To achieve a good female bodybuilder’s physique, you need to be disciplined and persistence. Not only will you consuming such supplements, you also need to do proper workouts, maintain a good diet and most significantly obtain proper rest.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-24862171654871546942007-05-04T11:10:00.000-07:002008-04-14T09:23:50.669-07:00Natural Body Building Supplements: The Way to a Healthy and Fit BodyA natural body building supplement provides several advantages. These supplements are natural food extracts that contains nutritional doses made in forms that provide easy body absorption. Basically, these are not alternatives for basic diets but only additions for normal diets.<br /><br />Natural body supplements can help you get the minerals, proteins and vitamins you need. The intake of these supplements however depends on your purpose. It does not require too much dosage if you only want a fit and an athletic body. Small dosage of minerals and vitamins will do. But if wanted to achieve rippling muscles, then liberal dosage of natural body building supplement is required, protein supplements in particular.<br /><br />However, body building enthusiasts must learn how to get the most out of it. If you want to take natural body building supplements, then it reveals your desire to achieve your fitness and health objectives. But keep in mind that these supplements must be accompanied with other useful activities. To stay healthy and fit, it requires the full force of the mind, body, and spirit. One simple natural body building supplement would not do any magic at all.<br /><br />To maintain your healthy lifestyle, exercise and a balanced diet is also needed. These natural building supplements only help your body to do your activities naturally. Exercise never really means getting buff or thin. It promotes good brain functioning and good blood circulation. You can stay organized, feel relaxed, give you enough energy, and sleep better throughout the night. If you combine exercise and natural body building supplements, then better results are also achieved.<br /><br />There are lots of natural body building supplement in the market today. It promises to enhance your performance and health status. If you are enjoying some fitness activities, you can obtain benefits from these supplements. Don't just take a plunge. Do your research to find genuine natural body building supplement. Manufacturers always do their best to convince people in buying their products. As much as possible, read unbiased reviews regarding the efficiency of a particular supplement based on scientific analysis. Rapid results for achieving lean muscles growth then utilize the best natural body building supplement. Take note, the best natural body building supplement efficiently works and does no harm.<br /><br />Searching for the best supplements must be accompanied with intelligence and logic. If you are not careful about your selection, there is a greater risk of harmful side effects as well as losing your money in the end. Also avoid conducting uneducated experiments with your body and always maintain cardiovascular exercises.<br /><br />Seek advice from experts such as professional gym instructors. It can help you create a plan on how these supplements can boost your fitness needs. It is necessary to know what type of natural body building supplement you should take, taking into consideration the nutrients and vitamins that are good for your condition. This will enable you to obtain better muscle growth.<br /><br />Finally, you should understand your mind's true ability. But remember that poor emotional and mental state can make a person feel unwell. To obtain the true value of natural body building supplements, your attitude must always stay positive, get enough rest, and keep your mind away from stress. Combining these techniques with natural body building supplements can ensure a happier, healthier, and longer life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-69286731714484274192007-05-03T11:10:00.000-07:002008-04-26T04:32:24.421-07:00Nutritional Body Building Supplement: Great AlternativesIn body building, hard work is required, since a great physique is not achieved in just one day. In connection with this, people should eat often to replace whatever energy that is lost during strenuous exercises. But some people are not aware of the proper eating routine. That is why no matter how they want to achieve a perfect body, it does not necessarily provide good results. <br /><br />Take for instance; you skip breakfast and eat a heavy supper. This is not a good set up since you are directing yourself in total failure. It does not supply the body with the needed fuel to do your activities effectively. Most surveys revealed that most athletes and regular exercisers often adopt this wrong technique. <br /><br />Active people need to balance their energy the whole day. It means that they provide their body with the right amount of fuel between regular intervals to avoid undereating or overeating. It is also important to understand how the levels of blood sugar rises and falls. This condition is very critical especially for people who want to stay lean and add muscle mass. <br /><br />It is normal that after eating, your blood glucose or sugar levels rises but will soon drop again after three hours. If you do not eat something after this period, then blood glucose drops even more. The tendency of the body is to kick for an immediate mechanism to ensure that there is enough sugar to maintain the good function of your brain, heart, and other organs. <br /><br />It only implies that exercising alone can never increase your muscles mass if you fail to eat properly. It just like burning the muscles you are building. Once you lose your muscles, your metabolic rates also decreases. In this way, you cannot eat plenty without storing fat. This results to an over produced insulin. If you eat in a very hungry state, then more fats are stored. Keep in mind that the composition and timing of food intake also influences your skeletal muscles even during a single workout. <br /><br />If you want to solve this conflict, then nutritional supplements can help you. This is the latest trend in the fitness world that promotes muscles growth and strength. The popularity of body building nutritional supplements dominates the cupboard of every body builder. But this scenario deprives most of them to learn its harmful side effects. It is because they have relied basically on these drugs that enhance muscles over a short period of time. <br /><br />There are also natural nutritional supplements for building your muscles can help you achieve your fitness goal faster. A true comprehensive reservoir is provided in support of supplements such as Creatine, vitamins, proteins, meal replacement powder, and others. Protein is known as the building blocks of your muscles, so it is essential to integrate protein supplements in your diet. The leading protein supplements popular among athletes include casein, egg, soy, and whey. Body builders are exposed to strenuous workout that is why they need larger amounts of protein. <br /><br />Consumption of vitamins is also important. It converts food into energy. Likewise, mineral consumption, because it ensures that correct body signals are received by your brain. These supplements play a vital role of replacing the nutrients that are not found in your cooked food. So, consume nutritional supplements instead of following a regular eating routine and achieve the fabulous body you have dreamed of.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-65865393178578739152007-05-01T11:10:00.000-07:002008-04-14T09:24:04.091-07:00Body Building Supplements: The Best Way to Get a Perfectly Toned BodyIt is obvious that many people today are conscious about how they look. This is why many people do all they can to get a good looking body. In fact, some people even go "under the knife" or go through cosmetic surgery in order to enhance the way they look. However, you have to consider the fact that this is not really a very healthy way to lose that extra flab.<br /><br />You have to remember that it is also important to develop your muscles and besides, through cosmetic surgery, you will just end up getting fat again if you don’t exercise. It is a fact that exercise is the healthiest way to get the body you want. However, if you want a leaner looking and a perfectly well-toned body, it may take you quite a while to achieve it.<br /><br />Today, with the advancement of technology, researchers and scientists have found different kinds of body building supplements that can assist you get a perfectly healthy and great looking body. When combined with proper exercise and weight training, you can be sure that you will achieve great results on your body. With a six pack abs, and large looking and well-toned muscles all over your body, you will be sure that you can have no inhibitions about taking your clothes off at the beach. Also, you will have a healthy heart and other internal organs.<br /><br />Body building supplements have existed for quite a while now. However, you have to remember that there are illegal body building drugs in the market, such as steroids. Although steroids can bring quick results in your body building efforts, it is also addicting and it will have harmful side effects to your body. Overuse of this drug can lead to heart problems and muscle atrophy or sagging of the muscles. You may have large muscles, but it an be of no use if there isn't any strength in it. This is why you should go for the body building supplements that work and 100% legal.<br /><br />You have to consider that body building supplements can be used by beginners and advanced body builders. However, you have to consider that you should know what you are using as well as know what the proper dosage of the product is. It is also important to know what kind of body building supplement is best for your body in order to receive positive results at the fastest time possible.<br /><br />It is also important to remember that there are different kinds of body building supplements you should be aware of and know which one to use for your body. And, most important of all, you have to remember that body building supplements only works at its full potential if you combine it with the proper workout and the proper diet.<br /><br />One of the most popular body building supplement available in the market today and also 100% legal is called creatine. Creatine is naturally produced by the body's liver, pancreas and kidneys and makes its way to the muscles through the bloodstream. You have to consider that this product enhances muscle strength, increases muscle mass and it also enhances one's endurance. Since creatine is produced by the body naturally, it will mean that it will have no side effects to the body since the muscles normally use them. Meat contains the most creatine. However, there are pure creatine monohydrate products that can be purchased in the market today that you can use when working out. This will mean that there will be more creatine consumed by the muscles.<br /><br />Proteins supplements can also be of great assistance to you when you are working out. This is because protein is the primary building block of the muscle tissues and with this supplement, you can strengthen the muscles and also gain more muscle mass. It can promote tissue growth and also tissue repair.<br /><br />As you can see, there are quite a lot of supplements available that you can use when you are body building. All you need to do is find out which of these supplements can benefit your body the most. Your personal trainer at the gym can assist you with the different body building supplements that you can use. So, if you want a great looking body with well-toned muscles, you should consider working out and taking some body building supplements.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-73684724408010089602007-04-25T07:38:00.000-07:002008-04-14T09:25:52.512-07:00Which is the best skin care product?There is really nothing like a best skin care product. There really can’t be anything like ‘The best skin care product’, because skin care products work differently for different people (based on the skin type to some extent). A product that is the ‘best skin care product’ for one person might end up being the worst for another person. So, a more logical question to ask would be ‘What is the best skin care product for my type of skin?’. However, this still is not completely logical. We tend to segregate people into 4 groups based on their skin types – i.e. dry skin, oily skin, normal skin and sensitive skin. However, this classification is just too broad to be used definitively in determining the best skin care product. We can say ‘best skin care product for a dry skin’ or ‘best skin care product for an oily skin’ are better statements than just ‘best skin care product’. But really, that is what it is – ‘better’; still not accurate.<br /><br />So, it really comes to rephrasing the question to – ‘What is the best skin care product for me’. Yes, this is exactly the question that you should be asking, and unfortunately there is no easy answer for this. Arriving at the best skin care product for self will need some effort on your part.<br /><br />First of all, you need to understand how the skin care products work. This is simple. You can consider all skin care products to be composed of 2 types of ingredients – Active and inactive. The active ingredients are the ones that actually work on your skin. The inactive ones just help in delivering these active ingredients to your skin. Both the ingredients need to work for your skin, in order for the product to be effective (and move on to become the best skin care product for you).<br /><br />Besides the ingredients, the way you apply your skin care products is equally important. In fact, this is even more important. If you do not know how to apply skin care products, you might forever be hunting for the best skin care product for yourself, when that has already passed you. Moreover, it’s also important to decide on the frequency of application (of the skin care product). The environmental factors - temperature, humidity and pollution level, also affect the selection of best skin care product. Here are a few rules that you could use to ensure that your best skin care product is really the best for you:<br />* Cleanse your skin before applying that best skin care product.<br />* Use a makeup remover instead of plain water and remove your makeup before going to bed.<br />* The effectiveness of active ingredients is reduced when applied over another product e.g. over moisturiser. So apply that best skin care product first and then apply a bit of moisturizer if needed.<br />* Apply the products on moist and warm skin.<br />* You will have to experiment with a few products before you arrive at the one that is the best skin care product for you.<br />* Do not exfoliate too much or too hard.<br />* Vary your skin care routine as per the seasons (winter/summer etc), changes in environmental factors and changes in your skin type<br /><br />Note that the best skin care product cannot be determined overnight. It’s only through experiment (and awareness) that you can find the ‘Best skin care product’ (for you).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-13793015033015446622007-04-24T07:38:00.000-07:002008-04-10T10:50:30.078-07:00What is Natural skin care?Put simply, ‘natural skin care’ is caring for your skin in a natural and chemical-free way. ‘Natural skin care’ advocates enabling the skin to take care of itself (without any assistance from synthetic materials/ chemicals). ‘Natural skin care’ is about inculcation of good habits in the way you lead your day to day life. A lot of natural skin care measures are actually the same as those for body care in general.<br /><br />So let’s see what these natural skin care measures are.<br /><br />Well the first and the foremost natural skin care measure is – ‘Drink a lot of water’. Around 8 glasses of water is a must everyday. Water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, in a natural way. It helps in the overall upkeep of the body and promotes good health for all organs (not just skin).<br /><br />General cleanliness is another inexpensive way of natural skin care. Daily shower, wearing clean clothes and sleeping on a clean mattress/pillow are all part of general cleanliness. After all, clean skin is the key to keeping the skin disorders at bay.<br /><br />Regular exercise is the next thing on the cards. Exercise increases the flow of blood that helps in getting rid of body toxins and keeping you healthy. Exercise also helps in beating stress which is the worst enemy of good health.<br /><br />Healthy food and eating habits are also recommended for natural skin care. Some type of food (e.g. oily food) is know to cause acne and should be avoided as much as possible. Your diet should be a healthy mix of various nutrient providing foods. Raw fruits and vegetables are known to provide freshness to your body and help in getting rid of body toxins.<br /><br />A good sleep is also instrumental in maintaining good health and in beating stress. As a natural skin care measure, a good sleep delays slacking of skin.<br /><br />Beating stress is another natural skin care therapy. Stress causes overall damage to body and health. Drinking a lot of water, getting a sound sleep and exercise has already been mentioned as stress busters. Indulging in a warm bubble bath, listening to music and playing your favourite sport are also good ways of beating stress. Yoga is yet another way of beating stress; it is fast gaining popularity amongst the masses.<br /><br />Avoiding excessive exposure to sun (by wearing long sleeved clothes, hat and umbrella etc), is another natural skin care strategy. Sunscreen lotions are also recommended as necessary.<br /><br />A lot of traditional and home made natural skin care products/ measures are also known to be very effective. Such measures are not only natural and easy-to-follow, but also relatively inexpensive.<br /><br />Besides that, a lot of natural skin care products are available in the commercial market. These include things like lavender oil, aloe vera etc., which don’t have any side effects.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-82772495364315550542007-04-23T07:38:00.000-07:002008-04-14T09:22:45.560-07:00Vitamin C skin care – The challengeVitamin C is often regarded as a wrinkle fighter or an anti-aging agent. The main objective of ‘Vitamin C skin care’, in scientific terms, is to increase the synthesis of collagen (a structural protein that is found in skin). The additional benefit of ‘Vitamin C skin care’ is related to its capability of countering free radicals which cause damage to the skin.<br /><br />Vitamin C skin care, however, faces a major challenge today. This is related to the oxidation tendency of Vitamin C skin care products. On coming in contact with any oxidising agent (e.g. air), the Vitamin C in the Vitamin C skin care products, gets oxidised; thus making the Vitamin C skin care product useless (in fact counter-effective). The oxidised Vitamin C imparts a yellowish-brown colour to the Vitamin C skin care product. This is something that you need to check before buying a Vitamin C skin care product. Even after you buy a Vitamin C skin care product, you need to store it properly and keep checking that it’s still good to use (i.e. it hasn’t attained a yellowish-brown texture).<br /><br />The manufacturers of Vitamin C skin care products have tried to deal with this (oxidation) problem in multiple ways (and research on Vitamin C skin care products is on the top of their list). One such method of retaining effectiveness of Vitamin C skin care products for a long term is to keep a high concentration (say 10%) of Vitamin C. However, this makes the Vitamin C skin care products even more expensive. The Vitamin C skin care products are already pretty inexpensive and making them even more expensive will throw the product manufacturers out of business. The other way is to use Vitamin C derivatives (like ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). These are not only more stable but also inexpensive. Even though the derivatives based products are not as effective as the Vitamin C skin care products, their stability against oxidation is a very desirable feature that makes them very attractive. Moreover, these are known to be less irritating too.<br /><br />Talking of effectiveness of Vitamin C skin care products, it’s important to mention that not everyone responds to Vitamin C treatments. So it’s not a magic potion in any way. If you don’t see a noticeable difference in your skin, it might be because of your skin not responding to Vitamin C treatment (and the Vitamin C skin care products might not be at fault, at all).<br /><br />As more research goes on, one can only keep our fingers crossed and wait for a complete solution to the challenges faced by ‘Vitamin C skin care’ today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-58452811642164505092007-04-20T07:38:00.000-07:002008-04-10T11:09:43.265-07:00The recipe for dry skin careDry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a real bad appearance. The main causes of dry skin include: dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders. Moreover, dryness could be the inherent nature of one’s skin. Whatever be the cause, ‘dry skin care’ is very important (but not very difficult).<br /><br />‘Dry skin care’ starts with moisturisers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally moisturisers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide ‘dry skin care’.<br /><br />The first category includes moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ just by preserving the moisture within the skin e.g. Vaseline. These moisturisers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available (even at grocery shops).<br /><br />The second category includes moisturisers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of ‘dry skin care’ in humid conditions. The moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ in this way are also called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturiser, as far as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc<br /><br />‘Dry skin care’ is not about just using moisturisers but also using them properly. The best ‘dry skin care procedure’ is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturiser. You can make your ‘dry skin care’ even more effective by applying the moisturiser while the skin is still damp (after cleansing). Also, make sure that you use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms). Exfoliation does help in dry skin care, by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection. Avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc). Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturisers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care.<br /><br />You also have natural products for ‘dry skin care’ i.e. products that provide ‘dry skin care’ in a natural way (without the use of synthetic chemicals). These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin. Another, important thing for ‘dry skin care’ is the temperature of water you use for shower or for washing your face – Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too.<br /><br />‘Dry skin care’ is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.<br /><br />On the whole, dry skin care is really simple for anyone who takes that seriously.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-63665492186395033932007-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:002008-04-09T11:59:07.430-07:00The facts about Oily skin careTo start the discussion on oily skin care, it’s imperative to first understand the cause behind oily skin. Put simply, oily skin is a result of excessive production of sebum (an oily substance that is naturally produced by skin). As is known to everyone, excess of everything is bad; so excessive sebum is bad too. It leads to clogging of skin pores, resulting in accumulation of dead cells and hence formation of pimples/acne. Moreover, oily skin spoils your looks too. So, ‘oily skin care’ is as important as the ‘skin care’ for other types of skin.<br /><br />The basic aim of ‘oily skin care’ is the removal of excessive sebum or oil from the skin. However, oily skin care procedures should not lead to complete removal of oil. ‘Oily skin care’ starts with the use of a cleanser. However, not all cleansers will work. You need a cleanser which contains salicylic acid i.e. a beta-hydroxy acid that retards the rate of sebum production. Cleansing should be done twice a day (and even more in hot and humid conditions).<br /><br />Most of the oily skin care products are oil-free; however, it is always good to check the ingredients of the product, before you actually buy it. This is especially important if a product is marked as ‘suitable for all skin types’, instead of ‘oily skin care product’. ‘Oily skin care’ is also dependent on the degree of oiliness, if you aren’t too oily, so some of these ‘suitable for all’- type of products might be work for you too. For extremely oily skin, only oily skin care products are suitable. Your oily skin care routine can include an alcohol based toner (for an extremely oily skin). This can be the second step in your oily skin care routine i.e. just after cleansing. However, excessive toning can harm your skin.<br /><br />The next step in your oily skin care routine can be a mild moisturiser. Again, the degree of oiliness of your skin will determine whether you need to include this in your oily skin care routine. If you do decide to include a moisturiser, be sure to use one that is oil-free, wax-free and lipid-free.<br />You could also use a clay mask (say once a week) as an oily skin care measure.<br /><br />As far as the oily skin care products go, you might need to try out a few before you arrive at the one that is really suitable for your skin.<br /><br />In case these measures don’t give you the desired result, consult a good dermatologist for advice. He could prescribe stronger oily skin care products like vitamin A creams, retinoids, sulphur creams etc , which can help counter the problems of oily skin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-31373037673937860712007-04-18T07:35:00.000-07:002008-03-30T11:56:15.809-07:00Skin care treatment for the most common skin conditionsA glowing and healthy skin is an asset. Skin is not all about beauty but also health. So, skin care treatment should be treated with all seriousness. If you develop a skin related dilemma, you need an appropriate skin care treatment. Skin care treatment, for any skin disorder, starts with actions that are aimed at prevention of the disorder (what we can also call as proactive or preventive skin care treatment). Building and following basic skin care procedures is what one could classify as preventive/proactive skin care treatment. Skin disorders can occur even if you have followed this preventive skin care treatment. Preventive skin care treatment just reduces the probability of occurrence. Let’s check the skin care treatment for some of the common skin conditions.<br /><br />Acne is one of the most common problems. Again, the first type of skin care treatment is to control acne and prevent it from getting worse. So avoid tight clothes; they are known to cause body acne by trapping sweat. Do not touch the blemishes over and over again (rather don’t touch them at all), you might end up aggravating the condition. Also, do not try to scrub too hard or squeeze them. Use of mild cleansers is a recommended skin care treatment for acne. Obtain an over-the-counter skin care treatment for faster treatment of acne.<br /><br />Skin care treatment of dry skin is generally easy. Moisturisers, applied in the right way and in the right quantity, are the best form of skin care treatment for dry skin. For best results, apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp. Also, do not apply too much or too little moisturiser. In exceptional cases, where you don’t notice any improvements in 3-4 weeks, you might have to visit your dermatologist for skin care treatment of your dry skin.<br /><br />Brown spots, which appear on sun-exposed areas of skin i.e. face and hands, are caused by over-exposure to UV radiations. As a skin care treatment for brown spots, use a sunscreen lotion which has a high SPF (sun protection factor), say 15. This should be used irrespective of weather – sunny/cloudy. Another form of skin care treatment is covering up the exposed areas with clothing (caps, full sleeved shirts/t-shirts, and umbrella).<br /><br />Also, if the general skin care treatment or the over-the-counter medication is not working for you, you should immediately consult your dermatologist for professional skin care treatment. You should also inform the doctor about the skin care treatment that you have undertaken till that time. So take the details of the till-date skin care treatment (and products) along with you. Based on the skin condition and the details of your till-date skin care treatment, the dermatologist will prescribe a skin care treatment e.g. oral antibiotics, chemical peels, retinoid etc and you will be on your way to recovery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-5254097310720118842007-04-17T07:35:00.000-07:002008-06-12T13:18:14.106-07:00The importance of caring for your skin“Packaging is as important as the gift itself” – it’s something that most of the gift manufacturing companies follow very closely. The same holds good for you too. Your outer-self i.e. your skin is as important as your inner-self. A lot of people do realise the importance of skin care. Well, this is one reason why there are so many skin care products in the market and most of the skin care products seem to do pretty well. We generally tend to associate skin care to just good looks. However, there is more to it than just that. There are multiple benefits associated with a healthy and glowing skin.<br /><br />Firstly, it has a good effect on you yourself. It makes you feel fresh and energetic. You are able to do more work and are quicker with everything you do. More importantly, the freshness adds to your enjoyment and makes your day. So a healthy skin too plays its part in building confidence. Yes, you can take most of the credit for having achieved that (however, do leave a little for the skin care products too).<br /><br />Moreover, this flow of positive energy is experience by people around you too and you observe that even they are friendlier with you. You get more respect from others. They are more responsive to your queries. They themselves experience the freshness that you are exuding. They love working with you and for you. Yes, that’s how it works. Some people might even go ahead and ask you about the skin care products you use (you might or might not reveal those secret skin care products to them). Thus, a healthy skin can be instrumental in creating a pleasant and friendly environment around you. On the other hand, carelessness or negligence on this front can make you look unattractive and dull. You will not only look dull but also feel dull. Your work efficiency is reduced. Even the people you meet might not be as friendly. In fact, it might lead to the aging process getting started much earlier.<br /><br />Thus the importance of skin care cannot be ignored. However, skin care is not that difficult at all. There are a lot of skin care products available and you can choose the ones that suit you the best. There are various ways in which skin care products are classified and the knowledge about these classifications will help you understand them better and make a selection.<br /><br />* The first categorisation is based on the skin type – so you have skin care products for oily skin, skin care product for dry skin, skin care products for sensitive skin etc.<br /><br />* Another way is to categorise skin care products based on their use e.g. you have moisturisers, cleansers, skin care products for exfoliation, toners etc.<br /><br />* Then you have skin care products for treatment of various skin dilemmas i.e. skin care products for acne, skin care products for stretch marks, skin care products for anti-ageing etc.<br /><br />* Another classification is based on the ingredients e.g. herbal skin care products, synthetic skin care products, cosmetic skin care products etc.<br /><br />However, skin care products are not the only way of skin care. You also need to build some basic skin care procedures in your day to day life (as we discuss in the other article on personal skin care).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-25228414810381671012007-04-16T07:35:00.000-07:002007-10-01T18:28:50.085-07:00Skin care cosmetic – Useful or harmful?A beautiful and healthy skin is a big confidence booster. Some people are naturally beautiful and hence don’t use any ‘skin care cosmetic’. Then there are others, who don’t use skin care cosmetic due to their laziness. Still some feel that skin care cosmetic can harm their skin, and hence abandon the use of any kind of skin care cosmetic. However, there are a large number of people who do use skin care cosmetic (that’s why the business of skin care cosmetic is prospering).<br /><br />So, is skin care cosmetic useful, or is it harmful? Well, the opinions seem divided. However, one thing is for sure – Looking beautiful is surely nice and very desirable. Also, too much skin care cosmetic can surely be harmful (as such, excess of anything is harmful). So, what does one do?<br /><br />The first thing is to formulate (and follow) a skin care routine that will help keep your skin healthy and disease-free. The general recommendation is to cleanse and moisturise everyday, and tone and exfoliate occasionally (as and when needed).<br /><br />Next thing is the skin care cosmetics that you would be using additionally (as beauty enhancers). These skin care cosmetics could either be part of your skin care routine or be applied only on special occasions (e.g. when attending a party etc).<br /><br />The most important thing with skin care cosmetic is its selection. Here is a set of rules that you should use when selecting any skin care cosmetic:<br /><br />* The general rule is to use products that suit your skin type. This is true both for the routine products and for the skin care cosmetic. So check the label to see what it says e.g. ‘for dry skin only’ or ‘for all skin types’ etc.<br />* Test the skin care cosmetic before using it. This can be done by applying the skin care cosmetic on a small patch of skin e.g. ear lobes and checking the reaction of your skin to the product<br />* Check the ingredients of the skin care cosmetic for chemicals that you are allergic to. Do not use products that are very harsh on skin e.g. products with high alcohol concentrations; such cosmetics might work for once but cause a long-lasting damage to your skin.<br />* ‘More isn’t better’. Ensure that you apply the products in right quantity (neither less not more). Also, be gentle with your skin and follow the right procedures for application of skin care products. Rubbing too hard or trying to squeeze a pimple can lead to permanent damage to your skin.<br />* Finally, if you have a skin disorder e.g. acne etc, you should consult your dermatologist before using any skin care cosmetic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-70328580103523601912007-04-15T07:35:00.000-07:002008-04-14T10:13:24.477-07:00Serious Skin Care‘Serious skin care’ is about maintaining a healthy and glowing skin all through your life. As you grow older, your body’s natural skin care mechanisms become weaker. So, ‘serious skin care’ is about responding to the changing needs of your skin. Thus, ‘serious skin care’ is about constantly evaluating, analysing and changing your skin care routines. Your skin care routine should change based on the environmental conditions, your age and changes in your skin type.<br /><br />‘Serious skin care’ is also about awareness. With the technological advancements and research, more and more facts are being brought to light everyday. Also, the composition and nature of skin care products seems to be changing with time. So trying out the new products is also a part of serious skin care. However, ‘serious skin care’ advises using a new product over a small patch of skin (not facial skin) first, just to see how your skin reacts to it.<br /><br />‘Serious skin care’ also means knowing how to use your skin care products. Good practices include things like applying the moisturizers while the skin is damp, using upward strokes for better penetration of skin care products, removing the make up before going to bed, cleansing before moisturising or applying make up, using the correct amount of skin care products, etc. Thus, increasing the effectiveness of your skin care products is another focus area of serious skin care.<br /><br />Some precautions, like avoiding contact with detergents, are also part of serious skin care. ‘Serious skin care’ means being gentle with your skin. Things like over-exfoliation, use of low quality products, and application of strong-chemical based products, are all harmful to your skin. Some people have a wrong notion about serious skin care. For them serious skin care is - using large quantities of products as often as possible. However, this really isn’t serious skin care (and that’s why awareness is so important).<br /><br />‘Serious skin care’ is also about visiting your dermatologist for treatment of skin disorders. Ignoring the skin disorders can be fatal for your skin and might lead to permanent damage. So, if the things don’t improve with over the counter medication, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. Self-surgery e.g. squeezing of acne/pimples is a big no (it can lead to permanent damage of your skin).<br /><br />So, seriously serious skin care is more about precautions and preventive measures (than treatment). Serious skin care is about being proactive as well as reactive. In fact, we can say that ‘serious skin care’ is about being proactive about the needs of your skin so that the need for being reactive is reduced to a minimum.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-10703151401342955832007-04-14T07:35:00.000-07:002007-09-17T09:28:33.502-07:00‘Personal Skin Care’ is a RoutineWe all know the importance of ‘personal skin care’. The opinion on how-to (for personal skin care) differs from person to person. Some people believe that going to beauty parlours every other day is personal skin care. Others believe that personal skin care is just a matter of applying some cream or lotion on your skin, every now and then. Then there are people who think that personal skin care is an event that happens once a month or once a year. Still others busy themselves with ‘personal skin care’ all the time. However, personal skin care is not that complicated and neither is it that expensive (considering how beneficial it is). Personal skin care is following a routine or a procedure for attending to the needs of your skin.<br /><br />Even before you start with a routine, you need to determine your skin-type (oily, dry, sensitive, normal etc) and select the personal skin care products suitable for it (you might have to experiment with a few personal skin care products). Here is a routine that should work for most people with normal skin.<br /><br />The first thing on personal skin care routine is ‘Cleansing’. The three main ingredients of a cleanser are oil, water and surfactants (wetting agents). Oil and surfactants extract dirt and oil from your skin and water then flushes it out, thus making your skin clean. You might have to try a couple of cleansers before you find the one that suits you the best. However, you should always use soap-free cleansers. Also, you should use Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin). Take care that you don’t over-cleanse your skin and end up damaging your skin in the process.<br /><br />The second thing on the personal skin care routine is exfoliation. Skin follows a natural maintenance process wherein it removes the dead cells and replaces them with new skin cells. Exfoliation is just a way to facilitate the skin in this process. Dead skin cells are not capable of responding to personal skin care products but still consume these products, hence preventing them from reaching the new skin cells. Thus removing dead skin cells is important in order to increase the effectiveness of all personal skin care products. Generally, exfoliation takes it place just after cleansing. As with any personal skin care procedure, it’s important that you understand how much exfoliation you need. Exfoliate 4-5 times per week for oily/normal skin and 1-2 times per week for dry/sensitive skin. Exfoliate a couple of times more in hot and humid weather.<br /><br />Next thing on personal skin care routine is moisturizers. This is one of the most important things in personal skin care. Even people with oily skin need moisturisers. Moisturisers not only seal the moisture in your skin cells, but also attract moisture (from air) whenever needed. Use of too much moisturiser can however clog skin pores and end up harming your skin. The amount of moisturiser needed by your skin will become apparent to you within one week of you using the moisturiser. Also, applying the moisturiser is best when your skin is still damp.<br /><br />The last thing on personal skin care routine is sunscreen. A lot of moisturizers (day-time creams/moisturisers) come with UV protection – so you can get double benefits from them. Such moisturisers are recommended for all days (irrespective of whether it is sunny or cloudy).<br /><br />Again, experiment with various personal skin care products and also with the amount you need to apply. What gives you best results is the best personal skin care recipe for you. However, if you have some kind of skin dilemma, it is best to consult your dermatologist before you actually start using any personal skin care products.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-89282288427235745532007-04-13T07:35:00.000-07:002007-09-13T12:43:19.429-07:00Organic Skin Care“If it can be done naturally, why go for artificial means” - this is the basic premise on which ‘organic skin care’ works. Organic skin care is the most natural way of ‘skin care’. In fact, ‘organic skin care’ was probably the first one to be used by man when it first woke-up to the needs of his skin. ‘Organic skin care’ is not only friendlier to skin, but also inexpensive. If exercised in the right way, organic skin care can prevent the occurrence of a lot of skin disorders and can help keep your skin healthy and young-looking for a much longer time.<br /><br />Organic fruits and vegetables are the most popular things on organic skin care routines e.g. cucumber is very common in organic skin care routines. Turmeric, apple, papaya, ginger are others that find a wide use in organic skin care routines. These organic materials have a very refreshing and vitalizing effect on your skin. Almost every skin care book/guide has section on organic skin care (including the actions of various fruits and vegetables on skin). So choose the ones that are more suitable for your skin type and start experimenting with them until you finally select the ones that are most suitable for inclusion in your organic skin care routine. It’s important that you use fresh organic fruits/vegetables. Don’t try to utilise the rotten ones for your skin, their only place is the garbage bin.<br /><br />Milk is known to posses good cleansing properties; in fact, the name of some skin care products contains the word ‘milk’ in them. A combination of milk with ground oatmeal acts as wonderful cleanser.<br /><br />Ground oatmeal is especially good for oily skins and is a popular ingredient in organic skin care regimen. It is used in various combinations e.g. with egg, honey, milk and fruits, for preparation of organic facial packs.<br /><br />Wheat germ is another ingredient in organic skin care procedures. It is rich in vitamin E and is known for its exfoliation as well as moisturising properties. Wheat germ, in various combinations with other organic materials, is used to prepare facial masks for normal and dry skin types. Wheat germ oil is another way in which wheat germ is used for organic skin care.<br /><br />Yogurt and sour cream are other organic materials that are popular for their exfoliation and moisturising properties.<br /><br />Use of organic honey is also popular in organic skin care procedures. It helps in retention of moisture and helps impart a glowing look to skin.<br /><br />Rose water takes its place as a toner in organic skin care routines. Lavender water is popular too.<br /><br />‘Organic skin care’ uses combinations of various organic materials that complement each other and enhance each other’s effectiveness. Moreover, these combinations are also helpful in over-riding the harmful effects (if any) of various organic materials that form them.<br /><br />Organic skin care is really an art that, once perfected, can give wonderful results in a very cost effective manner.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-43043839754722189372007-04-12T07:35:00.000-07:002007-09-11T11:00:36.010-07:00Mens Skin Care‘Man skin care’ would seem like an alien topic to some men. It would have been even more alien a few years back. However, more and more men are now realising the importance of man skin care (and hence you see markets flush with man skin care products too). Even though the male skin is very different from that of a female, ‘man skin care’ is very similar to the skin care for women.<br /><br />‘Man skin care’ too starts with cleansing. Water soluble cleansers are preferred. Cleansing helps remove the dirt, grease and pollutants from the skin and helps in preventing pore clogging. The inherent oily nature of male skin makes cleansing an important part of man skin care procedure. Cleansing should be done at least once every day, even better if it is done twice a day. Using soap on the face is discouraged.<br /><br />‘Man skin care’ revolves a lot around shaving. Shaving foam/gel/cream and after shave lotion are one of the most important man skin care products. Serious ‘man skin care’ requires a proper selection of shaving related equipment and products. One of the main considerations in choosing shaving products should be the skin type (since the degree of oiliness differs from person to person). Alcohol-based aftershaves should be avoided. Proper ‘man skin care’ also mandates the use of good quality razors. Here, swivel-head razors are preferred since they are known to reduce cuts. Besides these products and equipment, it is also necessary that you use them properly. Be gentle when using your razor. Do not scratch it against your skin; use a soft and smooth action (after all it’s a matter of removing hair, not the skin itself).<br /><br />Male skin is generally thicker and oilier, owing to larger pores and more active sebaceous glands. However, due to regular shaving, the skin can get dehydrated quite easily. Hence moisturisers too form an integral part of man skin care. Moisturising gel or cream should be applied after shaving. In fact, some shaving foams/ gel have an in-built moisturising effect too. Moisturisers should be patted gently over the face and massaged gently using upward strokes.<br /><br />Though a man’s skin is less susceptible to skin cancer caused by UV radiation, using a sunscreen is also an important man skin care measure. You can use a moisturiser that combines sunscreen with the moisturising effect.<br /><br />Another good option for ‘man skin care’ is to use man skin care products which have natural ingredients like aloe vera, sea salt and coconut etc. Naturally antiseptic oils e.g. lavender, tea tree etc also provide good means for man skin care.<br /><br />Man skin care is not as difficult as a lot of men think. It just asks for a few minutes every day, in order to give you a healthy skin for present and for future.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-64548251046144889032007-04-11T07:35:00.000-07:002007-09-09T11:26:17.665-07:00Lotions vs. Skin Care CreamsThere is no dearth of skin care creams and lotions in the market. Name an ailment, and you will find hundreds of skin care creams, lotions and other products for it. As a result of ongoing research and due to ever increasing demand, the number of skin care products seems to be on the increase. Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which these products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?<br /><br />Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.<br /><br />Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.<br /><br />Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream<br /><br />Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.<br /><br />Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-10774362193030665992007-04-10T07:30:00.000-07:002007-09-07T13:49:34.330-07:00Herbal Skin CareSkin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.<br /><br />So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?<br /><br />Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns. <br /><br />A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea. <br /><br />Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners. <br /><br />Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation. <br /><br />Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)<br /><br />Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies. <br /><br />Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-62413532700812680402007-04-09T07:30:00.000-07:002007-09-05T10:39:39.606-07:00Choosing a facial skin care productTalking about skin care, ‘facial skin care’ seems to top the chart. There are loads of facial skin care products available in the market. The most common facial skin care products are the ones that are used as part of daily routine. These include things like cleansers and moisturizers. Toners and exfoliation ones are well known too but not many people use them as such. <br /><br />The general classification of facial skin care products is based on the following: <br /><br />* Gender (so there are facial skin care products for men and there are facial skin care products for women)<br />* Skin type (facial skin products for oily skin, facial skin care products for dry skin, facial skin care products for normal skin and facial skin care products for sensitive skin)<br />* Age (facial skin care products for old and facial skin care products for young)<br />* Skin disorder (i.e. facial skin care products for treatment of various skin orders like eczema, acne etc)<br /><br />So that is your starting point for choosing a facial skin care product that suits you. A good way to start is by determining your skin type first. Also note that the skin type changes with age, so the facial skin product that suits you today, might not suit you forever and hence you need to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of your facial skin care product.<br /><br />The facial skin care products are available in various forms i.e. creams, lotions, gels, masks etc, and a lot of people try to pit one against the other in their discussion on which form is best. However, one can’t really rate one form as better than another form. What suits you (and whatever you are comfortable with) is the best form of facial skin care product for you, really. <br /><br />However, it’s important to note that these products work differently for different people. So the best thing is to try the facial skin care product on a small patch of skin (e.g. ear lobes) before actually going ahead and using it.<br /><br />Another important consideration is the state of your skin. If you are suffering from a skin disorder of any kind, it is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist before you actually make your selection and start using a facial skin care product.<br /><br />Once you have selected the facial skin care product for yourself, you also need to ensure that you use the facial skin care product in the right way i.e. follow correct procedures for application, use the correct quantity and make the facial product a part of your skin care routine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-68319852414516527362007-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:002007-09-09T11:39:03.405-07:00Are Natural skin care products the answer to all problems?When it comes to skin care products, you will find that a lot of people are very particular about using only natural skin care products. They treat all the synthetic products as harmful to the skin.<br /><br />So, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are the synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?<br /><br />Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to presence of synthetic preservatives, it’s really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be detrimental. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by the manufacturers of natural skin care products.<br /><br />Some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one. So, use natural skin care products, but be open to synthetic ones too (you might need them when a natural solution is not available)<br /><br />Your selection of a natural skin care product should be based on 3 factors:<br /><br />* The skin type (dry, oily, normal, sensitive) of the person who will use that natural skin care product<br />* The climatic conditions in which it will be used e.g. hot and humid condition would warranty the use of oil-free natural skin care products.<br />* The process for application/use of the natural skin care product. A good natural skin care product (in fact any product) can seem useless if not used in the proper way.<br /><br />You can also make natural skin care products by yourself, by using the recipes that are readily available on the internet and in the books at book stores.<br /><br />Use of organic fruits and vegetables is also popular as a natural skin care procedure. Some essential oils, herbal oils, are useful too and are known for their moisturising and antiseptic properties<br /><br />However, using a natural skin care product does not mean that you can exercise carelessness with other aspects of skin care. Natural skin care products should be used like supplements to the following ‘essential’ recommendations: healthy eating habits (avoiding oily food), regular exercise, drinking a lot of water (8 glasses everyday), and cleanliness. This will then form a perfect and completely natural skin care routine that will help maintain a healthy beautiful skin for longer time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636568663005534829.post-83510470450501832882007-04-07T07:30:00.000-07:002007-09-02T10:11:04.219-07:00Antiaging Skin Care‘Antiaging skin care’ is a very poplar concept in today’s world. Today everyone wants to hide their age using antiaging skin care procedures (and a number of people are successful too). However antiaging skin care is not achieved by any magic potion. ‘Antiaging skin care’ is about discipline. It is about being proactive. Antiaging skin care is retarding the ageing process. Here are a few tips for proactive antiaging skin care:<br /><br />1. Maintain healthy eating habits: A well balanced diet is the key to maintaining a proper body metabolism. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (raw), they are the best source of fibre and have a very refreshing effect on your body. Avoid oily and fatty food; not only do they lack in essential nutrients but also cause obesity and other diseases which aid the aging process<br /><br />2. Beat stress: This is probably the most important antiaging skin care measure. Stress disturbs the body metabolism and accelerates the aging process. Sleep, exercise and a relaxing bath, are all good ways of beating stress. Aroma-therapy is also known to bust stress.<br /><br />3. Drink a lot of water: Antiaging skin care can’t be any simpler than this. Water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, hence keeping it clean and making it less prone to disease. Around 8 glasses of water (per day) is recommended by all doctors.<br /><br />4. Regular exercise is a wonderful antiaging skin care procedure. Besides toning your muscles, it also helps in cleaning the skin by flushing out the toxins in the form of sweat. Exercise should be followed by a warm shower in order to completely remove the toxins.<br /><br />5. Avoid the use of strong, chemical based products on your skin. Natural skin care products are a good option. Use of organic skin care products (home made or commercial) can be a very effective antiaging skin care measure.<br /><br />6. Do not overuse skin care products. Excessive and harsh application, both are harmful. <br /><br />7. Do not ignore skin disorders; it can lead to permanent skin damage. Try over the counter medication and if that doesn’t help, immediately visit your dermatologist and seek his/her advice.<br /><br />8. Vitamin C based skin care products are very popular means of antiaging skin care. However, these seem to oxidise very quickly (which makes them harmful for the skin). So store them properly. If the product turns Yellowish brown, it means that vitamin c has oxidised and the prodct is no longer suitable for use. <br /><br />9. Protect your skin against UV radiation ; UV rays are known to speed up the aging process. So, a good sunscreen lotion should be a part of your antiaging skin care routine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0