Using the Right Kind of Hairbrush for Your Hair Type

They say that hair is most attractive when it is kept clean and shiny. Hairdressers add that hair is even more appealing when it conforms correctly to the shape and size of the individual face and head. Each year in the United States alone, a large part of the millions of dollars spent on beauty-aid products is spent for hair styling and care. But most simple hair styles can actually be cared for at home economically and effectively.

Shiny hair is synonymous to healthy hair; and healthy hair depends upon the body's overall general health. Hair is nurtured at the roots by your blood. Good health habits assist your blood in providing all the nutrients your hair requires. Massaging the scalp with the fingertips stimulates good blood circulation to the roots of the hair. Brushing the hair spurs on blood circulation and helps spread out oil along the length of each strand from the oil gland at the base of each hair. But while normal hair can benefit from daily brushing (especially with a stiff-bristled hairbrush), oily hair may become even more oily if brushed too frequently.

Talking about hair brushing, it would help a great deal to know that there is a particular hairbrush (or a comb) for every hair type and style that you want to attain. For medium-length hair that is naturally straight and smooth, a cushion hairbrush is best; its back reinforces the sleekness of hair. For those who have short- to medium-length hair and want to create substance and volume, a tunnel vent hairbrush is ideal; when blow-drying, the vented center allows the circulation of air through the brush and hair, while the broadly-spaced pins help in loosing hair from tangles.

For those with long hair and want to create smooth and straight styles, a paddle hairbrush is recommended; it is not, however, advisable for styling layers since it does not add volume. A round hairbrush is the best option for those with straight hair who want to add waves or curls; when used with a blow-dryer, it effectively coils hair (like a roller) and enhances movement.

A wide-toothed comb (also called detangler) is best for untangling wet hair after showering; it gives lift and volume to curly hair. A tail comb, on the other hand, is suggested for those who are focused on the fine details of hair styling; it is perfect for teasing fine hair, sectioning hair, and creating straight parts.

For all hair lengths and textures, an all-purpose hairbrush is appropriate for everyday brushing; it keeps hair in place and is great for easy styling.

As a final reminder, be aware that natural hair-shedding, scalp exfoliation and oils can build up on a hairbrush or comb, causing impairment in its efficiency. To clean, soak it in warm water with a bit of a cleanser; rinse with water and remove tangled hair; shake off excess water, and then place the brush cushion-down to air-dry. Needless to say, you ought to take good care of your hairbrush as it takes good care of your hair. [Read the Original Article]

Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetic Products You Use

Every woman who uses skin moisturizer, ointment, or facial treatment, or who subscribes to a women's magazine, surely knows about alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids - which are obtained from natural products, such as sugar cane, milk sugars, or fruits - are noted for their quality of being able to make the skin appear newer or fresher. In the same way that retinoic acids work, alpha hydroxy acids peel off dead skin cells and accelerate their replacement. There is no proof, however, that alpha hydroxy acids can increase the production of collagen in the body.

It isn't enough though that one is aware of what alpha hydroxy acids are, how they work, or what they can do. The more important thing to be aware of is that not all cosmetic products are made equal in terms of the concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids that are present in them. Some cosmetic products contain concentrations of the acids much higher than others. About ten years ago, the cosmetics industry's Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel inferred that cosmetic products having concentrations of ten percent or less of alpha hydroxy acids are safe for consumer use. This conclusion became the basis for the cosmetics industry's specific guideline that all cosmetic products sold over the counter should have concentrations of no more than ten percent of alpha hydroxy acids.

The other thing you should be conscious about is that there are varied terms or names for alpha hydroxy acid. Included here are citric acid, malic acid, fruit acid, alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid, alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, the last two being the most frequently used in cosmetic products. Knowing these different names is especially important when the product you are buying does not indicate the percentage of concentration; make sure any one of these names appears among the first three ingredients in the list. Ideally for a product to be effective, it should have concentrations of between five and ten percent. There are some ointments sold over the counter that contain less than three percent. While these products may cause old or dead skin cells to be stripped off, they won't penetrate as deeply as others with higher concentrations do.

As a rule, cosmetic products with alpha hydroxy acid concentrations of over ten percent should be used only under the supervision of a physician. In addition to this, there are other specific guidelines set by the cosmetics industry on the safe use of products with alpha hydroxy acids. Foremost of these is that the products you want to buy should have sufficient labeling, with a list of ingredients that indicates which alpha hydroxy acid is present and its concentration. When first using a product, test it on a small portion of skin; if you get some odd feeling at any time (like stinging or burning), you have to discontinue using it. The instructions provided on the product's label should be carefully followed, especially if you are using the product without the professional advice from a dermatologist or a physician. [Read the Original Article]

Collagen Injection: A High-priced Face-saving Method

As we grow older, wrinkles and creases become more evident on our faces. That is why collagen injection was introduced to counteract these natural, though rather unsightly aspects of the aging process. This face-saving method calls for the application of a series of collagen injections into specific areas of the face to remedy the uncomely marks. But while the method is considered safe and effective, its tangible effects are not lasting. On top of this, the procedure commands a high price.

What provides structure for our skin and other body tissues is collagen. But this natural protein breaks down as we grow old, resulting to the development of lines or wrinkles in the skin's surface. Usually, the collagen used for injections is derived from cows, and goes through a purifying process. In other instances, it may be the body fat obtained directly from a liposuction patient. Once collagen is injected just under the surface of the skin, creases are smoothened out, lips are made to look fuller, scars are filled in, and sagging cheeks are propped up. But since our body eventually uses up and eliminates the collagen, the enhanced appearance may last only a few months. In fact, it may even be a lot shorter for the revitalized lips - just a few weeks. Regular collagen injections are therefore necessary to sustain the beneficial effects.

Collagen injection is not without risks. It can cause a slightly-painful pricking sensation with ensuing itching, redness, and possibly swelling. In infrequent instances, it may result to bruising, scarring, or some allergic reactions. Normal procedure requires that the person is tested for possible allergies to bovine collagen, as well as to lidocaine - a local anesthetic used as an antiarrythmic agent that is frequently blended with collagen.

The procedure involves costs that are rather prohibitive which can easily increase over the course of several injections in less than a year. If the substance to be used for the injections is human body fat, it will involve liposuction procedure. For this reason, the entire procedure can carry a stiffer price. The good thing about the use of human body fat for the injections is that the results last a little longer than when bovine collagen is used. Also in using human body fat, the risk of autoimmune reactions is lessened.

Experts in cosmetic procedures have another use for collagen injection: as treatment for stress incontinence - the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder accompanying certain physical activities, and which is caused by weakened pelvic muscles. In this particular procedure, collagen is injected into tissues surrounding the urethra to tighten the closure of the bladder. [Read the Original Article]

Breast Implants Have Recognized Medical Complications You Should Know About

Wanting to augment the size of her breasts, a friend of mine recently consulted separately two experts on breast implants. She did seek the advice of her family and friends on the safety of breast implants, especially since there are certain controversies surrounding these cosmetic surgery procedures. She definitely has heard about cases of some women who complained of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and such other autoimmune disorders after receiving breast implants. She wanted to be very sure, hence those two separate consultations.

The two experts, according to my friend, provided their respective professional opinions which turned out to be unanimous in almost every detail. The first thing they made clear was that the use of silicone would be out of the question. Like most other experts, the two fear that the use of silicone in breast implants may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. They also confirmed cases of women being distressed by certain disorders as a result of silicone leakage.

Silicone implants deteriorate gradually; they can break over time. At the instance when the silicone gel spreads after being ruptured, the immune system reacts by way of forming granules around the gel fragments - an automatic response that is meant to isolate the pieces of gel. Consequently, small, rounded lumps may appear in several parts of the body, including the abdomen and hands, which can be very painful. To get rid of the spreading gel, an extensive surgery may be absolutely needed.

Other recognized medical complications can also develop as a consequence of the operation itself. Capsular contracture is a perfect example. In this condition, the scar tissue around the affected breast becomes taut, resulting to the hardening of the breast and a change in its appearance. Another example is the possible buildup of calcium deposits around the implant, the result of which can be the same as that in the capsular contracture case. A follow-up surgery may be necessary in either case to address the problem.

The experts proceeded in letting my friend know of what else to expect after receiving breast implants. She was told she may experience either increased or reduced feeling in the different parts of the breast, particularly in the nipples. Such a change may be temporary, or it can be permanent. It is also possible for the breast implants to move. The change in position of the breast implants can cause great physical uneasiness as well as an odd appearance.

A lot safer than silicone are saline implants, as my friend would be told. The danger in saline breast implants though is that they can abruptly burst, resulting to the breast getting deflated all too suddenly. But unlike silicone, the saltwater filling in saline implants poses no danger to the body. Of course, surgery will still be required for a ruptured implant - whether it's saline or silicone.

Fully apprised of all the possible medical complications breast implants have, my friend has decided nevertheless to proceed to have the surgery in about a month from now. [Read the Original Article]