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Valuable products from the honeybee hive

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Contributions of honeybees to mankind are so overwhelming that we often forget to recognize how valuable and important they actually are. We remember that hive products offer food and practical medical support but we may forget that the major contribution to the global ecology is the sustaining by pollination of most of the wild and cultivated flora. No other insect species furnishes any useful products as do the bees.

Let’s review the many products that we can harvest from the honeybee hive.

Honey — Concentrated from the sweet nectar collected from blossoms, composed of 82 percent sugars packed with minerals, vitamins and enzymes. It is prized for cooking, and a multitude of important medical properties such as antiseptic and burn treatment. We enjoy its sweet, natural floral essence but need to remember that it is not just for tea!

Propolis — Amorphous, resinous material gathered from plant buds and bark to strengthen the hive comb structure, varnish the inner surface of the hive, with its antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Widely used in topical and internal medications for its healing properties. Used in fine varnishes and in ancient embalming.

Royal Jelly — Special nutritious food produced by nurse bees to feed young larva, converting the ordinary worker larva to a fertile, female queen. Rich in lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes, widely used as food supplement and in dermatological cosmetics.

Bees Wax — Secreted by young bees, molded into strong hexagonal shaped comb cells to furnish support for brood and honey storage. Honey sealed n wax comb provides long (3,000 years) shelf life. Unique properties provide wide usage for candles, waterproofing, dentistry, polishes, and many healthy products.

Compared to petroleum-based paraffin, beeswax candles burn longer, give less smoke, less dripping, and fill the room with fragrant floral essence.

Bee Venom — Toxic liquid injected during a bee sting. Several proteins and enzymes cause painful inflammation during defensive stinging. Used by dermatologists test for allergy sensitivity. Bee sting therapy treats the symptoms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other auto immune conditions. For more information, visit American Apitherapy Society at www.apitherapy.org.

credit by http://www.registerstar.com

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Cosmetics for Men

Since I have been writing this column, we have covered several topics to help men look and feel their best while keeping up with the newest trends. One area that has been overlooked however, not only by myself but by the whole industry catering to men, is the importance of keeping your face clean and healthy looking.

An area of rapid growth in the sales of beauty products has been in products designed specifically for men. Contrary to popular belief, men are in fact concerned with their appearance, albeit to a lesser extent than women. Although this market is relatively new, experts predict cosmetics for men will be the next big thing in beauty products.

My argument is that if men are willing to spend money on cologne that make them smell good, why wouldn’t they spend money on something that makes them look good as well? Furthermore, since many men spend hours every week working out and taking care of their bodies, they are sure to want to take care of their faces if the products are available. Another example is the explosion in sales of hair growth treatments for balding men.

cosmetics for men

Since this is a new area, cosmetics companies are still unfamiliar with which products men are willing to try and which ones they are avoiding. They are experimenting with various forms of lotions, skincare and hair products.

Many people find the thought of men wearing make-up odd at first, but after seeing some of the products available, it makes sense. We sell lots of hair products, lotions, scrubs, oils, massage creams, razor blades, shaving needs, environmental sound products, the whole bit, says Sandy Pukel’s. He is the president of the Oak Feed Market in Coconut Grove, Florida, which features a department devoted exclusively to men’s health and beauty care products. I’m personally amazed at all the choices we have now, that we never used to have.

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credit by: AskMen.com

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Exercise proven to be good for your skin

exercise

Are you always trying to get motivated to add a little more exercise to your routine? There are lots of reasons to exercise on a regular basis, but did you realize that it can help your skin look clearer and younger? Here are some great reasons to get up off the couch and hit the gym…

When you exercise, increased blood flow benefits the whole body. Nutrients are delivered more efficiently which rids the body of damaging toxins. Don’t forget that your skin is your largest organ – these healthy internal functions allow for better creation of collagen, which keeps your skin looking young and firm.

Greater amounts of exercise diminish stress- which can make a big difference if you struggle with acne. Exercise can stabilize hormonal function so that acne flare-ups are less likely during times of stress. Also, if you break a sweat you will find that this can unclog pores and diminish the appearance of pimples. Don’t forget that when you sweat more, you should drink more too. You want to flush out toxins and free radicals. Keeping your body hydrated is key for overall health and beauty.

Stretching and toning the muscles can minimize the appearance of cellulite too. Cellulite is a very stubborn connective tissue disorder and movements involving Pilates and Yoga seem to help smooth the skin while calming the mind and reducing stress.

Hitting your local Zumba class will make you glow! Ever noticed how great your skin looks after a good cardio workout? That pretty pink glow is proof positive for how improved circulation can positively affect your complexion. If you aren’t moving around enough, your skin can look sullen, dull, or ashen.

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Exfoliation 101

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Stay younger looking by exfoliating regularly! Exfoliation of the skin reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, rids skin of dead cells and keeps pores clean and clear so skin stays soft and

supple, fresh and radiant!

There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and mechanical. Most people use a combination of both types in their skin care routine.

Chemical exfoliants dissolve the “glue” that trap dead skin cells in pores and to the surface layers of the skin. By dissolving this glue the dead skin and cellular debris are shed revealing younger skin and a smoother, healthier complexion underneath. Some examples of Chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid or malic acid. These Chemical exfoliants may be applied in high concentrations by a medical professional, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products.

Mechanical exfoliants work by gently buffing away surface skin cells which encourages new skin cells to surface at a more rapid rate. Dead skin cells are swept away and fine lines are minimized, pores are cleared and newer skin is revealed. Mechanical exfoliants include sugar or salt crystals, micro-bead facial scrubs, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, and cloths such as sponges, loofahs or brushes.

By exfoliating on a regular basis, you are encouraging your skin to regenerate at a faster rate, thereby increasing cellular turnover which will help improve firmness, texture, skin tone, and help support healthy collagen for a more youthful and radiant glow!

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Preemptive Skincare for Anti Aging Part 2

Preemptive skin care part 229In our ongoing quest for radiant, flawless, and youthful skin, a certain knowledge of anti-aging ingredients becomes not only helpful, but crucial. Here’s a handy cheat sheet, with all the basic ingredients you could ever want or need in a health-boosting, anti-aging skincare product.

Vitamin A,
Vitamin A is a drug but Retinol which is a derivative of Vitamin A is not. Vitamin A has been suggested to help promote the production of skin strengthening collagen fibers. These plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also believed that retinol reduces the appearance of hyper-pigmentation (mottled colored spots on the skin).

Vitamin C Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant, crucial in the fight against skin-aging environmental free radicals, and essential for the formation of collagen in the skin. One thing to keep in mind is that Vitamin C is not very stable in skincare products, and it isn’t effective in small doses in topical skincare. While the jury concludes that Vitamin C is crucial in the fight against aging, it’s better when ingested in your favorite orange fruit.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs are a group of natural acids that act as powerful chemical exfoliants. These remove dead skin cells, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and deep cleanse the pores. Glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids are all AHAs, with lactic acids being the most gentle, and most prevalent. AHAs penetrate the epidermal (skin) cells to trigger the formation of new collagen, while reducing the appearance of surface wrinkles.

Peptides

Peptides are small chains of amino acids, and the building blocks of proteins, which make up skin cells. Due to their small molecular size, peptide proteins have the ability to deeply penetrate the layers of the skin to stimulate the skin cell healing process, and to trigger skin repair. In essence, peptides activate the skincare repair and renewal process on the molecular level.

The plethora of anti-aging skincare options need not be confusing. With a basic knowledge of ingredients, youthful skin is a stone’s throw away.

SUBMITTED BY

@adinazilberman

adinazilberman
Beauty Blogger
In her 20’s from New York City

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It’s a Bit Cheesy

A new generation of anti-ageing products could be developed after researchers stumbled upon the anti-cheeseinflammatory properties of cheese whilst trying to discover the secret behind the French paradox puzzle.

This relates to the low rates of cardiovascular mortality which have existed in France for decades despite high saturated fat consumption, constituting the epidemiological phenomenon: ‘the French paradox.’ According to researchers from Lycotec, unexpected anti-inflammatory factors discovered in the blue-vein cheese
Roquefort, could lead to the development of a new generation of pharmaceuticals and future cosmetic products.

Potential applications Extensive laboratory and clinical validation by the Cambridge-based doctors and scientists have demonstrated that these anti-inflammatory factors, which occur during the ripening of the cheese, have unique properties which work best in acidic environments; most notably in the stomach lining and skin surface.“The anti-inflammatory factors found in these cheeses could be extracted and used independently or as a part of today’s pharmaceutical or beauty products,” say study authors Dr Ivan Petyaev and Dr Yuriy Bashmakov.

“Moreover, there is a growing consensus that sub-clinical inflammation is behind many ageing processes, from the loss of skeletal muscles and cellulite to metabolic, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.” This has lead the research team to urge beauty and pharmaceutical product companies to take a look at this new
finding for future product ideas and partnerships, without the mouldy smell.

Get a whiff…
Lycotec started to publish its findings on the French cheese, initially suggesting that regular consumption of Roquefort, Camembert and other moulded fermented cheeses could be the answer to some of today’s key health problems. Despite a diet high in saturated fats, France has been known to have the lowest rate of cardiovascular mortality. This was originally attributed to consumption of red wine and its major constituent resveratrol. However, recent studies indicate that consumption of red wine alone cannot explain the paradox and perhaps some other constituents of the typical French diet could be responsible for reduced cardiovascular mortality; leading to
this study on cheese.

By Andrew McDougall+

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What causes wrinkles, what are the types of wrinkles

dogWrinkles are a common skin condition that is characterized by folds, ridges or creases on the skin on various parts of the body like face, arms or neck. The most common cause of wrinkling of skin is due to aging; apart from this we can see the wrinkled appearance of skin when it is immersed in water for a long duration of time. The latter is temporary in nature and reverts back to normal skin when the moisture from the skin gets removed.

The wrinkled skin due to aging or expressions or moisture is something that is natural and can not be avoided completely. Other factors that cause the condition are damage of skin due to sun exposure and dehydration, smoking, ill effects of some medications and unhealthy life style.

Types of wrinkles

Wrinkles can appear at many places in the human body with the following being the most common

Back part of the hands
Below eyes
Forehead
Face and cheeks
Neck area
Wrinkles are generally classified into three forms as follows:

Surface lines
This type is shown in the form of appearance of fine lines or folds on the skin , which are visible only from close distance. Most of the wrinkle treatment solutions focus on the removal of these fine lines.

Deeper Furrows
These are the more visible and larger folds of skin which are generally irreversible without surgery. They are mainly caused due to aging.

Wrinkles due to aging
Wrinkling of the skin due to aging can be considered to be inevitable. As we grow old , our skin gradually loses the strength and elasticity it used to possess previously. It becomes thinner and more susceptible to reacting to the environmental conditions surrounding us. As a result it becomes less capable to protect against any damage caused by the external agent. All these factors lead to the development of creases, folds and wrinkles on the skin of various parts of the body.

Because of the association of wrinkled skin with age, the appearance of the same are judged as signal of wisdom and experience by many people

Other major reasons for appearance of wrinkles

Genetic Reasons
Genetic factor is one of the major reasons for the development and growth of wrinkles. As obvious, there is nothing that we can do much about it except blaming our hereditary trait for this. It is more likely for you to develop wrinkles early if your parents developed them at a younger age, as compared to some one whose parents were free from wrinkles when they were of the same age.

Smoking
Causes a reduction in blood supply to the skin, as claimed by experts. Consequently, early aging of skin is caused which may lead to wrinkles.

Exposure to UV radiations
UV radiation emitted by Sun is known to posses a gamut of harmful effects on the skin. Those people, who tend to spend most of their time in the day under Sun’s rays, tend to develop wrinkles early because of exposure to these rays.

Skin Type
Some people who have lighter form of skin may experience a rapid damage of skin due to environmental exposure and Sun exposure. This may lead to wrinkling of the skin.

General expressions of face
Those people who laugh, frown, squint or smile repeatedly at an older age are at a higher risk of developing wrinkles than others. The repeated exercise of facial muscles may leave some folds on the skin when it has already lost its elasticity due to age.

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The 6 fastest ways to get perfect skin

12While we’re not ones to endorse, support, or approve of skin care neglect, we are realists. And that means we’re totally with you if you fall in the I-have-too-much-on-my-plate-to-exfoliate camp.

Squeezing in facials and obsessing over a strict anti-aging routine takes serious amounts of “me”-time. Not to mention beaucoup buckos.

And we get it. You’re a mom. Or you work insane hours. Or you travel a ton. Or maybe you’re just a little lazy (no judgment here!). And because of your insert- excuse-here, skin care just doesn’t make its way on your “to-do” list.

That’s fine. But just because you’ve got no time or extra cash, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a lifetime of breakouts and wrinkles. We’re here to tell you that with minimal effort, time, and money, you can have clear, soft, healthy skin. It’s all about paying attention to what’s important.

According to medical aesthetician Susan Perry and Beverly Hills board certified dermatologist Harold A. Lancer, MD, these easy, practical skin care tips are ones even the busiest women can manage.

TIP 1: GIVE YOUR MEDICINE CABINET AN OVERHAUL

When you have a ton of different skin care products staring at you from your medicine cabinet, it can start to feel too overwhelming. Instead of feeling bogged down by so many options, pare down your routine. Because despite what QVC might be telling you, you only need a few key items to keep your skin healthy. First, throw out any expired products. Next, toss any eye cream or moisturizer where the water has separated from the product and is resting on top — this is a sign of a product that’s lost its efficacy. Finally, trash (or donate) products you don’t use on a daily basis or haven’t touched in more than a month.

TIP 2: CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

If you want to spend less time fussing over your skin, your goal should be to have the healthiest skin possible. The easiest way to keep your skin healthy is to eat right and stay hydrated. That means drinking at least eight ounces of water a day and eating foods that are anti-inflammatory and contain lots of anti-oxidants, says Perry. “Also, low glycemic index foods such as salads, bright red and green vegetables, omega 3 rich wild salmon, avocados, olive oil, and blueberries are great for your complexion.” She adds that your skin is a projection of what is going on internally. Translation: If you’re overdoing it on the junk food, your skin will be the first to tattle on you.

TIP 3: KEEP YOUR A.M. ROUTINE SUPER SIMPLE

Here’s the simple, anti-aging skin care regimen Lancer and Perry recommend. It requires four products and takes about three minutes:

Your a.m. routine:

Step 1: Cleanse : http://ziamex.com/products-page/cleanser/cl-006-apple-stem-cell-foam/
Step 2: Gently exfoliate : http://ziamex.com/products-page/exfoliation/ezx1-enzymatic-peeling-cream/
Step 3: Prevent/correct : http://ziamex.com/products-page/anti-wrinkle/20-vit-c-serum/
Step 4: UVA/UVB protection : http://ziamex.com/products-page/skin-care-2/cs60-concealer-sunscreen-spf60/

TIP 4: MAKE YOUR P.M. ROUTINE EVEN SIMPLER

Your nighttime routine can be extremely simple, says Perry, and should include the following:

Step 1: Cleanse : http://ziamex.com/products-page/cleanser/cl-006-apple-stem-cell-foam/
Step 2: Correct/Repair : http://ziamex.com/products-page/anti-wrinkle/cs053-nvl-retinol-cream/

TIP 5: WATCH YOUR SODIUM AND PROTEIN INTAKE

“I always tell my clients to watch what they eat when they are traveling or working a lot,” says Lancer, as “salt reduction is critically important for healthy skin.” Why? Salt decreases the water intake of your internal organs, and when your organs are dehydrated, they suck the water out of your skin and leave you with sallow, dry, cracked skin, he says. So, if you’re grabbing quick food while on the run, pay extra attention to nutritional labels. Protein intake is also essential for healthy, youthful skin, says Lancer. He recommends making protein about 40 percent of your dietary intake. Why? “Amino acids in the blood stream stimulate collagen and elastin production,” he says.

TIP 6: BABY YOUR SKIN WHEN YOU TRAVEL

If you travel a lot, it can take a toll on your skin. To help your complexion cope, don’t wear makeup on the plane, says Perry. “It’s also a good idea to pack a small tube of moisturizer in your carry-on and reapply throughout the flight,” says Perry. And speaking of moisturizer, slather on a super-hydrating formula all over your body before your flight. After all, it’s not just your face that gets parched at 30,000 feet. We recommend Berry Extracts Body Lotion : http://ziamex.com/products-page/body-care/brs-03-berry-extracts-body-lotion/

Copyright Total Beauty

 

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Edible Cosmetics Redefine Inner Beauty

Eat your way to clearer skin, healthier hair, and brighter eyes.

Beauty lotions and potions are so 2011. The newest way to make your skin glow, clear up acne, and brighten your eyes isn’t with a little bottle of face cream but rather chocolate creme—as in the case of Borba’s slimming chews and Frutel’s new acne fighter both made out of, yes, chocolate. Apparently eating it doesn’t make you break out or gain weight! That is, if you buy into it.

While women have long ingested pills and vitamins in order to grow healthier hair, stronger nails, and glowing skin, this next generation of edible cosmetics sees your puny Flinstone vitamin and raises you with a range of delicious products that include vitamins, herbs, fruit extracts, and a host of other good-for-you compounds. But why should we eat our makeup when we could get the same vitamins in their natural form by eating whole, healthy foods?

Tanya Zuckerbrot, the official dietitian of the Miss America pageant and co-creator of the edible Beauty Booster, says succinctly, “Juices have a ton of calories. Who wants to sacrifice their behind for their face?” Did we mention the Beauty Booster is calorie- and sugar-free?

Long popular in Europe and Japan, the new industry is just catching on in America, thanks in no small part to celebrities seen carrying the products and their almost-as-famous doctors. Designer Norma Kamali even has her own line of specialty olive oils said to be based on her Spanish-Lebanese upbringing saying, “Olive oil was part of our lives and not just on the table. My mother knew it was good for so many things, so I was indoctrinated quite early.”

Designer olive oil is one thing, but gummy bears that give you “gorgeous skin and anti-aging power?” Edible cosmetics are available in a variety of forms, including candy chews, gummies, drinks, and concentrates that range in potency. But the real question is do they work? Doctors and nutritionists are, naturally, dubious.

“Good skin does not come from slickly marketed beauty drinks and foods, but from vegetables, whole foods, and plain water,” critics say. The FDA is staying out of it, as they don’t regulate cosmetics.

It might be a while before all the research gets sorted out. In the meantime if you’re going to eat a granola bar, would it hurt to try one that also “improves skin tone” like the Nimble Bar?

What do you think of this new category of “neutriceuticals”? Would try edible makeup? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts!

By Charlotte Andersen

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Anti Wrinkle Skin Care: Reducing the Signs of Aging simply

anti-aging-skin-care-for-youthful-skinAnti Wrinkle Skin Care: Reducing the Signs of Aging simply

Wrinkles are a women’s worst enemy and aside from going for expensive botox treatment and cosmetic surgery, many ladies prefer to obtain anti aging wrinkle creams that are offered on the market.It is straightforward to appreciate that there are too several beauty product in stores nowadays and one in every of the foremost selling is that the anti-aging wrinkle cream. customers frequently obtain and use this product within the hopes that their wrinkles are going to be reduced.

We often raise ourselves if they extremely work. the solution is yes if the merchandise was fastidiously researched and created to deal with the problems of aging. If it’s not readily ready and tested, then it’d fail to supply the assistance it guarantees to administer.

Chances are that the anti-aging wrinkle cream won’t fall wanting the consumers’ expectations.Carefully researched and formulated anti-aging wrinkle creams works to interchange collagen loss throughout the natural method of aging.When the collagen is replaced, the skin smoothens out because it returns to its original supple and elastic state and this makes the wrinkles diminish with the continued use of the merchandise.

One advantage of using anti-aging creams is that it’s less expensive than surgery and different beauty treatments. Also, its application involves no pain in the slightest degree. merely apply the anti wrinkle cream or lotion on the face is what it takes to realize a fresher look.

If a client makes it a habit to use anti-aging wrinkle creams and makes it a part of her daily routine, she is going to reap the advantages of the merchandise while not the requirement to check a dermatologist that saves her each cash and time.

Once you have selected the anti-aging product you believe can treat your skin problems, use it as directed. Applying beauty creams is like baking a cake. You don’t just mix in all the ingredients, whip, bake, and then expect it to taste great, as it says on the package directions. Even if you use the right ingredients but without the right technique, you’ll still end up with a cake you will rather not eat. When applying facial anti-aging creams, therefore, employing the right techniques is necessary to get the best results. And what may these techniques be? Well, they’re really nothing more than gently and slowly massaging the cream on the area you want to treat, using very light pressure and then remembering not to rub on too hard because over time that is going to make your skin sag.

@mellisagarcia24
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In her 20’s