Expert Skin Care

First, if you’re under the age of 18, you may be required to have a parent with you before they will perform the piercing. Do you know of a place that will do it without a parent? Fine, but discuss it with your parents first so you can explain why it’s important to you and so they can tell you how they feel about any risks.

Secondly, and most importantly, don’t take it upon yourself to pierce your body or let one of your friends do it. This should only be left up to professionals. This will drastically reduce any health risks or permanent damage.

Plan Ahead

• Preexisting health conditions: If you have any allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, immune system deficiencies or disorders, or are pregnant, consult your doctor on if a body piercing would be okay or what other measures, if any, you should take.
• Immunizations: Make sure that you’re up to date on your immunizations, especially hepatitis and tetanus immunizations.
• Plan where you will go for medical care in case you experience any difficulties later on pertaining to the piercing.
• Check out the piercing shop ahead of time.
• Know the health risks before getting a piercing.
  

• Jewelry: Check out their jewelry and make sure that they use non-toxic materials such as surgical steel, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, titanium, platinum, or niobium. Other materials can cause skin irritation or even several rashes or outbreaks of the skin.
• Cleanliness: The shop should be clean and all needles and waste products such as gauze and other items that may contain blood are properly disposed of.
• Person Performing the Piercing: Make sure the person washes their hands and uses a fresh pair of disposable gloves.
• Sterilization: Make sure that the instruments used are sterilized and make sure that a new needle is being used.
• No Piercing Guns: These aren’t’ sterile, so make sure these aren’t being used.
  

• Infection and Chronic Infections: This is a risk especially with any piercings in or on the mouth and/or nose.
• Damage to Teeth: This is a risk for tongue piercings and is not a short term risk, but can happen over the course of several years.Gum Issues: This is a risk for any piercing that is on or in the mouth. Again, it’s not an immediate risk, but can happen over a prolonged period of time.
• Prolonged or Excessive Bleeding
• Scarring
• Disease: Mainly, you can contract Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or tetanus.
• Skin Allergies
• Abscesses or Boils
• Nerve Damage

Aging may be natural but that doesn't mean you have to give in to it. You can still look good as you grow older. A big part of that is having skin which looks younger. How do you do that? Well, you can start by checking out the raw diet and how that can help your anti-aging efforts.

Cleansers

There are a lot of different cleansers that you can make your selection from. The important thing is to know your skin type and to get a cleanser that is compatible with that. If you have sensitive skin, for instance, you should not use fragranced cleansers as they may irritate it. Likewise, if your skin is dry skin don’t go for a cleanser that contains alcohol and will therefore dry it out further. If your skin is oily you will want to avoid heavy, oily cleansers.

A good think to look out for in a cleanser is alpha hydroxy. This substance sends signals to your body to encourage the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Also, think about buying a cleanser that exfoliates too as well as giving your skin more moisture. Both of those things will help you to keep your skin looking younger for longer.

Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream Products

There are a lot of anti-aging wrinkle cream products available to buy these days so deciding which one is right for you can be a difficult decision to make. However, you will know if you have found the right one as you will see it working almost immediately. Don’t think you have to wait a month for anything good to come out of using an anti-aging wrinkle cream but they should also give you great long-term benefits too. The best thing to do when looking for one of these creams is to find one with a money-back guarantee. That way, if the first anti-aging wrinkle cream doesn’t work for you, you can always look for another one and you won’t be out of pocket.

Non-SLS Soaps And Shampoos

We’ve been waiting for non-SLS products for a long time. Some of us just don’t know that we have! SLS is the abbreviation for sodium lauryl sulfate. Yeah, now you know why we called it SLS! Well, all you really need to know is that it is one of the bad guys. It is a powerful chemical de-greaser so it can certainly clean your skin. The problem is that while SLS is washing away all the dirt and grime from your skin, it is toxic and some have even blamed this chemical for causing further skin problems and even baldness.

On the other hand, you could promote faster hair growth by using shampoos which don’t contain SLS so it’s worth taking a look at the list of ingredients on the label to avoid this little nasty. Check this out for both shampoos and soaps.

Most people forget that the skin is an organ – our largest organ, in fact. Once you remember that, it should emphasize to you the need to take good care of your skin. Do everything you can to protect it. Use antioxidant skin-care products and do the best you can to ward off the signs of aging for as long as you can.

Don’t forget organic products. You can get some fabulous organic anti-wrinkle products and cleansers. That way, by choosing organic, you know you are steering clear of chemicals altogether. Your skin will thank you for it.

You really are spoiled for choice with all the great anti-aging products that are available today. They offer a wide range of different benefits and include many different ingredients. Shop around and find the best anti-aging products and skin-care products for your particular needs. Everyone is different so what works wonders for your best friend may be useless or even a problem for you. The point is not what products you choose, but that the products are effective for your particular needs.

Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez are both beautiful full figured gals. When they pour themeless into a tight fitting dress there are curves everywhere. Jennifer used a personal trainer to help her get her post baby (actually twins) back and Kim reveals to Us Weekly Magazine, "What it Takes To Have My Body!" The magazine reports that Kim Kardashian's stint on DWTS inspired to get even fitter for her sexy 2010 swimsuit calendar. "I noticed my body get firmer, and I didn't want it to stop!" The 5'3" reality star, 28 - who has gone from 125 to 115 pounds - tells Us Magazine.

Her exercise partner? Who needs a personal trainer when you're dating New Orleans Saints star Reggie Bush, 23? "He writes my workouts for me," she says of her regimen: running two miles, then strength training arms, legs, and abs. "In the off-season, we work out together almost every day!"

She has also reined in her sweet tooth. "I changed my Oreos to nonfat frozen yogurt," admits Kardashian, she sticks to a diet of oatmeal, chicken, salmon and veggies. "My body can't handle too many carbs." She adds - "I have spent hours on the treadmill."

1. MYTH: The thicker the cream, the better it hydrates.

TRUTH: "Concentrated doesn't necessarily equal optimum hydration," says Annet King, director of training and development for the International Dermal Institute. "An overdose of lipids can actually trap dead cells and leave skin looking duller." King suggests layering serums under creams in order to boost moisture. Skin expert Sonia Dakar agrees: "Serums are light, yet have super concentrated ingredients — ideal for absorption."

2. MYTH: Overcast skies mean you can cut back on sunscreen.

TRUTH: Hardly. As a depleting ozone has led to stronger UVB burning rays, SPF is now a year-round endeavor. And clouds do little to filter out wrinkle-accelerating UVA rays. Come cooler, drier weather, find a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 (or higher) to hydrate and protect. "You can enhance your sun protection exponentially by using an antioxidant-rich serum underneath your moisturizer," says Washington, D.C., dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess.

3.MYTH: Oily skin can forgo moisturizer.
TRUTH: Dry, cold climates wear on all skin types, even oily. And without some added protection, barrier function (which keeps pollution and other damaging elements out and moisture in) gets compromised. If your skin is super oily, you can get by with a gel-cream or lotion formula. For true combination skin, use different moisturizers for different areas: a light formula for your T-zone and a richer one for cheeks that get dry, patchy spots.

4. MYTH: Exfoliating in winter exacerbates dry patches.

TRUTH: "The sloughing in fact causes a burst of cell renewal, so you're helping new moisture-rich cells move to the surface," says King. The key in winter is to moisturize thoroughly — occasionally with a hydrating mask — as your skin barrier is weakened after exfoliating. Adds Dakar: "Enzyme-based exfoliants will deliver results in a more gentle way."

5. MYTH: Loading up on lip balms prevents chapping.

TRUTH: Only if it's the right balm. Some common ingredients can actually have an adverse effect. Mineral oil (petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on your lips, signaling your skin to stop producing lipids, while funky flavors, perfumes, and colors can also dry out skin. King suggests seeking natural-oil-infused balms or those with shea and cocoa butter. "To get rid of flaky patches, apply a little facial exfoliant to damp lips (a soft toothbrush also does the trick), scrub gently, then follow with balm," she says. Wait till spring to resume use of lip plumpers and super-long-lasting formulas that dry out your pout.

6. MYTH: Steamy showers impart moisture to dry skin.

TRUTH: "Even though they feel great on a bone-chilling day, hot showers and baths are extremely drying," says New Jersey dermatologist Dr. Robin Ashinoff. Exposure to hot water with temperatures over 98.6 degrees causes blood-vessel dilation that results in water loss throughout the epidermis. If you crave heat, keep it under five minutes, and stick with a soap-free body wash instead of bar soap or anything highly perfumed. Pat — don't rub — your skin dry, and moisturize while it's still damp to help your cream penetrate.

7. MYTH: Your skin will benefit if you stay indoors as much as possible.

TRUTH: True, extreme cold temperatures do suck the moisture from your skin. But retreating indoors, where central heating is pumped to the max, can leave your derm equally parched. So enjoy the fresh air and winter sports, and then do what you can to add moisture to the air at home. A humidifier can help — especially at night, when, combined with a night cream, skin is more apt to drink in moisture. A humidifier can also defrizz staticky winter "hat hair." Dakar recommends adding a teaspoon of tea-tree oil to the water tank to clean it every few days and prevent mold.

8. MYTH: Let winter-ravaged skin hibernate — cut back on pro treatments.

TRUTH: Actually, winter is one of the best times to start in-office laser treatments like hair removal, as pre-laser skin shouldn't be at all tanned, and post-laser skin won't tolerate sun exposure. But if it's red and irritated from a long ski weekend, moisturize accordingly (see Myth 9 regarding windburns). Immediately following laser treatments, apply anti-inflammatory creams to boost skin's recovery capability.

9. MYTH: Windburn gives your skin a natural, healthy, desirable glow.

TRUTH: Depends whether you consider broken capillaries in the cheeks "desirable" — which is what regular exposure to harsh wind can do. The worst-case scenario is that it leads to permanent redness (a.k.a. rosacea). "Sensitive skin is especially susceptible to windburn," says King. "So before heading outdoors, load up on a protective-barrier moisturizer and cover up with a scarf. If you do get burned, calm and soothe with gentle cream cleansers and balm-like moisturizers until your skin calms down." Needless to say, it's better to get the fresh-off-the-slopes flush from a good blush.

10. MYTH: Extra layers of high-tech clothing are a cold-climate must.

TRUTH: While warmth is obviously a necessity when temps plummet, some nylon and polyester fabrics can cause unsightly bumps, clogged pores, and even ingrown hairs when they trap dead cells, oils, and sweat. Better to wear natural fabrics — especially inner layers that touch your skin — and moisturize head to toe, morning and night. "Shea butter is ideal, since it's a natural antioxidant as well as a moisturizing agent," says Dakar. Also consider face and neck creams with humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.

Chantel Hobbs first began struggling with food at the age of eleven. In her website biography, she remembers walking down the aisle "as a 'plus sized' bride", the birth of her two children and the weight that just wouldn't disappear. At 29 years old, Hobbs weighed over 350 pounds. Despite telling herself that she just was too busy to lose weight, inside she felt "ugly, judged and pathetic."

After her second child's birth, everything Hobbs had felt in the past came to a head. Hobbs told CBN.com that after a night of desperate prayer, she realized something, "You are not being the best you can be."

After this realization, she decided to stop dieting and lose the weight for good. In her words, she "decided to take the challenge!" Her weight loss journey began on April 30, 2001. She started off determined to establish a regular exercise habit and began exercising for 30 minutes a day on the recumbent bike. She began eating smaller, more frequent meals (5 meals a day of about 300 calories each) to keep her metabolism high and to prevent hunger attacks, eating about 1,500 calories a day.

By January 30, 2002, Hobbs had lost 101 pounds. Seven years later, Hobbs is a spinning instructor, fitness trainer, marathon runner and 200 pounds lighter. Unlike many who attempt weight loss plans, Hobbs never actually set a weight loss goal for herself. She told CBN.com that her goal was simply not to fail.

She has since released a book, Never Say Diet: Make Five Decisions and Break the Fat Habit, and has offered her weight loss challenge to others. For $19.99 a month, Hobbs offers advise on how to lose weight without dieting, with personal encouragement via Internet chats and videos.

Quit smoking reason #1:

Reduce your risk of lung cancer
Lung cancer accounts for 26 percent of cancer deaths among women reports the Lung Cancer Alliance. Just 50 years ago, lung cancer accounted for only three percent. Though smoking is not the only cause of lung cancer, it can greatly increase your risk of developing this deadly disease. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is directly responsible for 87 percent of reported lung cancer cases.

Quit smoking reason #2:

Protect yourself from HPV
In the book The HPV Vaccine Controversy, author Dr Shobha S Krishnan warns that smoking can make existing HPV infections persist in the body and even cause HPV-related diseases because smoking weakens the immune system

Quit smoking reason #3:Save your eyesight
Dr Edward Paul, one of the world’s leading authorities on macular degeneration, says smoking increases a patient’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration – a leading cause of blindness in Americans 65 years old and older – by a whopping 350 percent.

Quit smoking reason #4:

Your heart-health
Smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke - among other diseases – and the more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk. Even reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke per day can help protect your heart. A study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reports that fewer cigarettes can decrease “bad” cholesterol, increase “good” cholesterol, and improve the blood’s ability to transport oxygen – meaning you will feel less winded during exertion. Kicking the habit for good delivers even more heart-health benefits.

Quit smoking reason #5:

Keep your teeth
A study in BMC Public Health earlier this year indicates that current smokers are significantly more likely to lose their teeth than former smokers or nonsmokers aged 20 to 38 years old. That’s too young to be losing teeth! Additionally, the nicotine in cigarettes stain teeth, meaning the teeth you don’t lose will stay a dingy shade of yellow.

Quit smoking reason #6:

Live longer
Don’t you have family and friends you enjoy spending time with? What about your kids – don’t you want to see them grow up, get married and have kids of their own? Quitting smoking will lengthen your life – as well as improve its quality – and the healthy results of kicking the habit are realized rather quickly. A May 2008 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that 61 percent of the full benefit of quitting in regard to coronary heart disease mortality and 42 percent of the full benefit of quitting in regard to cerebrovascular deaths was realized within the first five years.

Quit smoking reason #7:

Improve your fertility
Having trouble conceiving? In the article Smoking adds a decade to your fertility age, experts say smoking could be hurting your chances. However, lead researcher Dr Bea Lintsen, from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, says: "The positive news from our results is that they suggest that couples – in particular, women with unexplained subfertility – may be able to improve the success of IVF treatment by quitting smoking."

Quit smoking reason #8

Stay beautiful
According to Kori Ellis, author of 8 Healthy skincare tips, studies show that the skin of cigarette smokers ages more than twice as fast as that of non-smokers. Smoking dehydrates your skin and depletes it of essential nutrients. She suggests that you detoxify your skin by quitting smoking and/or limiting your exposure to second hand smoke and other pollutants.

Quit smoking reason #9:

Better your digestive health
Believe it or not, smoking can contribute to digestive diseases. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases warns that smoking can effect all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers as well as increasing the risk of Crohn's disease, and possibly gallstones, which form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Smoking can even damage your liver.

Quit smoking reason #10:

Be a good role model
Even though packs of smokes say smoking is hazardous to your health, your kids are going to look to you for guidance. If you smoke, chances are great they will, too. If you don’t, you improve the chances they won’t, either. If you quit, you are showing them that smoking is a poor choice for long-term health and, as importantly, you are showing them that you care enough about them as well as yourself to live to see them grow up and have kids of their own.

Forget trainers and two-hour gym workouts. Kate Winslet has another secret to her movie-star figure: 20 minutes and a DVD.

Winslet, who at 33 is a slim size 6 (UK size 10), tells the UK edition of Elle that "I don't go to the gym because I don’t have time, but I do Pilates workout DVDs for 20 minutes or more every day at home."

And, Winslet says, she's been the same since she had her second child, Joe, five years ago.

"I still don't believe this craziness for being skinny, but I eat sensibly and I don't stuff down chocolate biscuits," she tells the magazine in its February edition.

Despite a set of stunning, sexy shots in Elle that show off her body, she is modest about her shape, calling herself "pretty average." She adds, "I have cellulite, I have a rumply tummy and my boobs have dropped. I did think that post-kids, my sex scenes days were over."

Far from it. Both her current movies – Revolutionary Road, directed by her second husband Sam Mendes, 43, and costarring Leonardo DiCaprio, and The Reader – contain sex scenes.

Winslet also talks about her enduring friendship with DiCaprio, the Titanic costar with whom she broke box-office records a decade ago. "He's part of the family and I love that he's matured into this kind, dedicated man. When we work together we instinctively know what the other one is thinking."

As for the legacy of Titanic, the English-born New Yorker says she has an "absolute fear" that her daughter Mia, 8, is now old enough to watch the biggest movie of her mom's career while on a playdate. "It may sound silly," she tells Elle, "but I want that to be something we all share as a family."