Top 10 beauty resolutions

10 ways to makeover your beauty routine

It doesn’t have to be New Year to make resolutions! Check out these changes you should make right now to improve your beauty routine and get looking your best.

Cleanse properly

Making sure you cleanse your skin correctly is one of the most important steps for maintaining beautiful skin. The key is to remove dirt and bacteria without over-cleansing, which can dry out skin. For the perfect cleanse, opt for a gentle, PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser (avoid using soap as this destroys the acid mantle; a protective barrier of the skin) and wash off with a muslin cloth to lightly exfoliate skin.

Go au naturelle

Natural and organic beauty products have increased in popularity in recent years, and it may be time that you jumped on the bandwagon if you haven’t already. Using chemical-based skin products can not only be harmful for your health (as potentially harmful chemicals are transmitted through the skin and into the blood stream), but they can also lead to premature ageing. Switching to natural products is also a quick and easy way to help the environment.

Stay hydrated

Contrary to popular belief, dehydration does not only affect dry skin types and in fact even the oiliest of skins can suffer from dehydration. All skin types need to be regularly moisturised, so find a moisturising product to complement your skin type and use it every day. Also, make sure that you are targeting problem areas by using a separate eye cream and moisturising your hands and neck, as these are generally the first three areas to show premature ageing.

Maximise your beauty sleep

You may think that the concept of ‘beauty sleep’ is a myth, but research findings published in the British Medical Journal have actually found that those who get enough sleep (around eight hours a night) are believed to be more attractive. To really maximise your beauty sleep, make sure you take your makeup off before you hit the hay, as sleeping in makeup can lead to clogged pores, congested skin and eye irritation. Also, opt for silk pillow cases over cotton to help prevent compression wrinkles and maintain skin’s moisture levels.

Avoid long, hot showers

Our skin contains a protective layer of oils (the acid mantle) which helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated and supple. However, washing your skin too often, for overly long periods or with hot water can strip the skin of these oils, leading to dryness and premature ageing. To help prevent wrinkles and maintain a soft, youthful complexion, try to keep your baths and showers short, clean your face just twice a day and wash with lukewarm water.

Use a daily SPF

When it comes to wrinkles, prevention is better than cure, so try making an effort now to ward off one of the leading causes of wrinkles. While many of us wait until summer to bring out the sun protection, the UV rays which cause premature ageing (as well as skin cancer) can penetrate through clouds and cause irreversible damage. To help delay signs of ageing, wear an SPF of at least factor 15 every day.

Wash your makeup brushes

While we hopefully all wash our faces every day, you could be spreading dirt and bacteria to your skin every time you apply makeup if you’re not washing your brushes regularly too. To help extend the life of your makeup brushes, keep them bacteria free and prevent build up on your brushes (which can affect the look of your makeup), make sure you wash your brushes every one to two weeks using hot, soapy water, a mild shampoo or a foaming anti-bacterial face wash.

Ditch your vices

Many of us spend a fortune on expensive beauty products to help keep our skin youthful and glowing. However, the most effective way to improve your appearance could be by making lifestyle changes. We all know that smoking causes premature ageing, but alcohol, sugar, salty food and late nights can also take their toll on your appearance. In fact, sugar consumption is up there with sun exposure and smoking when it comes to the major causes of wrinkles. Try cutting out – or cutting down on – your biggest vice and see what a difference it makes to your looks.

Take some risks

When it comes to our appearances, many of us get stuck in a rut, sticking with the same hairstyle, skin products and colour schemes for decades. So, try freshening up your look by taking a risk – as big or small as you like. Get a new hair cut, experiment with different blow-drying techniques or try out some bold new makeup colours. You never know, you may find a new look you love!

Throw out old makeup

Just as it is important to keep your makeup brushes fresh and clean, it is equally as essential to keep your makeup kit updated and chuck out anything that’s been lingering too long. Many of us only replace our makeup and skin products when they run out; however old makeup can go off and harbour bacteria, just like old food. Make sure you throw out mascara after six months to avoid eye infections and replace other products after roughly 18 months. And while you’re throwing out old makeup, it’s the perfect time to try out new shades!

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Top 10 beauty health hazards

How looking good can be bad for you

We all like to look our best, but did you know your beauty routine could be bad for you? From salon treatments to everyday beauty procedures, check out the top 10 beauty health hazards.

Beauty health hazard 1: Eyeliner

Eyeliner has been around for centuries and is popular with many women as a way to frame eyes and make them stand out. However, although in most cases eyeliner is no cause for concern, applying any product so close to your eyes can come with its risks. Not only are many eyeliners made up of chemicals which can cause irritation, but applying the product too close to the inner corners of your eyes can lead to blocked tear ducts. To keep your eyes healthy, use a natural kohl eyeliner, avoid applying too close to the tear ducts, and replace your eyeliner after three months.




Beauty health hazard 2: Tight ponytails

You may not think about your health when considering how to wear your hair, but your hairdo not only affects how you look, it can also affect how you feel. Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail can strain the connective tissue in the scalp, leading to headaches as well as hair breakage and loss. Wearing your hair in a tight braid and wearing headbands can also have similar effects. If you feel a headache coming on, let your hair down to help ease the symptoms.


Beauty health hazard 3: Hair dye

While ditching your hair dye may seem like a scary prospect, continuing to colour your hair could have even more frightening results. The chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is thought to be behind up to 80 per cent of allergic reactions to hair dye. While most of these reactions are relatively minor, including blisters and skin sores, PPD has been linked to more serious conditions such as permanent hair loss and, in rare cases, even death – although this link has yet to be confirmed. As allergies to PPD can develop at any time, it is important to perform a patch test every time you colour your hair. It may also be worth swapping to safer chemical-free or wash-out dyes.

Beauty health hazard 4: Hair straightening products

Many women opt for salon straightening treatments to help keep curly or unruly hair poker straight for months at a time. However, in 2011 the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a health warning over the risks of exposure to the carcinogen formaldehyde found even in straightening products listed as formaldehyde-free. Whilst salon workers who regularly use these products are at the most risk, it is still wise to avoid the dangerous chemical by manually straightening hair with blow-drying and straightening irons instead.

Beauty health hazard 5: Mascara

Mascara can harbour bacteria that is transferred into the product after each application and which can reproduce in the dark, warm environment of the mascara tube, potentially leading to eye infections. To help reduce the health risks associated with your mascara, make sure you store your mascara in a cool place and replace it after three months. Also, avoid applying your mascara in the car or on a journey as the motion can cause scratches to the eye during application which can also lead to infections.

Beauty health hazard 6: Lipstick

Apparently the average woman eats four to nine pounds of lipstick in her lifetime. Given that a 2004 study revealed that up to 28% of lipsticks contain chemicals that can cause cancer, this is a pretty scary statistic. A 2007 study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also found that more than 50 per cent of lipstick brands tested contained lead. Look after your health by switching to natural, organic brands of lipstick, particularly if pregnant.

Beauty health hazard 7: Fish pedicures

In the last few years, fish pedicures have soared in popularity across the world, with people flocking to doctor fish spas for help with psoriasis, eczema or simple pedicures in which the fish nibble away at dead skin to leave areas smooth and soft. However, just as quickly as popularity grew, health reports were issued over the perceived dangers of this treatment. Reports state that fish pedicures could spread viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. While the risk is thought to be low, it is advised that those who carry a blood-borne virus, have any open cuts, or who have recently waxed or shaved their legs should avoid getting this treatment.

Beauty health hazard 8: Shared beauty products

It can be tempting to borrow your friend’s lipstick when you’ve forgotten your own or to lend your best pal your mascara when she asks, however sharing your makeup can also mean sharing infections. It is impossible to tell by looking at someone if they have an infection as some viruses can be contagious even before they begin to show. Sharing lipstick could lead to catching cold sores, while eye makeup is the most risky and can lead to eye infections such as the extremely contagious conjunctivitis. If you must share makeup, minimise risk by wiping off the top layer before use.

Beauty health hazard 9: Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids

You may not have heard of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs) but they are commonly used in many beauty products, including anti-wrinkle and acne creams. Both AHAs and BHAs act as skin exfoliants, sloughing off dead skin cells. However, alongside potential side effects such as burning, swelling and skin irritation, the chemicals have a fairly dangerous side effect in that they drastically increase the risk of UV skin damage, therefore increasing risk of skin cancer. If you must use these products, make sure you use a high SPF daily to minimise risk of sun damage. However, exfoliating skin with natural skin scrubs may offer a gentler solution to applying acids.

Beauty health hazard 10: False nails

While false nails applied properly should pose little risk to your health, long term use, or using cheap acrylic or poorly fitted nails, can damage the nail bed, lead to fungal infections between the false and natural nail and lead to natural nails coming off. Furthermore, some nail bars use acrylic nail products containing the chemical methyl methacrylate (MMA), which has been linked to respiratory problems and severe allergic reactions. Reports have also suggested that over-exposure to the ultra-violet lamps used to fix artificial nails can also increase risk of skin cancer.

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Preventing Angina Pain

Angina pectoris, commonly known as Angina, is chest pain due to ischemia (a lack of blood, thus a lack of oxygen supply and waste removal) of the heart muscle, generally due to obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (the heart's blood vessels). Coronary artery disease, the main cause of angina.

There is a weak relationship between severity of pain and degree of oxygen deprivation in the heart muscle (i.e., there can be severe pain with little or no risk of a heart attack, and a heart attack can occur without pain).

A regular exercise programme under the doctor's supervision can prevent angina.

A supervised weight-loss programme in over-weight persons also reduces the chances of angina.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol.

The blood pressure should be checked regularly and kept as close as possible to 120/80mmHg.

Get relaxed sleep at night.

Always carry the medicines prescribed by the doctor along with the prescription.

Take sublingual nitroglycerin/isosorbide (or the emergency treatment for angina as advised by the doctor) if stopping an activity doesn't help the pain, or if the pain occurs at rest.

Follow-up regularly with the doctor.

Avoid stress.

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Fat Burning Foods

According to Janet Starr Hull, there are certain foods that burn fat before it can before it can be stored in the body. Hence, calories in fatty foods are reduced. This is also because the amount of calories required to digest these foods is more than the amount of calories you gain eating these foods. So read on and eat your way to a thinner and fitter you!

Fruits

Fruits are an excellent fat burning food as majority of them are low in calories and contain a lot of fiber. Fiber helps to burn fat in 3 ways: it helps in speeding up your metabolism, aids in slowing down digestion and helps in extending a person’s energy. Due to this reason, you can combine them with fatty foods like cheese and meats to prevent weight gain. Apples, oranges, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, raspberries, grapefruit, blueberries and guava are an excellent source of fiber. Moreover, eating watermelon eliminates toxins from the body and removes excess water. Have it when you feel bloated or have consumed high sodium foods.

Vegetables

Most vegetables contain some form of natural fiber. It is of two types: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel in the digestive tract while being digested. This gel not only requires energy to be digested but also helps you to stay full longer. Vegetables rich in soluble fiber include carrots, artichokes, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes and celery. On the other hand, insoluble fiber moves quickly through the digestive tract taking waste and toxins along with it. Eating these foods when you’re feeling overfull or constipated helps relieve these symptoms and burn excess calories. The vegetables which contain insoluble fiber are spinach, mustard greens, kale, green beans, legumes, Brussells sprouts and cabbage. You can reduce the gas caused by some of these foods by cooking them.

Proteins

Most of the fat burning sources of protein is found in seafood. Fish and shellfish are the two sources of protein that require a lot of energy to burn. One 4 oz. fillet of tilapia has 93 calories and four large shrimp have 22 calories all together. However, there are other types of protein that are fat burning. These include crabs, clams, mussels, lobsters, oysters, shrimp, sea bass and flounder. Team one of these up with a fat burning vegetable cabbage or spinach to create a healthy meal.


Additionally, there are quite a few foods which are high in protein that help burn belly fat. These are both vegetarian and non vegetarian options to choose from. Lentils, broccoli, kidney beans, corn and baked potatoes are all excellent sources of protein. If you prefer non-vegetarian food, then there is an array of meats to choose from such as lean hamburger, fish, tuna, broiled beef steak and roasted chicken. Plenty of other foods such as dairy products, rice, whole wheat bread, eggs and tofu also contain significant amounts of protein. Mix and match the ingredients while cooking to get the best results. The key is to make sure that your sources of protein are lean and very low in fat.


Follow these tips and experience the difference fat burning foods can make!

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Things You Must Know About Your Body Temperature

Body temperature is an important indicator of our health. What is normal body temperature? What part of the body gives the most accurate readings? Find out the answers to these and other questions regarding body temperature.


1.Your body is a great thermo regulator.


Our body has an amazing ability to keep its temperature within safe range to keep you healthy, no matter what conditions you are exposed to outside the body. When you feel hot, you start sweating, which cools you body down. When you feel cold, you start shivering, which is involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat. Goose bumps that appear on skin when you are feeling cold are actually tiny muscles that raise body hairs, which increase their thickness.


2. Normal body temperature


It is commonly accepted that normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. However, there is also a number of variations to normal body temperature that depend on many factors, such as the time of the day, outside temperature, age of the person and others. Temperature may vary by 1 degrees F (0.6 degrees C), from 97 degrees F (36.1 degrees C) to 99 degrees F (37.2 degrees C), which is considered within normal range.


3. The body temperature varies throughout the day


Body temperature undergoes minor changes throughout the day. It is the lowest in the morning, between 4 and 6 a.m. And highest in the evening, around 6 to 8 p.m. Temperature also changes during sleep. Usually it starts to drop when we fall asleep, ensuring sound sleep and needed rest.


4. Rectal temperature – most accurate


Body temperature is measured with the help of different types of thermometers in various parts of the body. Temperature taken in your mouth may be influenced by many factors and is usually lower, while rectal and ear measurements are slightly higher than oral temperature readings. Temperature taken in your armpit may me the least accurate since it may not directly indicate core temperature. The most accurate way to measure body temperature is to take temperature rectally.


5. Fever is good for you


Many of us are scared of fever and try to reduce fever with medications. However, fever is not an illness, but the body‘s defense mechanism that fights infections and is basically harmless. Fever slows the growth of pathogenic bacteria and activates white blood cells to fight infection. Fever may range between 100 degrees to 104 degrees F and higher (37.8 degrees – 40 degrees C), but not all of them need to be treated with medications. The general rule of thumb is that fever medicines are necessary when it causes you or your child discomfort or there are other dangerous signs such as trouble breathing or pain. 

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