Expert Skin Care

The internet is a-buzz with the latest in food fads: The Flat Belly Diet.

So what's it all about? According to MSNBC, the "Flat Belly Diet" wants you to eat more MUFAs!

MUFAs are foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, healthful fats that research links to less belly fat and better overall health. The best part: MUFAs are found in rich, delicious foods like olives, nuts and seeds, oils, avocado, and (yes!) dark chocolate. Incorporating a MUFA into every meal is easy; we made it even easier by combining them with our favorite new supermarket products.

Prevention.com notes that one of the most important aspects of the Flat Belly Diet is the "4-day jumpstart and one key ingredient is Sassy Water."

So what is Sassy Water? Looks like you have to sign-up to find out.

But the Daily Mail swears you'll "lose up to 7lb and more than five inches all over in just FOUR DAYS." They've also got a "Flat Belly Diet" Quiz to help you accurately ascertain your risk of bloating.

And lastly, New York's Examiner.com has a review of the upcoming book, "Flat Belly Diet."

The only part of the Flat Belly Diet that gives me pause is its assertion that eating monounsaturated fatty acids specifically targets belly fat; unfortunately, many people may purchase this book under the false impression that the exercises and meals in it are designed especially for decreasing their tummy girth. A good deal of research has gone into stomach-shrinking methods, and they universally find that, while eating less and exercising decreases the fat in your body OVERALL, you can't just target one area alone. You'll lose weight and inches from your stomach, in other words, but you'll lose it from everywhere else too, and possibly not quite in the proportions you had wished. And no amount of stomach crunches will burn fat only in your stomach. You'll develop some kicking stomach muscles and burn fat all over your body, but not just in your stomach.

Your baby's skin is thinner, more fragile and less oily than an adult's. It also produces less melanin, the substance that helps ward off sunburn. It is less resistant to bacteria and harmful substances in the environment, especially if it is irritated. Babies also sweat less efficiently than the rest of us, so it is harder for them to maintain their inner body temperature. On the other hand, most babies are less likely to react to allergens.

In the first few weeks after birth, your baby will retain some of your hormones. As a result, several minor skin conditions can result which will usually disappear fairly quickly. In addition, there are a few other skin conditions that are common during childhood which are normal and, most often, easily managed:

1. Heat rash: Small pink pimples, often across the body. This condition results from high heat and humidity and undeveloped sweat glands. Do not overdress baby or overheat room, keep clothing loose and cleanse and dry skin thoroughly.
2. Infant acne: Pink spots on the face. When infants are born, they still retain their mother's hormones for a short time and, as a result, infant acne can occur. This usually goes away on its own in the first few weeks. If not, talk to your health care professional.
3. Cradle cap: Crusty patches on scalp. Overactive glands in your baby's scalp can cause cradle cap. Wipe gently with baby oil, leave on a few minutes, shampoo with baby shampoo, then use baby brush or comb
4. Chafing: When there is friction between baby's clothing and skin, or where areas of skin rub together, chafing can result. Remove or minimize anything that is tight or rubs against the skin, like rubber pants or straps. Cleanse, rinse and dry skin thoroughly, then apply cornstarch baby powder, lotion or cream
5. Eczema: Red, irritating, scaly skin. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a genetically determined common skin condition. Clean and dry skin thoroughly. Talk to your pediatrician or health care professional; you may want to try sensitive-skin products especially designed for babies.

Tinsel on your Christmas tree. Sequins on your blouse. Why not a little sparkle in your makeup? This season, holiday makeup is all about two things: jewel tones and metallics. New aqua blues, apple greens and rich purples line cosmetic store shelves next to silvers and golds. And glitter -- glitter is everywhere.

The color trend is not just for juniors. "More mature women shouldn't be afraid to play with color," says Megan Osborne, color consultant and makeup artist at Sephora at the Mall at Green Hills in Nashville, Tenn. "Browns and earth tones will tend to make you look older, so it's still fine to go with grays and soft blues, as long as they're matte."

But what if you just can't resist a little sparkle, especially for a holiday party? "I don't think any woman is too old to wear glitter on her lid as a liner," Osborne says.

Be brave. Experiment. Here are a few tips and products to try.

Too Faced Shimmer Veils Eyeshadow

($18.50, Sephora)

• Try the gold color, Firefly, if you have brown or green eyes. The silver Unicorn Tears will flatter blue or gray eyes.

• Younger women can coat the entire eyelid with this shadow. For extra glamour and staying power, use any complementary color as a base first.

• For older women, "the best way to wear them is as a liner on the lash line," Osborne says. "It brings a pop. It's noticeable and it's pretty."

Lorac Multi-Platinum Palette

($37, Sephora)

• If you'd rather leave the shine to your accessories, pick up this stylish palette of six shadows and a blush.

• "I love that palette. It's very transitional from day to night," Osborne says. "Use the neutral colors during the day, and add the liners at night. Use the blue or black as liners or as crease colors."

L'Oreal Hip Color Truth Cream Eyeliner

($11.99, CVS)

• This intense cream eyeliner comes in several colors, including Midnight Blue, Teal and Eggplant, and has a professional brush for application.

• Use a thin line for daytime, then double the thickness at night. Cream eyeliners "are smudge-able and have staying power," Osborne says.

• For an extra-smoky eye at night, Osborne suggests applying cream eyeliner all over the lid, then smudging with your finger.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Big & Healthy Lip Polish

($28, Sephora)

• A gift set of four sparkling plumpers will make your lips tingle and glow.

• Wear the gloss alone or layer it over lipstick. "My favorite one is Starr," Osborne says. "It's a berry color with a beautiful gold shimmer on top."

• Bonus: These glosses smell like baked goods. "Not all lip plumpers are sweet," Osborne says. "Women love the cake scent."

SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is most often found in skin care products that lather such as soaps and shampoos. If you are worried about wrinkles and getting older, however, you should avoid this one ingredient completely. This powerful ingredient will cause you to age at a much faster rate than normal -- not good if you are trying to maintain your youthful appearance.

Manufacturers use SLS in many industrial cleaners and chemicals including degreasers, detergents, and floor cleaners. Unfortunately, this is the exact same ingredient found in many of your favorite personal care products.

SLS might be a more effective ingredient at a far lower cost, but it is also corrosive. Here is an in depth look at many of the problems associated with SLS products.

Corrosive Tendencies

Experts believe that SLS transforms into carcinogenic nitrates. These substances are absorbed into the body where they enter the blood resulting in lung problems, eye and skin irritations, allergic reactions, and a loss or thinning of hair.

Dries Out Your Skin And Hair

Moisture is a vital component in skin. It keeps it looking young and allows you to hold off the wrinkles and dry look associated with aging. The moisture content in your skin causes it to look firm and tight. When you use SLS personal care products, you are robbing your skin of the oils and moisture it needs.

Experts believe SLS is the single largest cause of rough, dry skin because its effects worsen each time it is used.

The Harmful Effect Of Nitrates

Many people shy away from consuming hot dogs because of the nitrates they contain. However, the SLS products you use on your hair and skin are believed to contain the same harmful substances. In fact, the amount of nitrates absorbed to your body is 100 times more potent than a single hot dog.

Permanent DNA Damage

Studies performed by Japanese experts discovered SLS products not only steal your skin's moisture, but they also harm its DNA. This damage inhibits your skin's ability to repair itself. When it can no longer regenerate at a healthy level, it ages almost before your eyes.

Extensive Skin And Hair Damage

The previous problems mentioned all point to this fact, but enough cannot be said about the caustic and damaging effects SLS has on your hair and skin. The hair loss and corrosion can age your hair. Your skin will also experience burning and flaking. Perhaps the worst effects are those that affect your health far into the future.

Using products containing SLS works against all of the other steps you take in an attempt to age gracefully.

The Solution

The best thing you can do to avoid this harmful substance is to read the label of each product you purchase. Lotions, soaps, shampoos, and any other substance that touch your hair or skin can contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Whatever you do, stay far away from these products. You may have to select products that come from other places such as a natural store. The cost may also be higher, but the healthier skin and hair will be well worth it. If anti aging is one of your main concerns, remember the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Want to reverse the signs of skin aging with the anti wrinkle treatment and beauty breakthrough that works? Then see this review of LifeCell skin cream and see how this product is said to be one of the best, and how it compares to Strivectin SD cream for skin lines and wrinkles. Find out all at this wrinkle cream and anti aging review site right here.

1. A good skincare routine can take years off your face. By skincare, I mean wearing sunscreen daily then using antioxidants, peels and scrubs to buy back lost time and fix damaged skin.

2. Stick to creamy blushes and shadows Older skin usually means dry skin so creamy blushes and shadows are optimal. Also, powder blushes and shadows tend to settle into your fine lines and wrinkles, whereas creamier products ‘plump’ up your skin.

3. Don’t overpluck Once you hit your 30s, you’ll want to be careful not to overpluck your eyebrows since brows are less apt to grow back if you excessively pluck.
4. Get your teeth lightened Over time, teeth may yellow from coffee, tea or red wine stains. You can whiten teeth quickly with over-the-counter products.

5. Stand up straight. Think about all the sexy women you know. They stand up straight and confidently. , it will make you look years younger

6. Get a good night’s sleep Few things age you overnight more than a poor night’s sleep. Your eyes are puffy, your skin sallow and dull and your face sags.

7. Vaseline. Can be used to remove eye makeup. It’s cheaper than over-the-market products, doesn’t bother the eyes and it helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Then during Harmattan Vaseline provides the perfect cure for chapped lips: Simply slather it on, then massage lips for a few minutes with until lips are silky and smooth.

8. Mascara can make anyone’s eyes look bigger and brighter. If you have short or straight eyelashes, curl them first before applying mascara.

9. Concealers come in very handy as a camouflage for fresh pimples. , dab on some before applying foundation .But make sure to dot the concealer on with the pad of your middle finger. You never want to rub concealer in like you would sunscreen or foundation.

10. The less makeup a woman wears, the younger she looks.

Hair colouring is the latest fashion trend and it lifts your looks and spirit more than anything. A new hair colour makes you look all the way new. Today there are number of colours you can choose from. Even though it is advised to colour your hair at a professional saloon; with a little care and a bit of effort you can do it at home itself. Hair coloring can add spice and enhance many hair styles. A good hair color can add shine, drama and fun to your hair style. It can make some hair types easier to style. Coloring the hair is probably the quickest way to and enhance your hairstyle.

There are certain things you should take care before colouring your hair. Make sure you have your hair condition in the best possible shape before adding hair colour. For the best results, stay within two shades of your natural hair colour. Nowadays many women and men prefer to colour their hair at home and of course there is nothing wrong in doing so but before you dye your hair for the first time you should be well-prepared and educated in order to avoid damaging your hair. Sometimes hair coloring can seriously damage your hair. Anytime chemicals are misused the chance of breakage and damage is almost 100 percent. The chemicals that the hair dye contains make changes in the texture or structure of the hair and if misused the hair colouring can make your hair drier, lifeless as well as brittle.

Before colouring your hair you have to decide what kind of results do you want! Are you going lighter or darker? Do you need to cover gray? Are you trying to update your look or jazz up a dull shade? The answers to these questions will help you choose your formula like permanent, demi-permanent or semi-permanent.

The tools you need

Protective clothing - a button-down smock will shield you from drips and you won"t have to pull it over your wet head when it is time to rinse.

Claw-like clips to separate sections of hair.

Latex gloves - these should be included in your home hair colour kit.

You may want to use a brush to paint on the solution and really saturate the strands.

If you have long hair you may want to have two kits ready. You don"t want to run out in the middle of the process.

Methods

Start with clean dry hair that has no product in it like any conditioner, styling gels, mousses etc... It"s best if you wash your hair the day before so your natural oils will protect your scalp.

Brush or comb out tangles, then divide hair into four sections. Part down the middle from forehead to neck, then across at the crown. Twist and secure each section with a clip.

Put on gloves and mix the ingredients according to the directions.

Do one section at a time. Starting with the back, release one clip. Put a line of color along your hairline. Then repeat by working through thin sections of hair until the whole area is saturated. Twist back into the clip and repeat with each of the remaining sections.

Go around your hairline to make sure you get all the little wisps.

Remove any colour that may have gotten on your forehead or neck or any exposed skin. You can use soap and water, or you can find color remover at a beauty supply store.

Wait for the colour to dry. Colour will usually take within 20-30 minutes. Stubborn gray can take up to 45 minutes. Most mixtures will stop working after an hour.

You want to dye your hair, not your skin, your bathroom walls, the tile floor, etc. Before you start, cover your surroundings with old towels, wear clothes that you don't mind ruining and rub Vaseline on your forehead to prevent stains.

Once you've successfully colored your hair, wait 24 hours before washing it again. According to me it takes at least that long time for the dye to settle.

Towel dry the hair and comb through. Style as usual.

Parabens: A group of chemical preservatives that is possibly carcinogenic. Linked to breast cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.

Sulfates (harmful): Sulfur-based compounds that are found to be irritating and drying to skin and hair.

DEA: A type of Ethanoloamine which has been connected to Immunotoxicity and believed to cause harm to the brain and nervous system.

Ethoxylates: Chemical compounds which are irritating to the skin and thought to be carcinogenic.

Silicone: A synthetic additive which can be harmful and irritating.

Phthalates: These compounds are commonly found in nail polish and fragrances. They are thought to be harmful to reproductive system, have been linked to developmental disorders in children, Immunotoxicity and Endocrine disruption.

Petrolatum: Developed from Petroleum, it can be irritating to the skin, clog pores, and may be contaminated with toxic impurities.

Burt's Bees began in 1984 as a homemade beeswax candle company and expanded in 1991 to include homemade personal care products. They now manufacture over 150 natural, earth-friendly products including face care, body care, hair care, lip care, men's grooming and baby care. Burt's Bees uses natural ingredients from renewable recourses, promises no petroleum compounds, and uses recycled and recyclable packaging and nature-safe manufacturing practices.

1. Massage your feet. Rub feet to release tension, increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin.

2. Soothe your soles. Soak feet for at least five minutes in a container filled with warm water. Pat your feet dry and apply lotion to hydrate your feet.

3. Elevate your legs. Lift your legs above your heart while lying down to help reduce swelling.

4. Rotate your ankles. Cup the foot under the back portion of the heel to brace the foot and leg and turn slowly at the ankle five times. This loosens the ankle joint and relaxes your feet.

5. Point your toes. While standing, do toe raises, toe points and toe curls for five seconds; repeat 10 times. This alleviates toe cramps and strengthens calf muscles.

6. If high heels are creating a burning sensation on the balls of your feet, use colorful ball-of-the foot cushions such as Foot Petals Tip Toes. Not only do they pamper the feet, but they stop them from sliding forward by moving the center of pressure toward the heel.

7. If your heels hurt, you can put some spring in your step with the help of Spenco for Her Comfort Casual Insoles. Designed to absorb shock and curtail odor, they also prevent blisters, as well as cracked and callused heels.

8. If sassy party slingbacks are digging deep into your skin, create a protective barrier by using a moleskin or Foot Petals Strappy Strips to prevent blisters and strap slippage.

Firstly lets explore how to get a cleavage to die for, without the aid of an expensive and painful boob job. Some of the bras out on the high-street are really great value and what's more, give you all the support and lift you'll need to create the illusion of bigger boobs.

Once you've been fitted with a killer cleavage bra, draw a line between your boobs with liquid concealer and blend outwards. The highlighting will create shadows, which will ultimately make your boobs look bigger. Don't go mad with the concealer though, otherwise you could end up with some tell tale make-up stains on your dress.

Next, how about plumping up your pout, without the use of collagen? Nothing says sexy like a pair of lips that look defined and plumped up against the rest of your look. There are plenty of lip plumping lipsticks out there from as cheaply as £1.99, but if you want to be even more clever, then why not invest in some cinnamon oil?

No, we've not gone mad! cinnamon oil is the ingredient present in most lip plumping glosses, so why not skip the expense and head to your local health food store and pick up a bottle. Simply dab on to your lips and let the magic begin...

Dry shampoo is also a party fave at this time of year, especially if you have to go straight from office to party with no time to glam up. Simply spritz onto your hair, leave for a few minutes and then brush or comb out and style as normal.

Lastly, why not protect your feet this hectic party season with a celebrity favourite, Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream? At £20 it's a bit pricey but it's a cream that can be used for pretty much anything including your lips, brows and cheeks at a highlighter.

In this instance, simply rub some onto your heels before slipping into your party shoes to help prevent them rubbing. The cream should act as a barrier between your heels and your shoes, so fingers crossed you can dance the night away minus that pesky blister pain.

Tip one: always exfoliate, shave and wax 24 to 48 hours before tanning. Use a salt and jasmine scrub (€25) from Cristalle Beauty to make your skin feel squeaky clean.

Tip two: never moisturise before tanning as it acts as a skin barrier and inhibits the DHA from developing properly. Only moisturise problem areas like elbows, knees and ankles.

Tip three: always use a glove or a mitt to get the best coverage and apply in quick circular motions. Wash hands afterwards to avoid staining around the knuckles and nails, which are two bad tanning telltales.

Tip four: avoid showering or exercising for eight hours and avoid washing your hands if possible.

Tip five: avoid tight clothing, bras with straps, socks and white clothing whilst your tan is developing.

Tip six: shower after eight hours to remove the tan residue. Use no exfoliant shower gels and keep the skin moisturised to keep your glowing tan.

Dr. Thienna Ho, founder of Thienna, Inc., a skin care company that focuses on health, is also the current Guinness World Records' holder for the most sumo squats in one hour. On Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m. PST, she will attempt to break yet another world record for the longest wall sit. The event will take place at World Team USA Gymnasium at: 2575 Ocean Avenue in San Francisco.

The current Guinness World Records' holder for the longest wall sit is Rajkumar Chakraborty at 11 hours and five minutes; this record was set at Panposh Sports Hostel, Rourkela, India, on April 22, 1994.

"At the age of 41, I must prove to myself that I can do this," Dr. Thienna says. "As a scientific nutritionist, I eat well and live well and these wellness ideals have given me health, strength, and stamina; I am confident that I can break this record."

She adds that she is also attempting this record to honor her mother who passed away in 2006 from an autoimmune disease.

Dr. Thienna has set a personal goal of 12 hours. During this time, she will sit on an "invisible chair" - her thighs parallel to the floor and her back to the wall.

Dr. Thienna explains that no supportive use of hands on thighs is allowed. She expects to engage in some odd behavior during this time that will include pulling on her hair, pounding on her thighs, jiggling her legs, and massaging her neck. These are all behaviors to keep her sane during this record-breaking attempt.

"It will be difficult and even somewhat tortuous," Dr. Thienna says, "but, I hope to feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment when it's all over."

The event is open to the public. Dr. Thienna is also accepting $1 pledges and donating 100 percent of the proceeds, for each minute she exceeds the current record, to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association: www.aarda.org.