The Latest Technology in Skin Care: Facemapping

Are you prone to breaking out in spots in one particular problem area of your face? Fed up with buying numerous different products in the hope of finding a miracle cure?

I for one am one of those people that will go out and spend lots of money on the latest different creams, lotions and potions in the hope of improving my skin. The latest beauty trend could eliminate this by teaching us to simply understand what it is that our bodies are trying to tell us when we have a break out so that we can make an educated decision when we choose our skin care products. Getting to the root of the problem and understanding our bodies and our skin will mean that we can rectify the issue by changing our habits, lifestyle and diets to maintain a healthy body rather than just blindly covering up the problem with lots of different beauty products.

The idea behind face mapping comes from Chinese medicine practitioners and reflexologists that believe that different zones on your face represent certain internal areas in your body. By looking at which area is affected and what this indicates we can then change our lifestyles to improve our internal health as well as the external health of our skin.

The Zones

When analysing the skin during face mapping, the face is divided into 14 zones.

Zones 1 and 3 are the left and right side of the forehead and are related to the bladder and digestive system. If you get spots in this region it is advised that you pay close attention to your diet and make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water.

Zone 2 is the area on your forehead between your eyebrows, this area is said to relate to your liver. If zone 2 is your problem area it could mean that you are consuming too much alcohol, eating too much rich food or are possibly being affected by an allergy or food intolerance.

Zones 4 and 10 relate to your left and right ear areas, this area relates to your kidneys. If you have breakouts in this area then you should make sure you are drinking plenty of water, it may also help to cut out caffeine and alcohol.

Zones 5 and 9 are on the left and right cheeks, problem skin on your cheeks is related to your respiratory lung area. People who smoke or have allergies could be particularly susceptible to problem skin in this area.

Zones 6 and 8 are the areas around your eyes and are also related to your kidneys, dark circles can be improved by drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and flush out toxins.

Zone 7 is your nose and can be linked to your heart. If you have a red nose it could indicate high blood pressure, any bad skin below your nose and above your lip could be eased by changing your chapstick, lipstick or toothbrush.

Zones 11 and 13 are either side of your jaw line, if you have problems here then it can indicate dental problems.

Zone 12 is on your chin, if you tend to get spots here it could be due to hormonal imbalance or stress. Zone 12 is said to relate to both sexual health and also the small intestine. Problems in the centre of your chin could be due to digestive problems or food allergies.

Zone 14 can be found on your neck and chest, if you tend to get any flushing or redness here then it could be caused by allergies.

The popular Dermalogica Skin Care range have bought out their own face mapping service where a trained expert will analyse your skin, give you the results and suggest what kinds of skin care products would suit you best. This will enable you to make informed decisions about the skin care products that you buy and make changes to your lifestyle to compliment them.
Face mapping analysis allows each individual to have a personalised guide to use when choosing and applying skin care products, it can also indicate any underlying health problems.
Face mapping could hold the answers to aid us in feeling healthy in our bodies and our minds as well as keeping us glowing on the outside.

Author Bio
Sarah Hewitt is a new blogger who blogs about anything and everything. You can contact her via her Twitter page or Google+

Hair Transplants Explained

Are you tired of watching your precious locks swirl down the shower drain each morning? Have you tried medication that will supposedly stop the hair loss, but are yet to see results? Perhaps it is time to consider a hair transplant.

According to Wikipedia, hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving individual hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to a bald part (the recipient site).

It is not unheard of for individuals to use this elective procedure to fill in gaps of hair growth along scar lines caused by accidents or surgery. While somewhat rare, people do use hair transplantation to replace or increase density of eyelashes, eyebrows, beard hair, and chest hair. It is far more common for hair transplants to occur on the scalp.

For patients who suffer from pattern baldness, hair transplantation is the only permanent cure for their hair loss. Medications may stop hair loss and initiate some hair re-growth; however this is only a temporary solution.

Hair transplantations used to disguise bald spots on the scalp usually take donor hairs from the back and sides of the head where growth is more plentiful. There are two ways to dissect donor hairs.

Follicular Unit Extraction

Hairs naturally grow in groupings called follicular units. Each follicular unit contains one to four hairs. The most technologically advanced procedures transplant hairs in these natural groupings. This ensures the most satisfactory results that mimic natural hair growth.

The procedure

A follicular unit extraction (or FUE) removes individual units with a tiny punch that measures between 0.6mm and 1.25mm in diameter. After the unit is removed, it is inserted into the balding area.

The results

A FUE leaves tiny puncture scars that are nearly undetectable. The recovery period generally lasts for about seven days.

Strip Harvesting

While similar to the FUE, a strip harvest has one key feature that is very different.

The procedure

During this procedure, an entire strip of scalp is removed instead of individual follicular units. After the doctor sutures up the incision, he or she will dissect the follicular units from the strip of scalp. Then, just like the FUE, the doctor will insert the units into the balding area.

The results

A patient who has undergone a strip harvest will always have a linear scar in the donor site. However, as long as the patient doesn’t choose to shave his or her hair, the scar shouldn’t be visible. Also, a patient will have to return to the doctor’s office about two weeks after the procedure to have the stitches removed.

A Word of Warning

If you are considering a hair transplant, you need to be aware of two very important things. First, you should only consider one of the above mentioned follicular unit transplantations (the FUE or strip harvest). There are some doctors who still perform outdated procedures that yield pluggy, unnatural results. Second, while hair transplantation is one of the safer elective procedures, it is surgery and certain precautions should be considered. Hair transplantation should be used as a last resort and only if other hair restoration options don’t produce satisfactory results.

Blogger Dr. Ron Habben is a hair transplantation specialist. He performs Tampa hair transplants for patients who have found other treatment options to be unsuccessful.

Give your hair a funky look this summer!

Every year, you can count on stylists to present hairstyles that herald and signify summer. Whether you’re young or not so young, there’s sure to be something that suits your personality. Hairstyles are important, as they are a snapshot of a person’s character, taste, and style. The arrival of summer usually indicates that it’s time to have a fresh, funky look. The abundance of hairstyles available often makes it difficult to choose just one. Of course, professional stylists are always ready to provide helpful advice.

The first step to changing a hairstyle for summer is getting a funky hair colour. Blue, purple, pink, and fruity orange are several high street shades that are worth trying. You can also opt to highlight your hair, or be super-bold and use one audacious hue on the entire head. This works as long as you have the courage and confidence to carry it off.

Light or porcelain skin tones are more suited to lighter shades. Meanwhile, those with darker complexions can opt for darker and deeper hair tones. Getting a hair salon professional to colour your hair is highly recommended to ensure the results last longer, as well as obtaining an outstanding, if not eye-catching, outcome.

Depending on the shape of your face and personal preference, coloured hair can be styled by keeping it straight, adding a twist with tight curls, or something in between. Short hair tends to look better when straight or in ultra-tight curls, while long hair looks good when straight, curled, or wavy.

Blow-drying is the best solution for temporary straightening or curling. However, if you want a permanent result, rebounding treatment, using a hair straightener, can smoothen and straighten hair, while hair can be curled by perming. When curling hair, aim to minimise a narrow chin and add vertical length to a heart-shaped face, soften a strong jaw line in a square face, or to shorten an oblong face.

Another crucial factor to obtaining funky hair is the use of high-quality products after the rigors of all that styling. For instance, oil or gloss can prevent frizz as well as aid a shinier and smoother finish; mousse can be used to maintain a funky hairstyle. Meanwhile, maintain straight or curly hair with specially formulated shampoos. Hair gel, wax, or clay is effective in producing an admirable finish as well as guaranteeing perfect hold. Whatever you decide to use, make sure you like what you see before heading out to that party!

Some natural acne cures worth trying

Acne is difficult to deal with at any age and something important to remember is that both young adults and adults can suffer from it. There are a number of remedies one can try when dealing with acne. Something important to remember is that there is generally no one size fits all cure. But some treatments tend to work better than others. This isn’t expert medical advice but based on my own experience and other people who have dealt with acne. Generally some remedies work for more people better than other ones do. One important thing is to try and experiment with both external treatments on your skin along with changes in diet, managing stress and other factors which can influence acne. Below I’ll list a few natural and cheap acne remedies which you can try which a lot of people seem to have good luck with. Remember if your problem is serious enough you can always consider trying something stronger or seeing a medical professional.

Aloe Vera

A lot of people report a lot of success in using Aloe Vera to help treat acne. You have probably heard of it since it is a very common type of plant which has been used in various types of medicine for thousands of years. While research differs on the exact benefits of it people find that generally it helps with different skin related problems especially soothing sun burn. In this case you can use either gel from the store or even a buy a plant, cut it open and use the gel from the inside. If you do this make sure to try and buy from a place which does not spray their plant with any kind of pesticides which would be dangerous to expose yourself to. Some people report success in buying juice from a health food store and drinking it. When applying topically you simply apply the gel to the affected area and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off. People who have had success report that Aloe Vera seems to help clear up redness, reduce scarring and help your overall complexion. The reason why Aloe Vera can most likely be beneficial is because it does contain a large number of vitamins, minerals and enzymes which are useful to the human body. This includes b vitamins, calcium, copper and many other natural components. All of these are known to be helpful and healthy to your skins overall health and natural healing process. If you do decide to try using Aloe Vera a good gentle moisturizer might be a good idea since some people have reported their skin becoming dry from using it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another natural treatment worth trying is Apple Cider Vinegar. While this might sound a bit odd it actually makes sense if you stop to think about it. Very much like Aloe Apple Cider has a number of natural components to it including copper, iron, sulfur  and other nutrients which are healthy for your skin and body. Much like Aloe if you use Cider it is best and safest to use a natural kind if possible that is free of additives or pesticides of any kind. Apple Cider is believed to help skin because it acts as a natural toner to your skin. Along with this it help balance the natural PH level of your skin as well. The oil on your skin has a slightly acidic PH level which is meant to discourage the growth of bacteria but things such as excessive washing of your skin can disrupt this. Apple Cider being slightly acidic can help balance your PH levels in a positive way which helps to discourage bacteria growth and also help nourish your skin so it can heal up. When using Apple Cider to make sure to test it out first and see if you’re sensitive to it. On top of this always dilute it with water and be careful when applying near your mouth, eyes, nose or ears. The simplest thing to do is apply it and let it dry for at least 30 minutes before washing it off. Something to always remember when trying to treat acne is that you usually need to give any treatment a bit of time to work. So when starting something new make sure to do it consistently for about two weeks to see what results you get. The most important thing is to find what works properly for you.

For more information on acne cures and my experience with acne please see my blog at: http://www.overthecounteracnetreatmentinfo.com/

Miracle Tips For Ageless Skin That Work!

Everyone knows that skin is the largest organ of body, and performs vital functions like temperature regulation, eliminating toxins, providing protection against micro-organisms and ultraviolet radiation. Yet often we take it for granted, until it begins to take a toll on us.

Signs like wrinkles, blemishes, age spots and dry skin are natural with age, but quite unpleasant if they appear prematurely. So take care of your skin as early as possible, as it minimizes the risk of premature aging significantly. Here are some of my personal favorite tips which have helped my skin stay fresh and young.

Tip #1: Avoid Smoking – It brings undue loss to skin

Smoking reduces skin’s natural elasticity by promoting collagen breakdown. Collagen, a protein that helps skin strength, gradually degrades with age, leading to wrinkles. Smoking accelerates this process and tightens skin’s tiny blood vessels. This limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching skin cells. Thus reducing elasticity, and accelerating skin ageing. Besides, burning cigarettes expose skin to heat, facial skin damage, pursing of lips and squinting of eyes which contribute to wrinkles.

Tip #2: Cleanse, Exfoliate & Moisturize

The cleanse-exfoliate-moisturize regime is the basis of good for skincare. When done in right proportions it favors clean and healthy skin. Here’s an overview:-

1) Cleansing removes dirt as well as kills bacteria. Here are some things to be kept in mind while cleansing.

·         Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores.

·         Treat skin around eyes tenderly, as it is delicate. Remove eye make-up with proper make-up remover and soft hands.

·         Always use lukewarm water to wash face, as both hot and cold water can cause capillaries to break.

·         After you are done with the cleansing process pat dry skin to retain moisture.

2) Exfoliating involves using a facial scrub once or twice a week. You can simply put a dab of cleanser on a damp cloth and massage it in a circular motion on your face. Scrubbing removes the top layer of dead skin cells that contributes to dull complexion. Toners remove all remaining traces of oil, make-up and dirt.

3) Moisturizing protects your skin from drying and looking dull. It helps skin to maintain its natural moisture levels, because it seals already present water content and slowly releases it back to skin.

Tip #3: Sun Protection: Keep Skin Away From Long Sun Exposure

Sun is the biggest reason behind premature skin aging. So restrict and protect skin form UVA and UVB rays.

·         Limit the time you spend outside during 10 am to 4 pm, as these are considered high intensity hours for sun rays. Wear full length clothes, scarf’s to avoid getting in contact with the sun.

·         Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15. Apply generously on face and other parts exposed to sun, about 20 minutes before you go out.

·         Women over 30 should start using anti-aging cream to curb skin aging signs.

Tip #4: Eat Healthy

·         Focus on a healthy diet.

·         Avoid fast food, processed food, and fried food.

·         Instead eat what’s good for your skin like foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, fresh veggies, lots of salad, Salmon and Tuna.

Tip # 5: Physical Activity – Reap its benefits

Exercise increases oxygen circulating in body which helps skin stay vibrant and healthy. Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday. Exercise helps you fall asleep at night, improve your sleep quality and reduce stress, which indirectly helps your skin become healthy.

Tip #6: Get Enough Quality Sleep

Sleep is essential for healthy skin. Improper sleep will make your skin look tired and older, especially with bags under your eyes. Here are some tips for a good night sleep:

·          Try to keep a regular sleep routine.

·        Avoid having heavy meals before going to bed. Put a gap of at least 2 hours before you sleep after a   heavy meal.

·         Drink plenty of water during the day time and avoid it during bedtime.

·         Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

·         Avoid stimulants (caffeine and nicotine) in evenings.

Author Bio:

Jenny Williams is a dermatologist by profession and blogging is her hobby. She loves shareing her vast knowledge and experience by interacting with people on the internet. Jenny is passionate about reading fiction and traveling.