5 Hacks for Great Looking Brows

Brow trends come and go, but what never goes out of style are trimmed, neat, natural but tamed, ‘done’ but not overly done brows. Does this sound impossible to you? Me too. Here’s the thing: the brow trends for 2021 are quarantine friendly. Meaning, they’re low maintenance and emphasize working with what you have. It’s a beauty Christmas miracle! But wait. How do I work with what I have when I have barely enough (sparse brows) or too much (bushy brows)? Below are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of whatever you’ve got above those peepers.   Tweeze smart             Remember the 90s? Let’s not, no not ever, redo that. Instead, tweeze only those errant hairs that you find on the outskirts of the brow line. The ones that seem… a little lost. Try to avoid using a magnifying mirror when you’re shaping your brows, otherwise you’ll lose sight of the big picture, and might (definitely) get tweezer happy, and we’ll be right back in your parent’s bathroom with the corner bath and beige … everything.   Tint safely             Brow tinting is an easy way to get your brows looking beautiful with relatively little fuss. Just make sure you have the Vaseline, step by step instructions, and the right shade and type of tint. If you’re willing to follow the safety rules, it can be quickly done at home, a very valuable option today’s “COVID times” when salons are less accessible.   Stay in (your) shape             Find the natural shape of your brow first. Using a spoolie, brush the brows upward, then use brow scissors to trim. If you’re not sure whether they’re true outliers, get thee a brow stencil kit for added support in the process. Try to avoid tweezing any hairs in the middle of your brow and leave the heavy-duty shaping to a professional if you’re uncertain or want a new look that diverges from the natural shape of your brow. Try to avoid using a magnifying mirror when you’re shaping your brows, otherwise you’ll lose sight of the big picture, and might (definitely) get tweezer-happy.   Take care Nourish your brows if you’d like to help them gain a little weight. The skin underneath your eyebrow hair can get flaky. Exfoliate to open any clogged follicles, and then dip a Q-tip in castor oil and coat your brows with it every night for 6+ weeks. This old wives tale is actually proven to be effective. Be careful to avoid dripping or getting too close to your eye as you do this. Why castor oil? Because of something called ricinoleic acid, which while it might not be responsible for hair growth, it absolutely keeps the scalp and hair follicles healthy, which will affect hair growth positively.   Check your tool kit             These are the [...]

2021-04-22T23:04:53-07:00By |

The Top 3 Ways to Strengthen Your Nails

When it comes to easy pick-me-ups, a good manicure can do wonders. I always leave the nail salon feeling like a boss lady, even if I’m in a sweaty workout outfit (I have been known to make a quick stop at the salon on my way home from yoga or a run.)   I always walk out feeling like I can handle whatever life throws at me. Now, with Co-Vid restrictions, trips to the nail salons are few and far between. It is becoming more necessary to be able to practice “self-care” on your nails from home. I’ve learned to simplify my nail needs. I don’t need nail art or jewels. When it comes down to it, my nail needs are basic: I want Hulk-strong, baby smooth, beautifully shaped nails that won’t break after I do the dishes or zip up a coat or carry a few items around the house (hey, we’re all being called to do new things right now). Turns out, if I follow a few simple rules, these demands might actually be attainable. Read on if your trips to the salon are scarce and your nail standards are not.   1. Strengthen and Lengthen Naturally             You may feel tempted to use a chemical hardener on your nails if you feel like they’re tearing every five seconds, but there are gentler, less harmful ways to encourage your nails to become long and strong. For one thing, I never knew that waiting to shower 24 hours after getting my nails done would allow the polish to harden sufficiently and lessen chipping and/or peeling. After all these years of marveling at the wonders of Gel manicures and then peeling that same chipping gel off two weeks later, it’s good to know this very simple insider tip. I’ll skip the gel next time, thanks! Second, if you decide to deep clean your house, please wear gloves. And particularly now, in the age of necessary but endless hand washing, moisturize. Get one for (each) purse, one for your car, one for your home office, one for your nightstand… because hand sanitizer is everywhere, and everyone is using it, which means everyone’s hands are absorbing that 90+ percent alcohol content. Which means? Lubriderm or Aquaphor it up, my friends. In the morning, in the evening, in the noontime.   2. Essential Vitamins for Great Nails             If you want strong nails and you’re not getting the proper vitamins/nutrition, no amount of topical hardener is going to help you. Start from within, and make vitamin D, collagen and biotin part of your daily vitamin regimen. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, which strengthens not only your bones, but your nails and teeth, too! Taking collagen daily prevents nail breakage and helps them grow, while biotin strengthens and prevents brittleness.   3. Nail Growth Products             Vitamin E oil is your best friend once those [...]

2021-04-30T18:33:51-07:00By |

4 Steps to Glassy Smooth Skin

There are a million and one skin care fads, but one trend that’s held fast is the K-Beauty skin care trend: holistic, all-natural ingredients, and intensely customizable according to skin type. If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard all about the glass (or “dewy”) skin look, and you’ve thought it sounded either unrealistic or wayyyy too shiny. (Dew is one thing—oil slick-shiny is quite another, am I right?) I’m here to debunk the myth that glass skin means--- and looks--- sweaty and oily. Also, glass doesn’t have pores. The term glass skin, according to popular beauty bloggers, is a way to describe flawless skin that’s so clear and smooth that it resembles glass. Instead of a shimmering pool of oil, think of a clear mountain lake very early in the morning. Do you feel the difference? Let’s dive in.   Step 1: Exfoliate and De-Puff             This step is crucial when it comes to the glass skin look. You can do this using a physical (scrub) exfoliant, or a chemical exfoliant (in the form of a peel or serum). You can also go the extra mile and do a little dermaplaning, but if you choose this route, please first be sure you know exactly what you’re doing and be safe (scars will take you further away from the glass skin you’re trying to achieve, k?). Now that so much of our skincare is done at home, you might want to purchase a face massager or roller such as this one. Facial massage actually helps with lymphatic drainage, diminishing puffiness and promoting firm, supple skin.   Step 2: Mask Up             My favorite mask is a volcanic clay mask. It clears out my pores and prevents acne flare-ups. If you’re smart, and you have pores that you’d like to say goodbye to, start using one of these once a week. But always follow with a moisturizer, even if you’re oily—as clay masks can be drying. Anything with hyaluronic acid, that moisturizing superstar ingredient, will do.   Step 3: Nourish Your Insides             Remember the 3 S’s: Sleep, Sweat, Supplements (and don’t forget diet)! Be smart. Drink lots of water, get 8 hours sleep, exercise regularly to increase circulation and cleanse out toxins, and take those skin supplements: mindbodygreen makes one of these that is specifically formulated to help your skin become its healthiest and most flawless. Youth in a bottle? I’ll take it! Make sure your supplement is giving you nutritional support as well, because healthy skin is supported by certain vitamins, namely A, C, E, D. Last but not least, don’t forget your daily collagen supplement. These have been proven to help with aging skin issues such as elasticity, texture, and hydration, all of which contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin.   Step 4: Less is More                 The focus here should be on [...]

2023-10-24T20:34:49-07:00By |

4 Hair Growth Tips That Really Work

I don’t know a single woman who wouldn’t kill for a long, luscious, thick head of hair. But not all of us are genetically blessed with that at birth, and as such, have to take matters into our own hands (or ‘hair’, as the case may be). Hair growth supplements, hair growth serums, hair growth oils, hair growth shampoo, hair growth pills… with all these products on the market today, who can tell which ones are truly effective and which ones won’t get you anywhere near that horse mane you’re longing for? Thinning hair runs in my family, and all us women have had multiple huddles (okay, now Zoom calls) about the issue. Here are the five best, most effective things we have carefully considered to get our hair to grow in thicker and longer than ever before.   Vitamins               You’ve likely heard this by now if you’re a grownup, but even with a healthy diet, you need your daily dose of vitamins. Take a multi. Better yet, take a multi formulated especially for women, or one with the champion hair growth vitamin, Biotin. Come on-- it even sounds like a superhero name. BIOTIN!   Supplements             Collagen has everyone talking these days, and not just because it helps to keep your skin looking firm and fresh. It also may help prevent hair thinning and promote thicker, stronger hair and a healthier scalp.   Scalp Care             Your scalp might be an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be! Studies have shown that inflammation due to oxidative stress and pollution is a major factor in scalp buildup and scalp issues. To make sure your scalp is fresh and healthy, you could also try a scalp exfoliant or anti-buildup shampoo.   Preventing Hair Loss             A big aspect of the hair growth debate is the question of how to prevent hair loss and hair thinning, which often occurs as a result of age and/or genetics. So how do we fight this seemingly inevitable enemy? First off, make sure that you’re eating the rainbow—meaning, getting all of your nutritional needs met and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Fruits, veggies, eight 8 oz glasses of water day, and less caffeine and alcohol. These last two, while fun, are diuretics that can dry out your skin (including your scalp) and cause dehydration, leading to dandruff and flakiness, which are prime causes of scalp buildup, which can contribute to thinning hair, impeding healthy hair growth. Pay attention to these three things to keep your scalp healthy and your hair growth on track:   Nutrition- make sure you’re getting all your vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, B5, iron and other micronutrients. Hormones- Hormonal fluctuation, pregnancy, giving birth, and the state of your thyroid are all things that can affect your hair. If you’re experiencing hair thinning as a result of any [...]

2021-04-22T16:14:13-07:00By |

6 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff

You'll hardly find a person who can say confidently that he/she has never had to deal with the "dandruff" problem ever in their lives. It is one of the commonest hair and scalp issues, which is not only uncomfortable because of the itching, but also embarrassing because it shows no matter how much we try to cover it up. But, interestingly enough, there are quite a few home remedies that help you go a long way towards eliminating this problem. Let us discuss 6 of the best home remedies that have worked for many.   Lemon juice mixed with coconut oil Why? Probably the simplest of all the anti-dandruff remedies ever is a mixture of lemon juice and coconut oil. Lemon juice is known for its anti-fungal properties. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is helpful for the dry and itchy scalp. It also promotes hair growth and that is always favourable. How? It is simple. Mix equal parts of lemon juice with coconut oil and apply it on your hair and do massage it well. Leave it on for about half an hour and wash your hair with your favourite shampoo. Do it regularly after 3-4 days until your head is clear.   Apple cider vinegar Why? Apple cider vinegar takes care of the scalp pH and prevents fungal growth and is also a natural hair cleanser. How? Mix a few tablespoons with your shampoo or mix with hair oils and apply on your hair. Repeat until you no longer have dandruff issues.   Tea tree oil Why? Tea tree oil is a new trend in the market. Tea tree oil is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It is an effective remedy for dandruff and also other conditions like acne. How? Mix a few drops with your favourite shampoo and wash your hair properly. In case you are sensitive to tea tree oil, I would suggest you mix it with another oil, like coconut oil and massage it on your hair followed by a shampoo. Continue as long as is necessary.   Aspirin Why? Yeah, aspirin is not only an analgesic, but has anti-dandruff benefits too. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which controls inflammation and also helps in getting rid of the dandruff flakes from the hairs. How? Powder two aspirin tablets and mix it with your favourite shampoo and you are good to go. Continue for as long as is desired with a 3-4 days gap in between.   Vinegar and olive oil Why? Those of you who prefer a light oil, this is for you. Olive oil conditions your hair and protects it from damage. Vinegar, on the other hand, fights off the fungus and bacteria that build up on your scalp. How? Mix vinegar and olive oil in the ratio of 2:1 and massage it properly onto your hair and scalp. Leave it on for some time and wash it off with your favourite shampoo. Do it at least once a week till [...]

2020-11-10T15:13:50-08:00By |

Quick and Easy Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Daily Routine

Self care can be anything you do to care for yourself, whether it’s your mental, emotional, or physical health. It’s easy to overlook, and even easier to push aside, thinking you don’t have time to prioritize yourself. But the fact is, without self care, everything falls apart. You’re not being selfish when you take care of yourself — you’re prioritizing what’s important: your mental, emotional, and physical health. You might think of self care as a grand gesture that’s just too lofty to do on a regular basis. Whether it’s an hour long yoga class or a trip out of town, you might be thinking too big while neglecting your ability to do small self care steps in your daily routine. These are some of the ways you can squeeze in self care and make yourself feel more healthy and balanced.   Say no. One way to find time to fit more self care into your day is to cut back on the things you don’t really need or want to do. Unnecessary commitments can drain your energy and take away from the time you have to take care of yourself. Think about what’s important and don’t hesitate to tell others you can’t take something on.   Wake up early. Waking up to something you look forward to doing can help you find motivation to get out of bed. Whether it’s reading a book, squeezing in some exercise, stepping outside for a cup of coffee, or just taking a few minutes for a nice stretch, giving yourself quiet time in the morning can help set the tone for a better day.   Add self care to your calendar. You have to schedule what’s important first, then let everything else fit in where there’s room — not the other way around.   Plan meals and snacks. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day and forget to eat healthy. You don’t need an elaborate meal plan, just a general idea and availability for healthy food. If you need to pack a lunch and snacks to make sure you eat healthy throughout the day, plan ahead so you can pack it in the morning or the night before. Even placing a scheduled delivery order is a great way to make sure you’ll have something good to eat at the right time.   Decompress throughout the day. You might have time to shake off stress at the end of the day, but don’t wait until then. Stress happens all day, so stop and take a minute to take care of yourself throughout the day. Stretch, walk, take deep breaths, or grab a drink of water for a quick reset.   Set a timer to call or text friends and family for a few minutes. You don’t need to spend all day on your phone, but it helps to take a few minutes to chat with people that help fill your cup emotionally. Just a [...]

2020-10-01T11:27:01-07:00By |

Can Your Diet Affect Your Acne?

Do you want that acne to go away quickly? Do you want to know what creates havoc on your skin and causes breakouts? Then let's go and check things out, 'anti-acne' way! It's true what you put in your body shows up on your skin, we like to snack on junk food, and we know that we're going to wake up with new pimples, but do you know why it happens? Save me from that pimple! Acne develops when pores in the skin become clogged, with bacteria or dead skin leading to new pimples and inflammation. This can also occur if your body produces too much sebum and it is good until it helps your skin from drying out, but the moment it gets excessive, you're gone! Some foods are high in GI, that is, Glycemic Index and GL, that is, Glycemic Load. Measuring these two can tell how a particular food can raise blood sugar levels and disturb your skin's balance, causing new breakouts, even before you're done with the old ones. Several online lists provide you with this information so you don't need to worry, here we are with a list of foods that have a high GI and GL, and you should avoid eating them too much. Sweetened breakfast cereals White bread and bagel Instant foods like oats Pineapples, Pumpkins, and Potatoes Rice-based Pasta Dairy, Sugar, and Seafood Whey Protein powder Spicy and fried food   Let's make a diet! Getting to the root cause of acne is difficult, but diet is a large part of the problem and the solution;  a lot could be fixed through it. The actual problem comes at the role of digestion when the body isn't able to break down some foods; they damage the lining of our gut and also decreases the good bacteria leading to stored toxins. It can be healed if the digestion is regulated, and this can happen if you follow a healthy diet and a few interesting things, read further to know what it is all about. Here is what you should start eating: Orange-colored vegetables: Pumpkins, carrots or bell peppers, anything orange is rich in the antioxidant called beta carotene, that helps with digestion, treat breakouts and fights pigmentation.   The leafy greenway: Spinach specifically, is rich in Vitamin B and E, which is all about skin health. It reduces inflammation and also restores collagen, reducing fine lines, fighting to age, and making skin healthier and acne-free. Add a little lemon to enhance the taste.   Fermented foods: Apple cider vinegar and Yogurt, to be specific. They are full of good bacteria and can help with digestion as well as acne. You can enjoy a dairy-free yogurt made from coconut extracts. These food helps to maintain proper digestion, and that solves more than half of the problem for us.   Stay hydrated:  Drink as much water as you can, at least six glasses a day, it helps to cleanse the body [...]

2020-10-01T11:37:56-07:00By |

5 Beauty Secrets From Around the World

Learn the Beauty Secrets from Women All Over the World!   Beauty is desired in all parts of the world, and this is why women from different regions have their beliefs about maintaining beauty. The following are secret formulas from  for beauty that women from five different nations swear by. Brazil Renata Klar Divan from Rio de Janeiro believes that when you rub a paste of milk and oatmeal on your face, the solution can help make your skin healthy and give it a perfect glow. She also believes that papaya can have the same effect. Divan also recommends a paste consisting of cornstarch and water for people with stubborn pimples. This paste helps absorb your skin’s oils.   India In India, body scrubs and face packs from different spices and kitchen ingredients are very common for maintaining beauty, according to Sheila Sivanand from Mumbai. One of the common beauty tips in India is combining the following kitchen ingredients: turmeric to act as antiseptic, ground almonds for a nourishing effect, fresh cream for softening, powdered orange peels for exfoliation and rose petals for a good scent. Indians also use hibiscus leaves mixed with water as hair shampoo.   Czech Republic According to Renata Cervenkova from Prague, quark is very effective in calming and refreshing a person’s skin. Quark is used by the Czechs to make fruit dumplings and consists of fresh unripened cheese. Cervenkova’s beauty tip for dark circles is applying castor oil and massaging it gently around your eyes.   Poland Anna Esden Tempska from Warsaw swears by egg yolk combined with drops of lemon juice and castor oil to strengthen hair. For shiny hair, Tempska advises rinsing your hair with camomile tea or a paste of oak bark and walnut tree leaves. Tempska’s facial beauty tip is a facial mask consisting of a mixture of honey, water and cottage cheese.   Australia Nowadays, many Aussies are highly concerned about exposing their skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The secret formula used as a sunscreen, according to Paige Kilponen from Sydney, is SPF 30. 5ml of this solution is applied to the torso, back and front of the face and on the limbs, hands, top of the ears and feet at least after every one hour. Self-tanning solutions are also popular in Australia. The best time for applying a self-tanner is during the morning hours.   Women from different parts of the world have gone to great lengths to discover the most effective beauty tips. While there is no single formula for beauty, the authenticity of any formula depends on several factors such as your allergies and your skin tone. Many women from the five regions swear by different solutions for promoting beauty, but like in all things in life, one person’s medicine can be another person’s poison.   Sources : http://www.elle.com/beauty/a14896/elle-editors-world-natural-beauty-secrets/ http://www.tuya-cosmetics.com.au/ http://www.glamsham.com/movies/news/10/dec/15-gorgeous-shilpa-reveals-her-beauty-secret-121007.asp https://www.naturalnewsblogs.com

2021-01-15T17:04:35-08:00By |

How to Boost Collagen for Better Skin

Did You Know Citrus Fruit Can Make Your Skin Look Better?   Whether or not they'll admit it, both men and women may catch a reflection of themselves and notice with dismay that their skin looks dull and tired, and see lines or sagging skin they weren't aware of before. They might purchase creams or lotions in an effort to minimize these and other telltale signs of too much sun, not enough sleep, inadequate nutrients and other factors. One of the biggest contributors to these and other signs of aging is the loss of collagen, an important protein you need to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. As a compound of essential amino acids, there's only one way to get collagen; your body can't produce it, so you must attain it through your diet. Further, collagen is the most common and abundant of your body's proteins, found only in human and animal tissue, specifically the connective tissues throughout your body, from your muscles, bones and tendons to your blood vessels and digestive system. While most have heard of it in terms of skin elasticity, collagen benefits many areas of your body, including your hair and nails. One study shows that this protein comprises 30 percent of the total protein in your body, and a whopping 70 percent of the protein for your skin. Better Nutrition1 notes that your body contains more than 20 different types of collagen, but by your mid-20s, it begins to wane. By the time you reach your 80s, you have about four times less, which brings about the skin issues. But it's not a given. There are ways to slow the rate of diminishing collagen levels and even build them back up. How Collagen — or the Lack Thereof — Impacts Your Skin Technically a polypeptide, collagen is also a long-chain amino acid composed of individual amino acids such as glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. Threonine is another essential amino acid for collagen production. According to Vital Proteins: "The composition of collagen is considered unique given its high hydroxyproline content. If you lack the amino acids that combine to form collagen, your body's cells can't produce enough of it. Threonine is an essential amino acid for collagen production."2 Clear, firm, glowing skin begins inside your body, so it's true that you are what you eat. The first things to concentrate on are the areas of your body that are either enhanced or suffer in accordance to your diet. Toxins take a toll, but specific organs that affect collagen production include: Your small and large intestines, as they release nutrients to your body and help keep food moving onward and out. Getting rid of waste in a timely manner is crucial (which is one reason why fiber comes in handy). When food hangs around for too long your complexion can become dull, oily and blemished. Well-functioning adrenals make essential hormones, including DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and pregnenolone. Hormone imbalances can promote [...]

2020-10-05T11:15:28-07:00By |

Best Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Growth

Hair loss and thinning hair is a problem that affects many people. By the age of 35, about 66% of men will experience some type of hair loss or thinning. By their mid-50s, about 85% of men will have lost a significant amount of hair.[1] Although it’s talked about less, hair loss affects women as well; about 40% of people who experience hair loss are women. And, because it’s generally considered more acceptable, or at least more common in men, hair loss can be especially distressing for women,[2] causing depression and negatively affecting self-esteem.[3] Although full, shiny hair is viewed by many as an outward characteristic of youth and good genes,[4] hair loss is not purely an issue of vanity. Rather, hair health can actually be a telling indicator of health status. [5] Vitamins for Hair Growth Everything your body does is fueled by nutrition. Without enough vitamin B-12, your energy levels will suffer; bone health can be negatively affected if calcium levels are inadequate; your immune system can’t be strong without adequate selenium. Hair growth is no different and, in fact, several nutrients are absolutely critical for normal hair growth–vitamins A, C, biotin (B7), and niacin (B3), and the essential minerals iron, zinc,[5] and iodine. Together, they provide the nutritional foundation for full, thick, shiny looking hair. If you’re short on the essential nutrients that support healthy hair, it won’t look and feel its best.   Vitamin D Adequate vitamin D is important for preventing hair loss, especially in women. In one study, females who experienced female pattern hair loss also had low levels of vitamin D.[6] If you’re looking for a supplement to combat hair loss, check out SUNTREX D3 at the AlrightStore. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency accompanies a host of serious health consequences. Though rare, this deficiency also leads to dry hair, which is one of the first indications that you’re not getting enough vitamin A.[7] Biotin Biotin, or vitamin B7, is one of the B-complex vitamins. The relationship between biotin and hair growth is still unclearbut it is known that adequate biotin is necessary for healthy hair growth.[8] As with vitamin A deficiency, hair loss is usually one of the first signs of a biotin deficiency.[9] The best way to avoid a biotin deficiency is to simply get enough in your diet. Avocados, bananas, legumes, and leafy greens are some of the best biotin food sources. If you’re coming up short on your daily serving of biotin, Global Healing Center’s Biotin supplement is plant-sourced, highly bioavailable and can help fill the gap. If you’re looking for a supplement to help grow healthy hair, check out BIOTIN at the AlrightStore. Vitamin C Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it helps mitigate free radical damage. Although many people associate free radical damage as some sort of internal-only process, hair follicle cells are also affected by free radical stress and it can start to show in hair strands, especially as you age. The [...]

2021-01-11T15:20:56-08:00By |

How Turmeric Keeps You Looking Young

If you’ve been reading this blog for quite awhile, you’re probably already familiar with the wonderful benefits and uses of turmeric. Research on this ancient spice commonly used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic practices continues to mount, with science already firmly establishing it as protective of the cardiovascular system, [1] supporter of healthy cholesterol levels, [2] and a potent free radical scavenger. [3] New research coming to light is also showing that turmeric may keep you looking young, possibly slowing down the rate at which the skin ages. Is it time to start adding this yellow spice to your beauty regimen? How Turmeric Keeps You Young Turmeric is one of the highest antioxidant-containing spices on the ORAC scale. ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a scale that measures the amount and activity of antioxidants in foods. Turmeric comes in at #6 in the list of herbs and spices with the highest antioxidants, just under cloves (the highest) and cinnamon. [4] Antioxidants are essential for protecting the integrity of the skin by preventing free radicals from destroying its texture and elasticity. Antioxidants also protect the skin from ultraviolet light, one of the key contributors to the visible signs of aging. [5] But don’t think that turmeric’s anti-aging power is just about the antioxidants–far from it. Research shows that turmeric inhibits a key enzyme (elastase) that reduces the ability of elastin from forming. [6] Elastin, along with collagen, is a protein needed for making the skin smooth and pliable, and also helps it to retain its original position when pinched. In fact, turmeric, in vitro, may inhibit elastase by up to 65%. [7] How Turmeric Helps You Feel Young While looking young is certainly helpful, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. True youthfulness comes from feeling young, because without energy, vibrancy, and emotional well being, life can be dull and unexciting. We now know that emotions are extreme determinants in how the physical body ages, so incorporating tactics to keep you mentally and emotional well are extremely important for a high quality of life. Turmeric has shown some promise recently in helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder. [8] Some research also shows benefits of using turmeric for depression, but more studies need to be conducted to replicate these results. [9] It has been suggested that turmeric’s soothing compounds play a role in its ability to support mood. [10] While serotonin and other brain chemicals are involved, it’s possible that more research on the link between inflammation and depression could be on the horizon. How to Use Turmeric in Your Beauty Protocol If you’re attempting to use turmeric as a supplement for supporting skin health and for fighting the visible signs of aging, note that you can either use it topically or internally. As a topical adjunct to your current skin regimen, you can make a facial mask by mixing together 1 teaspoon turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon raw honey and ½ teaspoon [...]

2021-02-05T14:43:44-08:00By |

The Secrets to Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails

Frustrated with lackluster hair, dry skin, and brittle nails? You are not alone. There is a multi-billion dollar cosmetics industry built on your hopes and dreams of shiny hair, strong nails, and supple, hydrated skin. But do the potions and tonics you apply to your tresses leave them dull and lifeless? Are your nails prone to splitting and cracking? Are your knees ashy an hour after applying lotion? There’s a reason why. The products you use every day might be doing more harm than good. Cosmetic products are often loaded with harmful chemicals and toxins that detract from your health and appearance. Fortunately, the secret to beautiful hair, skin, and nails is simpler than you might think. Like so many other aspects of your health, your diet and lifestyle are major determinants of your appearance. Keep reading to find out how to improve and maintain strength and shine for a lifetime. Watch What You Eat Don’t underestimate the role a healthy diet plays in how you look. Vitamin C is crucial to maintaining your skin’s collagen and elasticity.[1] Nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails. In fact, some of the first symptoms of nutritional deficiencies like B-12 are thinning, dry hair and thin, brittle nails.[2, 3] Too little zinc, biotin, or iodine might affect the appearance and integrity of your hair and nails. Make sure you eat a diverse range of healthy, colorful foods every day to get these essential nutrients. If you consume alcohol often, keep in mind that alcohol also prematurely ages the skin and leads to wrinkles, hives, spider veins, cherry angiomas, psoriasis, and skin discoloration.[4] Sweat It Out Diet is far from the only influence on your appearance. Exercise is another way to help you maintain a radiant complexion. In addition to helping keep your telomeres long,[5] researchers have found that regular exercise encourages younger looking skin.[6] You can also benefit from detoxing your skin by hitting the dry sauna or taking in a hot yoga class. Just make sure to rinse off afterward. Reassess Your Beauty Routine Your styling habits are a major influence on your appearance, and that includes the cosmetics you use. You might already know this if you’ve mistakenly over-processed your nails, leaving them brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. Your styling habits are a major influence on your appearance, and that includes the cosmetics you use. Harsh chemicals and procedures dry, damage, and otherwise compromise the appearance and integrity of hair, skin, and nails. To keep your outermost layers hydrated, supple, and vibrant, you need to treat your body right. If you’re looking to improve a certain area, natural products can help you address gaps in your routine. Make sure you choose natural, organic, non-toxic products. Harmful compounds and additives in beauty products can compromise your long-term health. The preservatives and plasticizers in your nail polish may affect your DNA and hormones. Avoid anything labeled “fragrance,” this term is unregulated and could [...]

2021-02-02T11:28:19-08:00By |

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