Is Mineral Makeup Good For Your Skin?

The Beauty of Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup has become popular for many reasons: It's eco-friendly, looks good, and feels light on the face. And because TV infomercials and the celebrities who use and recommend it, mineral makeup has gotten a lot of media attention.

Mineral makeup has been around for 30 years or more, but has recently regained popularity in the cosmetics industry. Mineral makeup was originally used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists on patients after cosmetic procedures to cover the redness and soreness.

The Magic Behind Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup is made from pure, crushed minerals and will not cake on the skin: It allows the skin to breathe and gives you a lighter, more natural look than traditional makeup. Mineral makeup comes in powdered, pressed, and liquid forms and has beneficial properties for your skin.

It is ideal for all skin types, all skin tones, and women of all ages. Mineral makeup looks great, feels great, and helps to bring out your natural glow. But take care to read the labels and make sure you're getting pure mineral makeup.

Why Mineral Makeup May Be Better

Mineral makeup won’t clog pores or irritate. As Pam Messy of Mary Kay Cosmetics in Owings Mills, Md., says, “Regular makeup contains artificial chemicals or preservatives, whereas true mineral makeup does not. Mineral makeup is hypoallergenic and usually safe to use on any skin.” It's also free of oil, talc, perfume, dyes, alcohol, and other potentially irritating and comedogenic, or pore-clogging, ingredients, Surratt says.

Mineral makeup ingredients can soothe skin. What it does contain are natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as zinc and titanium oxides, which help calm the skin when it's irritated. These ingredients also offer protection from UVA, UVB, and infrared sun rays. “Read the label, as you want at least an SPF of 15,” Surratt says.

Mineral makeup acts as a great concealer. Need to hide imperfections? Mineral makeup is lightweight and conceals, corrects, and covers pigmentations and lines on your face while still allowing your skin to breathe. “It offers skin-enhancing benefits. It smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, conceals blotchiness, and improves the appearance of skin with acne or rosacea,” Gerrish says. Mineral makeup doesn't need many touch-ups because it has water-resistant qualities that provide long-lasting coverage, another plus.

“Pure mineral makeup is so harmless you can almost sleep in it,” says Messy, “though I always recommend removing all makeup before going to bed, and applying a good moisturizer.”

While no form of makeup is perfect, mineral makeup products can help you avoid harsh preservatives and chemicals while hiding those fine lines and little flaws. You may never go back to regular makeup because of the way mineral makeup looks and feels on your face.

Hair Loss: Know the Facts

Why Am I Going Bald?

There are many reasons for hair loss and baldness, from genetics to stress caused by illness.

You may not know it or feel it, but you're losing hair all the time — an estimated 100 hairs from the 100,000 or so strands in your scalp every day.

About 90 percent of the hair on your head is growing at any given time, in a growth phase that lasts as long as six years. The other 10 percent is in a resting phase that lasts a few months, and at the end of that phase the hair is shed. A new hair then grows from the same follicle to replace lost hair, renewing the growing cycle. Hair grows about half an inch a month, but that rate of growth slows as people age.

Baldness occurs when certain factors interfere with this natural process of hair loss and replacement, preventing new hair from growing and replacing hair that has fallen out.

Factors That Cause Male Hair Loss

Hair loss is a fairly common sign of aging among men. About a quarter of men begin to go bald by the time they're 30, and about two-thirds are either bald or well on their way to baldness by 60. Genetics, nutritional deficiency, drug side effects, or even stress caused by illness may play a role in hair loss:

Genetics. More than 95 percent of hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. Men undergoing typical male pattern baldness have a receding hairline and find their hair thinning around the crown, eventually culminating in a bald spot. Many men ultimately end up with a ring of hair around the sides and back of their heads.

Male pattern baldness is considered a genetic condition, inherited from either the mother or the father's side of the family. However, male pattern baldness also requires the presence of the male hormone testosterone. Genetics cause hair follicles to become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a byproduct of testosterone. The follicles begin to grow smaller and their life span shorter, eventually falling out altogether or leaving behind fuzz.

Telogen effluvium. The resting stage of the hair growth cycle is known as telogen. A telogen effluvium occurs when a shock to the system causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. As many as 70 percent of scalp hairs are then shed in large numbers, usually about two months after the initial event. While hair falling out by the handful can upset anyone, telogen effluvium normally resolves itself within a few months and the hair eventually grows back. Hair loss through telogen effluvium can be caused by:

* A serious illness involving a high fever or severe infection
* Major surgery or a chronic illness, including thyroid disease
* Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, medications for gout, or chemotherapy drugs for cancer
* A lack of protein in your diet or too much vitamin A
* Low blood iron levels

Alopecia areata. This rare form of hair loss is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack the hair follicles. You may be in good health in all other respects, yet start finding smooth, round patches of exposed scalp; these can be roughly the size of a coin or larger. For most, the hair will grow back, though in rare cases, there can be a total loss of hair.

Cicatricial alopecia. The cause of this rare disorder is unknown, but the hair loss involved in cicatricial alopecia results from inflammation around the hair follicle. An affected person might feel itching or pain and have scarring or permanent hair loss in the affected area.

Top 6 Reasons Kids Have Tantrums

The best way to prevent tantrums is to know what triggers them. Lots of kids get irritable when they're hungry or tired, but those aren't the only situations that will spark meltdowns.

1. Biological issues

Some kids become especially irritable when they're hungry or tired. That's why it’s always a good idea to take favorite snacks along on outings; you can even pull them out when waiting for meals at restaurants. To keep children from becoming too tired, build some rest time into your plans and don’t overschedule their days. Last, consider what kind of stimulation your kids can tolerate — some like loud amusement parks, while others need quieter activities to keep them happy.

2. Lack of structure

Having nothing to do for too long a period of time is a recipe for trouble. Kids will create their own structure if you don’t, and this sometimes means arguing with each other or otherwise acting out. Create a "Things To Do" box with puzzles, games, art projects, books, videos and other calming activities for the downtime between scheduled activities. Take smaller versions along on long car rides or for destinations with long waiting lines.

3. Demands

Many kids find it stressful to be told to do homework or chores, or to try a new activity. So when it's time for them to do their chores or homework, make a game of it, with rewards for completing each part of the task. If kids are afraid to try something new, don’t force them — instead help them gradually overcome reluctance by letting them watch the activity first, then asking them to participate for a very short period of time.

4. Waiting

Some kids melt down when they don't get what they want, or have to stop doing something fun. It is easier for kids to wait for what they want if they know exactly when they'll get it, so keep a timer or clock on hand. If you know you are going someplace where they will want something they cannot have, tell them ahead of time; suggest that if they get through the outing without complaint, they can get something else. When kids resist stopping a fun activity, try to make the transition easier. For example, as a reward for leaving the playground and going home without incident, stop for a small ice-cream treat.

5. Threats to self-esteem

Some kids are perfectionists and cannot stand making a mistake on their homework or losing a board game. Remind such kids before an activity that you are more interested in their efforts or their sportsmanship than whether they do things perfectly. Promise rewards if they don't get upset when they lose a game.

6. Unmet wishes for attention

Some children fall apart when adults ignore them to attend to siblings or other adults. Children can wait for your attention more successfully when they know exactly when they will get it — again, a timer or clock can be helpful. If you are occupied with something important, ask them to stay near you while they wait; often, that closeness is enough to satisfy them for a while. Also, teach kids the correct ways to ask for attention, and to sit patiently rather than getting mad or acting out. If the kids ask nicely to play, then give them the attention they crave. After all, this is the most valuable gift you can offer them.

JEFFLENY: 9 Tips to Soothe Dry Skin

Very dry skin is itchy and flaky, and may even become red and painful. Don't put up with dry, itchy skin. Soothe it with the right dry skin care.

Flaky, scaly, itchy — these are the classic signs of dry skin. And who wants to look like a lizard, much less touch dry skin? Slapping on lotion when dry skin gets flaky isn't enough to kick this skin health problem to the curb — you need to take some serious steps to soothe dry skin.

9 Dry Skin-Soothers

Try these beauty tips to add moisture and bring dry skin back to life:

1. Cool down your showers. Very hot water will only dry your skin out more. So when you enjoy a bath or shower, keep the water lukewarm instead of hot, suggests Rebecca Kazin, MD, dermatologist and medical director of The Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center at Green Spring Station in Lutherville, Md. Ditto for when you wash your face.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. It seems like a no-brainer — if you've got dry skin, you need to moisturize. But how and when you apply moisturizer makes a big difference. If you’ve got dry skin, apply a moisturizer to your face and the skin all over your body at least once a day, or twice a day for extremely dry skin. "The best time to put it on is when you get out of the shower," says Dr. Kazin. You should always pat, not rub, your skin dry so that a little moisture is left on the skin. Apply moisturizer quickly to lock in the moisture from the shower. Kazin also suggests adding a soothing oil to your bath to help moisturize your skin.

3. Exfoliate your skin. Avoiding exfoliation because you think it's drying your skin? It's not. Regular exfoliation is actually great for dry skin. "If the skin is thickened, always exfoliate to help moisture sink in better," suggests Kazin. That thick, callused, dead skin that's covering healthy skin beneath is soaking up all the moisture. So slough it off with an exfoliant, then moisturize.

4. Be gentle to your skin. If you've got dry skin, it's time to skip those harsh, drying bar soaps and upgrade to something a little more soothing for your skin. Some bar soaps are now made with moisturizers, but even better, says Kazin, are body washes that contain a lot of moisturizers — and always look for products specially designed for sensitive skin. If you're using an anti-aging cream to combat wrinkles, you may want to focus more on moisturizing instead. Anti-aging creams "can perpetuate the dryness," says Kazin, as they often contain acids and other ingredients that can really dry out the skin. So skip anti-aging in favor of more moisturizing products.

5. Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen will not only help protect your skin from drying burns and sun damage, but also offer moisturizing qualities. Kazin suggests men and women apply sunscreen every day to all areas that see the sun — face, neck, ears. You can even get a moisturizer with built-in sunscreen to get the benefits of two products in one. Just be sure that the sunscreen is rated SPF 15 or higher.

6. Cover skin in the cold. Extreme outdoor weather can suck the moisture right out of your skin, whether it's the bitter cold of winter or the dry heat of summer. "Use physical barriers in the cold, like masks and gloves, to protect the skin from wind burn," advises Kazin. A hot, humid climate won't dry your skin, but dry, desert-like areas will take a toll. Keep skin well moisturized in dry, hot weather, and try to stay out of the heat whenever you can, Kazin says.

7. Use a humidifier. When the climate outside is dry, you can escape inside your home, but what if the air in your home is drying, too? "Use a humidifier in the room to put moisture back in the air," says Kazin. This is especially helpful in winter if your home has drying central heat.

8. Cut back on bathing. One good way to preserve moisture in your skin is to cut back a bit on bathing. "Don't bathe every day if you can get away with it," says Kazin. Don't let yourself go grimy, but there's no need to take a full bath or shower if you're not really dirty or sweaty, Kazin says. Instead use a washcloth and gentle soap to wash your face and neck, under your arms, and any other areas where skin touches skin. It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath — 10 to 15 minutes max.

9. See your dermatologist. Dry skin isn't something to be ignored. "It's important to catch it early because sometimes dry skin can turn into eczema. If you catch it early, it will just stay dry skin," says Kazin. Eczema is a condition in which irritated skin becomes red and inflamed, and it usually requires more medical attention than simple dry skin. Use these tips to preserve moisture in your skin, but if it persists or worsens, Kazin advises seeing a dermatologist about a prescription cream.

Dry skin is more than unattractive — it's uncomfortable. To prevent it from turning into a more serious skin health issue and to soothe cracking, dry skin, follow these skin-soothing tips for a soft, luxurious complexion.

JEFFLENY: Teeth Whitening: Should you do it yourself?

Walk into the dental health section of any drugstore, and it’s likely you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer number of teeth-whitening products. Everything from teeth-whitening strips to gels to trays to toothpastes promise gleaming white teeth. So how do you know which to choose? And do any of them actually work?

Sorting Through Teeth-Whitening Products
Here’s an overview of teeth-whitening products currently on the market.

1. Teeth-Whitening Strips
* How they work: Teeth-whitening strips are thin, almost invisible pieces of plastic coated with a whitening solution (usually a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide). The strips are applied directly to your teeth for 5 to 30 minutes once or twice daily for 5 to 14 days (depending on the product). Generally, strips that are designed to be worn for shorter periods of time have higher concentrations of the
* Cost: $20-$40

2. Teeth-Whitening Gels
* How they work: Designed to be painted directly on the teeth using a small brush or pen, teeth-whitening gels are typically peroxide-based. The gel is usually applied before you go to bed and left on overnight. The process is repeated for two weeks or longer.
* Cost: $12-$15

3. Teeth-Whitening Trays
* How they work: Tray-based whitening systems involve filling a mouthpiece-like tray with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The tray is worn for a certain time period each day or night for one to four weeks or longer.
* Cost: $8-$45

4. Light-Based Kits
* How they work: After using an acid rinse, you paint a whitening gel on your teeth with an applicator and hold a special light (included in the kit) up to your teeth to accelerate lightening. The process can be repeated multiple times.
* Cost: $35-$60

5.Teeth-Whitening Toothpastes
* How they work: Toothpastes with whitening agents don’t actually bleach or change the color of teeth. Instead, they help remove surface stains using polishing or chemical agents and mild abrasives. This may make the teeth look slightly whiter over time.
* Cost: $3-$8

Do Teeth Whitening Products Work?
Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products will work to some degree if you use them long enough, says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a spokesperson and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association’s (ADA). Over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain much lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional tooth-whitening products used under the supervision of a dentist. “The biggest problem with these store-bought whiteners is that people give up too soon,” says Dr. Harms. “In most cases, you need to use them for weeks and weeks and weeks before you’ll see any change in the whiteness of your teeth.” In a recent study published in the journal General Dentistry, people who used whitening strips for 30 minutes twice daily showed significant improvements in yellowness and lightness/brightness. But all the patients in the study used the strips for 44 consecutive days.

Are Teeth-Whitening Products Safe?
Whitening your teeth using over-the-counter teeth whitening products is considered safe but some people may experience mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If you experience these side effects, stop using the product for a few days, says Harms.

Teeth-Whitening Tips
The following recommendations will help you get the most out of over-the-counter tooth-whitening products.

* Talk to your dentist before getting started. The ADA recommends that you consult with your dentist before using a bleaching product, even an over-the-counter one. The reason: Whitening can be uncomfortable or ineffective for people with worn tooth enamel, gum disease, sensitive teeth, tooth-colored fillings, or crowns.

* Buy well-known brands. Harms recommends choosing major brands that have been around for awhile when selecting an over-the-counter product.

* Look for the ADA seal. Whitening toothpastes that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance have met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. Harms says that no over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, trays, or light-based systems currently carry the ADA seal, although several bleaches dispensed by dentists do.

* If you use the tray-based system, choose a tray with a flexible mouthpiece. Some mouthpiece trays can be molded to your mouth to some degree. “It’s better than an inflexible mouthpiece that may not fit snugly around your teeth,” says Harms. If the mouthpiece doesn’t uniformly make contact with your teeth, whitening can be uneven. Plus, the solution may leak out, irritating your gums.

* Avoid staining beverages. Your whitening will last longer if you avoid coffee, tea, and red wine. Also avoid smoking, which can stain the teeth.

* Wait to whiten if you’re pregnant or nursing. It’s recommended that pregnant and nursing women avoid teeth whitening because the effects of whitening agents on fetuses and babies are unknown.

Though you shouldn't expect dramatic results from over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, over time, a store-bought teeth whitener can make your teeth several shades lighter. Slightly yellow teeth are the easiest to whiten, and new stains are easier to remove than old ones. Gray or black stains are more difficult, and may require professional whitening or another cosmetic dentistry procedure, such as veneers.

JEFFLENY: "E-Cigarette"?

A Healthier Way To Smoke. Is It Possible?

Have you heard of the "E-Cigarette"? If you haven't and you're a smoker or even a non-smoker, you're seriously missing out! It looks like a cigarette, feels like a cigarette, taste like a cigarette, but isn't! It's so much more! The E-Cigarette is really the healthier future of smoking. This high-tech electronic smoking device provides the nicotine you crave, in a completely non harmful manner! Non-harmful to yourself and to others around you!



How Does The E-Cigarette Work?

The E-Cigarette works by utilizing state of the art sophisticated micro-electronic technology to provide users a real smoking experience without the fire, flame, tobacco, tar, carbon monoxide, ash, stub or smell found in real cigarettes.

The electronic cigarette has been around since 2002 and recent advances in the technology used by the manufacturers have led to some incredibly neat and effective smoking replacements. The modern day E-Cigarette looks like a cigarette, feels like a cigarette, releases "smoke" like a real cigarette, however, What these new millennium cigarettes don't have is all of the chemicals, toxins and carcinogenics found in real cigarettes.

E-Cigarette are a non-flammable cigarette substitute that uses micro-electronic technology, which provides smokers a real "smoking" experience without the fire, flame, tobacco, tar, carbon monoxide, ash, stub or smell found in real cigarettes. They even allow you to inhale and exhale a real smoke "vapor" that replicates real cigarette smoke.


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JEFFLENY: Maintaining Healthy Hair

You know you’ve got healthy hair when it’s shiny, smooth and full. Now, keeping it that way requires specific care that’s a mix of nutrition, protection and maintenance. Here are some of the basics:

Nutrition
To grow your best hair, you must be as healthy as possible. And all the standards of good health apply: a balanced diet, drinking water, getting enough rest and regular exercise are great places to start. That’s not to say that running three miles a day will give you gorgeous hair, but the better your overall health and nutrition, the better your hair condition can be.
Environmental protection

UV rays breakdown the keratin found in hair, and that can lead to dryness and breakage. Color -treated hair needs special protection, especially since the sun can cause color to fade. I encourage everyone, regardless of hair type, to wear a hat. It really is the best way to keep your hair and skin safe.

You’ll also want to protect your hair against the build-up of dirt and other impurities in the air—they settle on your hair’s surface, making it appear dull and even oily. But regular shampooing will take care of them.

Maintenance
Getting your hair trimmed regularly is one of the best ways to keep it healthy. Damage that starts at the ends—where hair is the oldest—can begin to creep up the hair’s shaft. So instead of just having damaged ends, you can end up with damage running the length of your hair. Trimming is the best way to prevent this from happening.