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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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Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Gil Zamora is an FBI-trained forensics artist with over 3,000 criminal sketches under his belt. Dove (through Unilever’s U.K. office) and Ogilvy Brazil hired him to interview and draw seven different women—two sketches of each. The first sketch was based on each woman’s personal description of herself.The second was based on a description provided by a stranger the woman had just met. Of course, the differences are vast. Watching these women come face to face with the version of themselves in their mind and the version everyone else sees is extraordinary. It’s one of the most original and touching experiments to come from the Campaign for Real Beauty in ages, because instead of making faux protests or annoying graphic designers with bullshit filters, they’re actually empowering individual women to appreciate their inherent beauty, and in turn, allowing us all to wonder if we’ve been judging ourselves too harshly. Like all of the best work, the commercial elements are barely there. Beyond the logo, Dove doesn’t even attempt to sell soap. Watch the documentary below, and mini-videos of selected women on the web site. Then enjoy the rousing comments section, where people are already attacking Dove for choosing too many skinny, white chicks.

Dove Sketch 2 FInaldove_sketch_1_final

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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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How to Get Beautiful Skin During the Winter

5-Beauty-Tips-For-Skin-Care-001During the cold winter months, the weather can take its toll on your skin. In order to reclaim a glowing, immaculate complexion, try one of these beauty tips! You’ll look dewy and refreshed in no time.

Step 1: Dry, Flakey Skin

The best way to get rid of those dry patches is to exfoliate! You can either do this manually with a Clarisonic or use the more affordable version with a brush. Your other option to exfoliate is with a peel or serum. I highly recommend http://ziamex.com/products-page/exfoliation/a8-so-aha-8-solution/ since they have all natural derivatives of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to buff away those dead skin cells all the while replenishing your skin with hydration from apple, watermelon and lentil extracts. I then follow up with a hydrating serum, http://ziamex.com/products-page/moisturizer/hya2-sodium-hyaluronate-gel/.

Step 2: Red, Splotchy Skin

To conceal ruddy skin, there are a couple of effective ways to do this. If you’re not a big makeup-wearer, I recommend Bare Minerals Redness Remedy as it lightly conceals for a natural look. However, it is also a skincare product, so it has calming ingredients to soothe your skin. All of my clients with rosacea or slight redness absolutely love this product since it goes on before makeup or can be worn alone for a beautiful, bare-face look.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a full coverage look, then I suggest using a natural brand concealer. Typically, natural brand products contain less chemicals and fragrances. Unfortunately, these chemicals usually lead to sensitivities and redness in the first place. So that’s why it’s important to read what ingredients are in your makeup products when you are prone to flushed skin.

Step 3: Dull, Lackluster Skin

Again, exfoliation is key, but another way to illuminate your complexion is with a highlighter. They are available in liquid or powder form. Apply to the high points of your face such as above the brows, tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow of the lip and bridge of the nose.

Step 4: Winter Skin-Saving Tips

*Use a milder cleanser during the winter. In fact, I use fragrance-free baby wipes to remove my makeup, which help to retain my natural oils and moisture.

*If you are prone to drier skin in the winter, switch your usual lightweight lotion or moisturizer to a cream version. If this is too heavy for you in the day, then just use at night.

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Both internally and externally. So while drinking your 8 cups of water per day, mist on a hydrating spray or warm up some moisturizer in your hands and pat gently on the face.

SUBMITTED BY
MUA & Esthetician
In her 20’s from San Diego, CA