Applying the nail care tips below will help you maintain your fingernails in prime condition.
As our fingernails are so noticeable and convey a message about us to everyone we meet, it is essential we take just a little time and educate ourselves on how to care for them well.
What follows is a list of nail care tips divided into do’s and don’ts:
Nail Care Tips: The DO’S
DO drink plenty of water each day. It’s good for your general health and a well hydrated body contributes to healthy nails. Cracked nails may indicate the need for greater fluid intake.
DO apply varnish remover before applying nail polish. This removes any grease on the surface of the nail and gives extra life to the nail polish, so make sure you do this regardless of whether there is old polish on your nails or not.
DO take vitamin supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise due to other health considerations. Vitamins A, C, E, and B12 are especially important. Additionally, calcium, zinc, iron, protein, and folic acid will help avoid white marks appearing on the nails and prevent nails from becoming brittle. Research the foods you need to provide you with these essential vitamins and supplements.
DO use a good quality buffer preferably once a week, no more than twice a week. Be sure not to buff too vigorously and not for too long to avoid damaging the nail. Just a brief gentle buff before applying nail polish can help prevent the polish from peeling due to a rough or uneven surface on the nail.
DO use a soft nail file rather than an emery board. Emery boards can be too rough and damage the nail easily unless used with great care. Better to use a soft cushion nail file and wash it regularly for repeated use. It almost goes without saying, metal nail files are a definite NO NO!
DO wear protective gloves when doing any work that requires the hands to be submerged in water or come in contact with chemicals. Preferably use gloves with a cotton lining so they remain dry inside. Fungus loves a moist environment.
DO give attention to the cuticles regularly, using a moisturizing cream often to avoid the cuticles from drying out. Overgrown and ungroomed cuticles can adversely affect nail growth.
Nail Care Tips: The DON’TS
DON’T file backwards and forwards as this can cause splits in the nails which become even worse if water penetrates after hand washing. Rather use a gentle one way stroking action with the file along with a little patience.
DON’T file the corners of the nail as this can weaken them and make them more susceptible to breaking. File straight across in a way that produces a soft, oval shape. Pointed nails break easily.
DON’T file nails when they are wet. Make sure they are completely dry.
DON’T use varnish remover and reapply nail polish more than once or twice a week. Preferably select a varnish remover that contains moisturizers to avoid the nails drying out.
DON’T use your nails to scratch hard surfaces, pick at an object, remove staples, or serve as a digging tool. Just take a minute to get a proper tool for the job and avoid sacrificing your nails!
DON’T over manicure the cuticles as this can damage them causing them to thicken and overgrow.
DON’T ever cut the cuticles or use metal or sharp objects to push them back. Purchase the proper tool for the job, an Orange Stick. Hold it at an angle and gently push the cuticles back without damaging them. Using a cuticle remover first will help make the job easier and avoid damaging this sensitive skin.
After a nail care session, conduct a little test. To see how smooth your nails really are run them down an old pair of tights or pantyhose. Any snags will help you locate the nail that needs further attention.
The nail care tips listed above require some time and effort and perhaps initially a small investment to obtain the necessary professional tools. However, once you have them and get into a nail care routine, the benefits will make it all worthwhile.
You will feel confident and flash your nails with pride.
Perfume has been a desired commodity since ancient times and many of the techniques used are still used to some degree today. When looking at ancient attitudes towards perfume it is surprising to discover how much it actually reflects the expectations of it in the modern day. To understand the nature of it in Ancient Greece, historians rely upon written sources, excavated mosaics and other pictorial representations and artifacts such as perfume bottles. From these items, lots can be determined about the function, importance and production of it in ancient Greece.
The art of perfume making began in the island such as Crete and other Greek colonies. It was brought to the agora or marketplace and sold from stalls. The ancient Greeks quickly began to experiment with them, and created their own extraction techniques which incorporated boiling herbs and flower petals. These methods isolated the required plant ingredients and then perfumes were made by infusing the extracted scents in oils. The process was a simple version of modern techniques but could create as wide a variety of them as can be enjoyed today.
The ingredients were mainly homegrown flowers such as iris and marjoram, roses, lilies, and violets. Herbs and spices such as sage and cumin were also used. Incense and myrrh were seen as decadent and were perfume ingredients reserved for gods until the 4th century when there was a shift in tastes, ideology and availability. Like other ancient civilization, the ancient Greeks imported oriental essences to create more exotic perfumes. However, unlike other civilizations, they kept them mainly for their own use, rather than for export.
Perfume was central to ancient Greek life. It was so popular that the politician Solon temporarily banned the use of it to prevent an economic crisis. It was at the centre of hospitality, wealth, status, daily life and even philosophy. It was seen as erotic, mystical and spiritual. It was linked to beauty which was inextricably linked with divinity. The origins of perfume and perfumery are interwoven with Greek mythology. In Homeric tradition, the Olympian gods taught perfumery to people. The colour and scent of the rose is attributed to events surrounding Venus and Cupid.
Perfume was worn by both men and women and was central to cult worship as it was seen as pleasing to the gods and able to win their favour. It covered the scent of sacrifices during ceremonies, and was used as a good omen for marriage and childbirth. Babies were anointed with it for good health. It was also central to death. Perfumed libations were carried at the front of the funeral procession. Bodies were burned wrapped in perfumed shrouds which were thought to help secure a happy afterlife. Other bodies were buried with containers of it, again as offerings to the gods.
Perfume was also integral to cleanliness, and used in elaborate bathing rituals by both men and women. It was used so widespread that the philosopher Socrates openly disliked and dismissed its usage claiming it made a free man indistinguishable from a slave. Athletes used perfume after exercise for medicinal purposes in the form of balms and unguent oils. This is an early recognition of the possible therapeutic and healing properties that are reminiscent of attitudes towards aromatherapy and aromacology in modern times. Hospitality also required an abundance of perfume as guest`s feet were washed and anointed on being seated. Some wines were also perfumed according to works by Appicius, in the hope that they had medicinal properties.
With the importance of perfume so apparent, it is no surprise that it was stored in bottles shaped as birds an animals, sometimes only a few inches in size. Many are found from around the 6th century BC and are known as plastics. In fact, the perfume bottles are spun ceramics and they commonly adopted a shape which reflected the type of perfume to be contained.
Lekuthos were used for liquid perfume and were slim elegant glass bottles. Aryballes were used for oils and unguents. Alabastron perfume bottles were highly prized, mainly amongst women and it was common for the craftsmen to brand the bottles to mark their craftsmanship, making them even more collectable. As you can see, there are many similarities to modern day attitudes towards perfume.
It seems like every time you turn your head there is a new and improved face moisturizer out on the market. Confusing isn’t it because all you’re really looking for is a face moisturizer that makes your face softer, smoother and healthier…and perhaps even younger-looking!
So what do you look for in a quality moisturizer product? Here are three tips to help you out with your quest to find the moisturizer that will work for you:
Tip #1 — Healthy Natural Ingredients
Why are natural ingredients important? Simply because there are far too many synthetic chemicals in skin care products nowadays that are unhealthy, so you’ll have to read the label.
If you see ingredients like parabens, dioxane, and/or mineral oil, these are chemicals that aren’t the best ingredients to have in your face moisturizer. Parabens such as methylparaben and ethylparaben to name a few, are a group of chemicals used as preservatives. Dioxane is a chemical known to irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and is known to cause cancer. As for mineral oil, it’s a byproduct of petrolium production. It not only suffocates your skin but it prevents your skin from eliminating toxins.
Here’s a tip within the tip — when you look for safe ingredients found in skin care products look to see if the company has signed the “Compact for Safe Cosmetics” agreement. Companies that do not use any harmful or irritating ingredients have signed the pledge.
Here are some healthy natural ingredients to look for when you research your skin care products.
o Avocado Oil
- it’s deeply hydrating
- very highly compatible with your skins own oils
- scientifically-proven to stimulate collagen production plus increases the proportion of soluble collagen in the dermis of your skin…to make it look smoother and younger!
o Babassu Oil
- a light, natural wax that softens and soothes your skin
- creates an invisible barrier that retains moisture
- keeps out the dirt and grime
- soothes the skin
- gently moisturizes the skin without making it oily
Tip #2 — Natural Moisturizing Ingredient
Another healthy ingredient in a face moisturizer is known as:
o Phytessence Wakame
- moisturizes and smoothes skin
- is a variety of kelp (native to the Japanese Sea)
- is rich in sodium, iron, potassium and calcium, plus B-group vitamins
- increases skin elasticity
- slows down the activity of hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the skin)
Tip #3 — Anti Aging Natural Ingredients
One last tip when you’re looking for a face moisturizer product and because we’re all getting a little older, using a moisturizer that contains a healthy, anti aging ingredient is a bonus! It’s found in skin care face creams and lotions.
o Cynergy TK
- stimulates the re-growth of collagen and elastin in your skin
- almost like applying a liquid skin to your face and body (because the functional Keratin(TM) is very similar to the basic protein found in human skin)
- contains antioxidants…not any type of antioxidants but a new type of enzymatic antioxidant (meaning one molecule of these powerful Cynergy TK antioxidants can eliminate millions of free radicals)
- reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Now that you know this, when you go looking for that face moisturizer you’ll remember that a moisturizer containing healthy ingredients is the way to go for softer, smoother, healthier and yes…younger-looking skin!
I would like to share with you some honey and skin care knowledge, one of the most popular topics amongst the female honey fans, before you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on all those anti-wrinkle and moisturising creams. Try some easy, home-made tonic and remedy with honey first. And remember, the main ingredient in all those costly skin care products in the store could be honey!
Really, there is no simpler way to bring a smooth glow to your skin than with honey beauty recipes. Honey’s ability to absorb and retain moisture make it an ideal ingredient in a lot of cosmetics as it helps keep skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying. It is known that ancient beauties regularly applied a mixture of honey and milk to the face to keep the skin young-looking, radiant, and smooth.
Honey’s natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun’s rays, supports the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and supple. One of the most common skin benefits of honey is related to minor acne treatment. Honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent. With the wide-ranging of honey and skin care recipes, it is no wonder that there exists a huge number of honey products in the market for hair care, baby care, skin care for sunscreen, hand lotions, facial scrubs and moisturizers. And for instance, the Manuka Honey Lip Balm is an effective and natural moisturiser. It contains sun protection properties to soothe and protect the lips from becoming dry and chapped in cold and dry weather.
6 Pampering Homemade Honey Recipes for Skin Care:
Here are some do-it-yourself, self-help, extremely easy to follow recipes to enjoy the benefits of honey in skin care. I recommend them also because all the ingredients that go along with them are so easily accessible.
1. Cucumber-Honey Toner:
Puree 1 cucumber in a blender and drain away the liquid. Add 2 teaspoons of honey and mix. Apply on the face and neck area with a cotton pad. Air dry it and rinse clean.
2. Honey-Apple Toner:
In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply mixture to face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse.
3. Honey-Oats Face Scrub:
Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely-ground almonds, 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal, and some lemon juice or yogurt to a luxurious and exfoliating facial scrub. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water.
4. Gentle Honey Cleanser:
Mix 1⁄4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon liquid soap and 1⁄2 cup glycerin (found in drug stores). Apply gently on to face using a face sponge. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry.
5. Hot Honey Bath:
Perhaps the easiest beauty recipe related to honey and skin care — Add 1/4 cup of honey to your hot bath water for silky and luscious skin.
6. Honey Hair Conditioning Treatment:
For lustrous, silky, healthy hair and scalp, simply combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil. Massage scalp with this conditioner, then put on a shower cap for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
Most of us understand the importance of our personal hygiene. It is important not only to make our lives more pleasant, but very important for our health. Just as bathing, brushing our teeth, cutting our hair and trimming our nails is an everyday part of living in human, civilized society, pet grooming is a necessary and common practice in that same civilization. Pet grooming is most commonly offered for dogs and cats, though cats are often more difficult to groom because of their natural aversion to water. Nonetheless, grooming is something that many pet owners have neglected, especially if the pet lives outside or spends a lot of time outdoors. But you should be aware that grooming is not just a just a nice thing, but extremely an important requirement for some dog breeds, for reasons outlined below.
You may groom your pet yourself, but pet grooming is a rewarding occupation, as well as being lucrative. The whole pet industry is a $32 billion a year business and is known for being recession-resistant. In that vast Pet Care Industry, the Grooming segment is the fastest growing. And pet groomers have an historical record of which they can be proud.
In many ways, pet grooming to your animal is like receiving that gentle hug from a loved one. Pet grooming can include some or all of shampoos, flea treatments, hair cuts and exotic styling, pedicures, skin care, and moisturizing treatments. And although it generally starts with giving your pet a bath, grooming is more than just a beauty session for your pet. Pets need grooming in order to prevent illness such as skin diseases and parasites. And pets aren’t as efficient as cooling themselves as humans, since they don’t sweat through their skin. So, pet fur trimming is a crucial part of grooming to help them maintain the right body temperature.
Don’t forget that pet grooming is an important part of pet ownership. Dogs that are consistently spruced up tend to have a better and shinier coat simply because the act of brushing and combing the dog’s hair stimulates the blood supply to the skin. Stimulating the blood supply puts the skin, and in fact, the whole pet in better health.
Pet Grooming is also a visible expression of your love for your pet. When your pet is groomed, that expression is not only visible to the people all around, but something that your pet feels in a very positive and rewarding way. Overall, pets are more likely to remain healthy, both mentally and physically, when they are kept clean and well groomed. And of course, periodic grooming makes your pet look, smell and feel great.
There are two questions most people have when they get a cold sore on the lip. The first is when will it disappear and how to get rid of it. The second is at what point is it contagious and how to prevent giving it to another person. There can also be anxiety that one already did give the virus to someone else unknowingly.
The herpes cold sore virus is contagious but one thing that is important
