Taking care of  your Lips is just as important as the rest of your body. Dry, cracked lips are not very attractive but not only that, they can be very painful. The best way to avoid that is to take good care of your lips. There are just a few basic things you can do to assure you have soft kissable lips.

Chapped lips are often caused by extreme weather conditions, if it is to hot, dry or to cold. It is  important to protect your lips with a good lip balm, and it is always best to use one with sunscreen. Always drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid licking your lips frequently as especially when it is windy that will cause your Lips to dry out real fast. I know sometimes that is easier said then done when your lips feel dry from the wind it is normal behavior to lick your lips, just try to keep it in mind and when ever you notice your self trying to wet your lips stop it.

We all love the nice flavors the Lip Glosses come in, they smell good and they taste good but that only gives you another reason to lick your lips, remember try not to. About once a week treat yourself to a Lip Scrub that will give you smooth and soft lips. Make your own lip scrub to remove the dead layer of skin and improve the appearance of your lips in minutes. Below is a simple receipt for a homemade lip scrub. Or alternatively use a small amount of face scrub like QV Face Exfoliating Polish

Use one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon honey and just a few drops of olive oil, just mix the honey and baking soda until well blended, apply to lips and let it sit for a while then rub lips together to remove the dead skin cells and rinse it.  Or just use a simple sugar scrub take a small amount of sugar and mix with a little bit of water to form a paste, gently massage your lips with the mixture and wash off with warm water, after apply a good lip moisturiser like QV Face Lip Balm with SPF 30+

Atopic dermatitis usually occurs as reddish, itchy skin, but may be oozing and crusty in severe cases. It generally begins early in life at which time it is commonly referred to as “infantile eczema”. Atopic dermatitis is characterised by flare-ups and remission, and tends to follow distinct patterns during infancy, childhood and adult life. We have a specific product to help cope with these flare ups called QV Flare Up Bath Oil.

Click here to read the full article

Lifestyle modifications are the first line of defence in controlling eczema, regardless of whether the eczema is mild, moderate, or severe. Recommended by dermatologists, the following guidelines can help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups, which also may decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medicine. Continuing to follow these guidelines once the signs and symptoms clear can help prevent further outbreaks:

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Eczema is usually dry and itchy, so applying moisturisers as needed to keep the skin moist is part of an effective treatment plan. Frequent moisturizing locks in the skin’s own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking.

One of the best ways to lock in moisture is to apply moisturizer after bathing. When bathing, care must be taken to avoid irritating the skin.

2. Limit contact with anything that irritates the skin. Soaps, bubble bath, perfumes, cosmetics, laundry detergents, household cleaners, too much time spent in water, finger paints, gasoline, turpentine, wool, a pet’s fur, juices from meats and fruits, plants, jewelry, and even lotions can irritate sensitive skin. Know what irritates your skin and limit contact with all that does. Avoiding personal-care products that contain alcohol and not washing hands too frequently also will help reduce irritation.

3. Avoid sweating and overheating. The most common triggers of the scratch/itch cycle are sweating and overheating. It is essential to prevent these situations whenever possible.

4. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity. A sudden rise in temperature can cause overheating and sweating. A drop in humidity can dry skin and lead to a flare-up.

5. Grab a cold compress to curb the itch. Scratching makes the condition worse and may puncture skin allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Gently applying a cold compress to the area that itches can reduce inflammation and lessen the desire to scratch.

6. Keep fingernails short. Short nails decrease the likelihood that scratching will puncture the skin. Keeping nails short and wearing cotton gloves at night may help prevent scratching that punctures the skin while asleep.

7. Dress in loose-fitting cotton clothes. Synthetic fabrics, wool, and other materials that feel rough to the touch often irritate the skin and trigger a flare-up. Cotton and cotton-blend clothes usually make skin feel better.

8. Double rinse clothes, and wash new clothes before wearing. Laundry detergents can trigger flare-ups. Using a fragrance-free, neutral pH detergent and double rinsing clothes can help prevent flare-ups caused by laundry detergent. It also may be helpful to wash new clothes before they are worn as washing removes excess dyes and fabric finishers, which can irritate the skin. Tags should be removed, too, as these can rub the skin, causing irritation.

9. Reduce stress. Stress reduction plays a key role in preventing eczema flares. In today’s fast-paced world, reducing stress can be challenging; however, there are ways to effectively reduce stress.

10. Follow a prescribed treatment regimen. Moisturising and using medications as directed by a dermatologist go a long way toward keeping flare-ups at bay.

For Atopic Dermatitis Only
Since atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs in people who have an inherited predisposition to allergies, such as asthma, hay fever, or food allergies, the following also can help prevent a flare-up:

11. Limit exposure to environmental triggers. Pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander can cause flare-ups. When pollen and mold counts are high, limit time outdoors.

12. Find out if any food(s) triggers the atopic dermatitis. If you suspect a food allergy is a trigger, be sure to tell your dermatologist. Tests can be run to determine which, if any, food allergies exist.

After a long weekend of cold weather, Masterchef cooking and red wine, the question of what we put into our bodies and how it affects our skin comes to mind. There is some recent research which shows that specific combinations of food types can actually be a great combination for anti-aging effects! Eat my way to younger skin? I think I can do that!

Click here to read the full article By Carla Oates

With so many cosmetics on the market promising eternal youth, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty jungle. Follow a clear path and eat your way to beautiful, radiant skin. Your health will thank you, too!

Next time you want to ask someone with glowing skin, you may want to ask, “What have you been eating?” instead.

According to skincare researcher and nutritionist Alison Cassar, as well as a good skin care regime, the healthier the foods you eat, the more sumptuous your skin will look.

“Eating the right foods supports the body to eliminate toxins, rejuvenate skin cells, strengthen organs and tissues and protects the skin from environmental damage,” she says – all processes that promote healthy, radiant skin.

Garry Egger, epidemiologist and co-author of Skin Fitness , advises aiming for a good balance of nutrients from all the food groups. Eating certain foods together, he says, proves to be a beauty bonus.

“Essential fatty acids found in salmon improve the health of skin cells, however, the body requires cleansing foods such as beetroot to help your liver process them.”

This may explain why avocado and tomato tastes so good together.

A study from the Department of Internal Medicine at Ohio State University showed that certain protective plant nutrients found in foods such as tomato become more available for the body to use when eaten with foods rich in good oils such as avocado. Together they make an anti-ageing formula to be reckoned with.

Eating healthy foods can also make you feel happier, adding to one’s inner glow, says Cassar.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon help lift moods, as does L-tryptophan, an amino acid found in cashew nuts that helps increase levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin.

What you do and what you don’t

Egger stresses that good skin health is equally about what you don’t eat.

Foods with a high glycaemic index, he cautions, particularly refined foods including sugar, flour, pastries and biscuits, promote acne and also inflammation in the body that can lead to premature ageing.

Research at Harvard University showed that women who ate foods with the highest glycaemic load had nearly twice as much inflammation in their bodies.

He adds, “Sustained high sugar blood levels also promote a process called glycation where sugar molecules stick to protein collagen [the supporting mattress of the skin], and destroy it”. He recommends a “low human intervention” diet, citing refined oils (margarine included) as being just as bad as other refined foods. “Stick to foods that are more natural and unprocessed”.

So is the jury out on the skincare benefits of naughty favourites such as red wine and chocolate?

Egger says with some foods it’s all about quantity. Both red wine and dark chocolate are rich in skin-protective antioxidants, but they’re also high in sugar and energy, so consume in moderation.

I am a lady who is on the larger side of life when it comes to this topic. It’s a such a hot topic of discussion amongst us girls that we felt, due to the new research which has just come out we should at least comment on it. Is  larger breast size due to our diets? Is it a case of we are getting bigger all over? Or are there other unseen reasons for this. When i was younger i was in a minority being at least 3 cups larger than my friends. Now, there are more closer to my size than not. Below is the article published by ERIKA WOODS, SUNDAY LIFE.

What is your take on this research? Let us know!

Click here for the full article

Women’s breasts are larger than ever – and it’s not due to implants. As stars like Christina Hendricks flaunt their curves, Erika Woods investigates a phenomenon of va-va-voom proportions.

Many women may have long suspected it, just as many men have secretly hoped for it. But it’s official: women’s breasts, and particularly those of younger women, are getting bigger. While implants have been putting that little extra va-va-voom into some busts, mostly it’s a phenomenon that has occurred naturally in women, and exponentially so over the past 50 years. In fact, their cup size has tripled.

In 1960, the average bra size in Australia was 10B. Ten years ago, it was 12B. Today, it’s 14C. “It’s six to seven sizes up in a comparatively few number of years,” says Sally Berkeley, the general manager of bra company Berlei, which next month launches a new super-sized range of cups, up to an H, to add to the traditional A-to-E dimensions. Rival Eveden now has a K cup, while Triumph is up to a G and is trialling a new cup size, J, for the next season.

“Twenty years ago, women couldn’t buy this sort of fashion product with support in these sizes,” says Triumph spokesperson Alana Jones. “But we’ve been getting so many requests from consumers, and we’ve now even got a sports bra coming out in a J cup.

Model Lara Stone is naturally full-busted. Photo: Getty

“Our team has undertaken international research and found that British women are also now five centimetres taller and have hips four centimetres larger than they had in the 1950s, while, instead of being size 12, they’re edging towards size 16. We’d expect that to be similar to here.”

Editor of men’s magazine FHM Guy Mosel says it’s hard to ignore. “I certainly have noticed that women’s bodies are now very different to how they were 10 years ago,” he says. “Even women with skinny bodies seem to have over-developed breasts, which isn’t a shape that used to exist at all.”

So how exactly has this change in women’s natural bust measurements come about? Experts suggest that everything from the food we’re eating to the plastic bottles we’re drinking from might be to blame.

But, judging from the bra companies’ sales, as well as anecdotes from women themselves, no one is in any doubt that we’re in the middle of a breast-size revolution. Fashion store assistant Louise Matthews, for instance, herself a size 10CC, regularly serves women of average weight with large busts. “I think women’s shapes are changing,” she says. “Obviously, we’re seeing a lot more women now who are bigger all over, but we also have women who are slim but have big boobs – like me.”

The first theory is perhaps the most obvious. Women today are much better nourished than they were 50 years ago, eating more protein and fresh fruit and vegetables and having more variety in their food. Although we eat slightly less beef and a lot less lamb than we did in the 1960s, according to the CSIRO, we’re eating two to four times more pork and chicken per person, consuming a total of 290 grams of meat per person, per day. With such serious building blocks at hand, it’s little surprise that we’re usually taller than our mothers and have larger hips and bigger breasts.

Says dietitian Dr Jenny O’Dea, associate professor in nutrition and health education at the University of Sydney, “People are simply getting bigger, shapelier and often healthier at the same time. The average size [for women] is now 14, and that’s considered to be a healthy, active weight.”

You can, however, have too much of a good thing, and many of us sadly do. Another of the major reasons suggested for women becoming bigger up top is that they’re bigger everywhere else. A 2007 statistic from the World Health Organisation states that 67.4 per cent of Australians are overweight, giving us a ranking of third out of the major English-speaking countries, behind New Zealand and the United States. Moreover, the National Health Survey in 2005 found that 39 per cent of Australian women were overweight.

“There has been a marked rise in obesity among Australians,” says Dr Kristy Brown of the physiology department at Melbourne’s Prince Henry’s Institute, who is studying the links between obesity and breast cancer. “There is a link between the weight of breasts and the risk of breast cancer.”

Another important factor in the increasing size of breasts could be the fact that puberty is often starting much earlier in girls, regularly at about 10 years of age. Monash University women’s health specialist Professor Susan Davis says this translates into an average of 44 years of oestrogen production before menopause finally kicks in at about 54. In addition, women are having children later – or not at all – which is also having an effect on our oestrogen levels.

“Something’s happening, and we’re all noticing larger breasts, even for young, slender women, but there’s still no quality research being done on it,” Davis says.

The increasing levels of oestrogen in women’s bodies are also being supplemented by what goes on around us, believes Davis: as a result of chemicals in our food – with some producers using oestrogen as a growth hormone to fatten up animals more quickly – in our medications and in our environment. “We’re also ingesting chemicals in the environment from industry all the time,” she says, referring to pollutants, pesticides and herbicides in food.

Many consumers still believe Australian commercially produced poultry are fed hormones and steroids, but this no longer happens, according to the Australian Chicken Meat Federation. Chickens these days are bigger only because of the way they’re bred and fed.

But one of the major sources of oestrogens in the environment that can play havoc with hormone production is the humble plastic bottle. Many of these bottles contain the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) – a compound used in the production of plastics that damages the endocrine system, probably as it has a similar structure to human oestrogen. Concern has mounted about BPA content in babies’ bottles and major retailers in Australia have begun phasing out bottles containing BPA, as has already happened in the US, Canada and some European countries.

Then there’s the contraceptive pill. Professor Mark McLean, president of the Endocrine Society of Australia and a professor of medicine at the University of Western Sydney, says lifelong exposure to the pill could also be a factor. “We know oestrogen stimulates breast ducts and causes tissue to proliferate,” he says. “The whole reason breasts develop at the start of puberty is [because] that’s when oestrogen starts to kick in. Anyone on the pill is then being exposed to more.”

Another, somewhat less alarming, explanation could be that many women simply feel more confident about embracing, and celebrating, bigger boobs. With bras in larger cup sizes now becoming available in sexy, pretty styles – instead of the old beige Nanna versions – they’re far happier about showing off their new curves. Voluptuous singer Kate Ceberano, 43, who is the ambassador of new Berlei range Curves, agrees. “I feel liberated now,” she says. “I think the majority of women are now more ready to be themselves.”

But the promotion of bigger breasts is not limited to lingerie designers. In popular culture and fashion, it seems big is being embraced wholeheartedly. Corsets, from the likes of Dior and Givenchy, are becoming commonplace, while earlier this year, Louis Vuitton had curvy models strutting down the runway wearing full-skirted dresses in a style that might be described as “pro balconette”. It’s a far cry from the “heroin chic” that was so prevalent in the early ’90s.

While bigger breasts have long been a staple of the entertainment industry – think ’50s icons Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe and even ’80s pin-up Samantha Fox – it appears that there is a renewed requirement for natural, as opposed to surgically enhanced, assets.

Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, who was named the sexiest woman alive by Esquire magazine last year, said recently that she’s finally being offered designer clothes that fit for red-carpet events: “They’ve been incredibly generous,” she gushed, “making really beautiful things.” In March, Hendricks had a Barbie doll made in her likeness and has blazed a trail for well-endowed women. Ditto model Lara Stone, whom Interview magazine referred to in April as “the most in-demand model in the business right now” and who flaunts a C cup.

UK television fashionistas Trinny and Susannah have helped educate a whole generation of women on the importance of being properly anchored. Yet we still have a way to go. Industry experts estimate that up to two in every three women wear the wrong bra size, usually because they’re shy about being fitted properly, or have been fitted once and don’t realise by how much their size can fluctuate. “We now know that the support in our bra comes from the firmness around the body, and if we’ve been wearing a bra that is too loose around the body, then reducing the back size naturally increases the cup size,” says Kerryn Sawyer, lingerie buyer for Myer. “Correct fitting is definitely seeing cup sizes increase.”

The consequences of badly fitting bras can range from indents in the shoulders one centimetre deep to neck and nerve damage, back pain and headaches. Yet few of us update our bras often enough – it should be at least yearly. However, a recycling program to send used bras to the less-developed world, being launched in October, might help.

Bra sizes come from two measurements: the torso under the breasts, and around the fullest part of the breasts for the cup size. Most women now have both a bigger back and fuller breasts, says Berlei’s Sally Berkeley. With the average breast weighing about half a kilo, and making up four to five per cent of our body fat, or one per cent of our total body weight, that’s not insignificant.

A whole science has grown up around supporting and protecting bigger breasts, particularly for those women wanting to undertake vigorous exercise. Running makes the breasts sway in a figure eight, while cycling causes an up-and-down movement; a 16D pair move as much as 27 centimetres. Wollongong University sports physiotherapist Deirdre McGhee is studying the biomechanics of breast movement in order to improve bra design.

If a future of big-busted women is inevitable, it’s important that it’s also comfortable – and desirable. “It’s a great time to be a bigger-busted woman,” says Darrianne Donnelly, owner of Big Gal Models, who is being overrun with curvier women wanting to flaunt their assets. “I now have lots of gorgeous girls who’re a size 10 or 12, and who have a natural 12DD bust. That used to be really uncommon. But now they all have bigger bust measurements – and bigger feet, strangely – and they have so much more confidence and feel empowered. It’s wonderful to see.”

All things great and small

While the number of women seeking breast enlargements continues to grow, there’s an increasing number of women now seeking surgical breast reductions. “I’m seeing a lot of young girls these days who are very heavy,” says cosmetic surgeon Peter Haertsch. “They all suffer the same group of symptoms: sore back, shoulders and neck, headaches and itching under the breast from the heat.”

The number of breast-reduction procedures Haertsch is performing has doubled in the past 10 to 15 years, he estimates. And that’s not the only change. Thirty years ago, the average reduction was 400 to 600 grams of tissue per breast. Now it’s 800 grams-plus, Haertsch says. “I’ve done breasts where I’ve had to take 1.5 kilograms from each side.”

Breast reductions usually cost between $10,000 and $12,500, while augmentations are $9000 to $13,500. Interestingly, the women seeking enlargements now are asking for bigger implants, with the size requested doubling from an average of 180cc 30 years ago to about 300cc now, says Haertsch.

Dr Steve Merten, chair of the New South Wales chapter of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, agrees that the average implant being requested has got bigger, although not markedly so. “Occasionally, a patient will go to the extreme but the average is not excessively bigger.”

The experience of Fine Cosmetic Surgery’s Dr Tony Prochazka is that considerably larger implants are the fashion. “I’ve always tried to focus on a really natural look, something that’s elegant rather than cartoonish, but there’s definitely now a trend towards wanting really quite large breasts, verging on unnatural, straying into the realm of parody, mostly among younger girls,” he says.

When you fall pregnant, there are so many changes both inside and outside going on that its sometimes hard to remember that your skincare has changing needs too. Some women are blessed that their skin naturally glows and radiates. But for others, we are struck down but the over production of hormones regressing us back to teenage acne prone skin! Below is an interesting article we came across on the very subject!

Click here to read the full article

Congratulations ~ you’re expecting! Nevertheless, your skin’s changing in so many ways and you should take care of it as best you can. Some women are lucky in that their complexions even out and they have that famous “glow” of expectancy. This is probably due to the increased blood circulation and the high, sustained levels of oestrogen during pregnancy. Unfortunately the bane of acne strikes many women as well. In addition, quite a few other skin problems can be attributed to pregnancy – chloasma (the mask of pregnancy), pruritus (itching) and hives, to name a few. Existing skin conditions like eczema and acne can also be exacerbated.

Although some of these conditions cannot be remedied, an expectant woman should take good care of her skin, in an effort not to worsen the situation. Even mothers-to-be who have great skin should start on a skincare routine.

1. Always use a sunscreen.

Even when a woman is not expecting, sunscreen is imperative because our skin should be protected at all times against the sun’s damaging ultra violet rays which can in turn, dry our skin, make us look older, break down our skin cells and even give us skincancer! Sunscreen should be used all the more during pregnancy, as the skin is more sensitive during this time.

2. Clean your face thoroughly.

Cleansing the skin well is necessary because the skin on the face tends to be oilier during pregnancy. This could lead to clogged pores if skin is kept dirty and not cleaned regularly. This is not to say that you have to use a harsh cleanser. Do use one that is suitable and gentle on your skin as well as fulfils its cleansing purpose at the same time. A gentle daily scrub can also be used but be sensible – if your sensitive skin reacts adversely to a scrub you should stop using it.

3. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

Although some women tend to have oilier skin, conversely there are those whose skin become drier. In any case, all pregnant women should use moisturiser to protect their skin and to keep their skin soft and supple. Women with oily skin should use an everyday gentle moisturiser that is not oil-based. Many shops sell water-based moisturisers, which are light and do a good job of keeping skin smooth and soft. Women with dry skin should opt for oil-based moisturisers or creams. Bear in mind that the drier your skin is, the more prone you are to itchiness, so at all times, give your skin a drink!

4. Go for a facial.

Some women may think this is a luxury they can ill-afford but think of the benefits to your skin and your well-being. Many women emerge from a facial more relaxed after a good facial massage. Indeed, we use the facial muscles very often whilst talking, smiling, frowning, laughing and they can often become very tense. A relaxing facial massage will not only make you feel better, it can impart an additional glow to your face as it gets your circulation flowing. An accompanying mask will even cleanse your face for you while you repose in the beautician’s chair!

5. Sleep well.

Many mothers-to-be experience the aches and pains of pregnancy, which contribute to a bad night’s sleep. In these cases it would be good to have a massage before bedtime. This will relax you and encourage deep and restful sleep. Listening to some classical music may also help you to drift off to sleep. If you find that you don’t get enough rest, do take naps in the day. Remember, your skin needs the beauty sleep!

6. Drink plenty of water!

Water cleanses your system and purges toxins from your body. Always drink plenty of water if you want your skin to look supple and clear.

If you follow this skincare routine, you will definitely have that pregnancy glow…enjoy your pregnancy!

What happened to your skin during your pregnancy, please share your thoughts with us!

If like us, you suffer for eczema on a regular basis you know how hard it can be to manage. Once you have your skin care routine down pat, something happens to stress us out and boom! your eczema flares up.  Below is a great article with some tips and tricks to help manage your condition and hopefully reduce the length of time you suffer!

Click here to read the full article.

Reducing stress makes controlling eczema much easier. In fact, studies show that keeping calm and having a positive outlook may be the best ways to keep eczema under control. However, in today’s fast-paced world, managing stress can be a challenge even for children. Here are some time-tested techniques that can help effectively manage the stress of everyday life:

• Maintain your treatment regimen. When life becomes especially hectic, it is important to comply with your treatment regimen to help avoid a flare-up.
• Don’t skimp on sleep. Adequate sleep reduces stress and gives skin time to rejuvenate.
• Pace yourself.
• Think calm. Take a minute or two to think calming thoughts when under stress.
• Free your mind with a relaxation technique. Deep breathing, progressive relaxation, visualization, yoga, meditation, or listening to a relaxation CD can help.
• Write away your worries. Research shows that taking 15 minutes each day to write down your concerns is an effective stress management technique. Ripping up the paper after you finish writing also helps relieve stress.
• Participate in a hobby. Doing something you enjoy can enhance your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Get a pet. Pets reduce stress for many.
• Make time for yourself everyday. Create a list of things you enjoy. Maybe a walk, catching a favorite TV show, or curling up with a book are on your list. Find time everyday to do something you enjoy.
• Join a support group. Some find comfort and a feeling of well being when they talk with others who have eczema.

Parents and caregivers can help relieve the emotional stress that children feel by relieving the symptoms with medications prescribed by a dermatologist. It also helps to distract the child from the itch with cold compresses.

As we move into more maturing ages, our skin regimen changes to compensate for the loss of natural bounce back. Now, falling short of turning to the knife or the needle, what can we do to ensure we keep our skin looking healthy and vibrant both inside and out? We get so much advice and tips from everyone around us, that it’s often hard to work out which ones work and what doesn’t. We found this article on the Prevention website (an excellent source of information) with some top tips for looking younger!

Full article click here

Use our scientifically proven tips to stop—and reverse—premature skin ageing.

1.Wash at night

“The most important time to clean your face is before you go to bed,” says Prevention’sdermatologist Dr Stephen Shumack of Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital. Waking up on a grubby pillow isn’t hygienic, and wearing make-up overnight can irritate your skin, clog pores and trigger breakouts. Before retiring, use a gentle face wash (skin should feel pleasantly tight after cleansing), which also allows anti-ageing creams to penetrate deeper for better results. Once a day is enough—oil production decreases with hormonal changes in your 40s, and overcleansing can dry out your complexion and make wrinkles look more pronounced. To refresh skin in the morning, splash with lukewarm water.

2. Be vigilant about UV protection

Nothing is more important than sun protection; ideally, if you want to preserve younger-looking skin, wear a hat and SPF 30+ when in the sun. Why? While we need 10 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to ensure our supply of vitamin D, any more than that can rapidly lead to wrinkles and sunspots. If your moisturiser isn’t formulated with SPF 30+, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your regimen daily.

3. Manage stress

You can’t always avoid it, but you can change the way you deal with it. Emotional upheavals can make your skin look 5 years older, says dermatologist and psychiatrist Dr Amy Wechsler, author of The Mind–Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful, Beautiful Skin ($26.99; Simon & Schuster, available 1 December). Constant anxiety causes your body to increase production of the stress hormone cortisol, which results in inflammation, which in turn breaks down collagen. To help counteract the effects of inflammation, eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, oranges and asparagus.

4. Use a retinoid

Research shows that these vitamin-A derivatives speed cell turnover and collagen growth to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and fade brown spots. Prescription-strength retinoids, such as Retin-A, provide the fastest results—you’ll start to see changes in about a month. However, retinoids are also quite potent, so when you start using them, apply just a pea-sized drop to your face every third night, then build up to nightly usage. Many cosmetics contain retinol as an active ingredient in concentrations that aren’t as harsh as those in prescription formulas.

5. Update your skincare routine

Changing even one product in your palette every 6 to 12 months jump-starts more impressive improvements in tone and texture. “When you apply products consistently, your skin slides into maintenance mode after about a year,” says dermatologist Dr Mary P Lupo. To keep skin primed for rejuvenation, substitute a cream that contains alpha hydroxy acids for your prescription retinoid twice a week.

6. Eat omega-3s

These ‘good’ fats in foods such as salmon, flaxseed and almonds boost hydration, which keeps your skin supple and firm. The same isn’t true of the saturated fats in dairy products and meats, which increase the free-radical damage that makes your skin more susceptible to ageing. Try to keep your saturated fat intake to around 17 g daily.

7. Exercise regularly

Studies find that women who regularly work out have firmer skin than women with comparable skin who don’t exercise. The reason: exercise infuses skin with oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production. To keep your skin toned (and with a healthy glow), make time for at least three 30-minute workouts per week.

If the man in your life is concerned about getting old “gracefully” and can sometimes been seen hanging around your skin care products to see what you are doing to look after your skin, and is sometimes caught with his hand in the jar – then it may be worthwhile sending him this link – i know I did! Below is an article from Carefair about the very delicate subject of Men and Anti-aging skincare

If a youthful appearance was really sold in a bottle, do you suppose women would be the only ones flocking to the shelves to sell-out the product? It’s Doubtful.

Although most men are still warming up to skin-care produced and marketed for them, the huge anti-aging industry may be the most easily accepted introduction to the male population. Looking young and maintaining youth is equally desirable to both males and females and there is no stigma attached to men who pursue youth as being less masculine. Quite the contrary – masculinity, much like femininity, is highly associated with youthfulness.

What Causes Premature Aging in Men?

Premature aging of the skin happens for men in much the same manner as it occurs for women. Although aging may be caused by the same factors, the rate at which it does so, researchers have recently discovered, is different. In case you haven’t heard, the biggest contributors to premature aging are overexposure to sunlight and smoking. What makes that such great news, is that they are both completely in your control. The majority of premature aging is completely preventable. Other factors that contribute, in smaller amounts, to premature aging in men include poor diet, stress, and general disregard for and neglect of the skin.

One of the best things to be born of the “metrosexual” movement, or just the plain and simple development of men’s skin-care, is the discovery of new ways of detecting how premature aging occurs. Researchers, in their attempts to determine the differences in premature aging in men and women, have found new ways to detect its occurrence and this may mean great things for the future of anti-aging. Regardless, researchers have discovered that women’s skin ages at a faster rate than men. Additionally, not only do men start out with greater amounts of collagen and elastin in their skin (the cells responsible for firmness and smoothness), but they loose it at a slower rate. Although researchers do not know why men are superior in collagen production and retention, it’s yet another great thing about being a man! Your skin ages slower than a woman’s.

What To Do About Aging Skin

For men concerned about premature aging, we’ll give you the same advice we give women. An ounce of prevention is worth much more than a pound of cure and there has yet to be found any cure of premature aging. Your best bet? Avoid overexposure to sunlight, don’t smoke, use natural and well-balanced skin-care products, exercise, eat right, and drink plenty of water. To date, products that offer any anti-aging benefits have yet to prove any significant results although some do offer minor improvements in premature aging symptoms such as small surface wrinkles or sun spots.

Strategies that may offer more dramatic results when it comes to repairing the affects of aging may be found at a spa and include microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and surgery. If you are interested in pursuing any of these methods of anti-aging treatment, you will want do your homework thoroughly before investing as they all employ different methods, have different recovery times, and vary in cost.

]]> http://www.qvtestdrive.com/2010/07/men-and-anti-aging-skin-care/feed/ 5 http://www.qvtestdrive.com/2010/07/bathing-and-moisturising-guidelines/ http://www.qvtestdrive.com/2010/07/bathing-and-moisturising-guidelines/#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:01:11 +0000 QV Skincare http://www.qvtestdrive.com/?p=3256

Bathing and moisturising are essential for healthy skin. Bathing can hydrate skin, remove dirt and germs, and promote relaxation. It also can loosen crusts from inflamed skin. However, hot water, drying soaps, and rubbing to get skin clean or dry can aggravate eczema and cause a flare-up. These guidelines can help you reap the benefits of bathing and moisturising:

1. Use lukewarm water for bathing and washing hands. The water should not feel hot nor redden the skin because hot water dries skin. Dry, irritated skin can cause a flare-up and worsen existing eczema.

2. Avoid excessive bathing. Bathing too frequently can dry skin. A short lukewarm shower, tepid bath, or sponge bath once a day for 5 to 10 minutes can hydrate skin effectively.

3. Use mild, non-drying cleansers. For anyone with an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema, it is essential that a personal cleaning agent cleanse without causing excessive skin dryness or roughness. Look for a mild cleanser that is free of fragrances, antibacterial agents, and other chemicals that can irritate the skin. Equally important is how the cleanser makes the skin feel. Does the skin feel dry or slightly irritated? Even mild cleansers can irritate. If the cleanser dries or irritates, stop using it immediately. Cleansers should not be used on skin that has flared as even the mildest cleanser can be quite irritating.

4. Steer clear of body sponges and washcloths. The friction caused by using a body sponge or washcloth can irritate skin and lead to a flare-up. Use your hands to lather up, and never rub or scrub.

5. Pat skin partially dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin dry. Rubbing skin dry with a towel removes important natural oils, which dries skin. Instead of rubbing the skin dry, use the towel to pat the skin partially dry and then apply moisturiser.

6. Apply moisturiser while the skin is damp. Applying moisturiser while the skin is damp, usually within 3 minutes of bathing, locks in the moisture from the bath. In the winter, or any time the air is dry, apply a heavy layer of moisturizer to the face, hands, and other skin that will be exposed.

7. Select moisturisers with care. When selecting moisturisers, it is important to know a bit about them so that you can select the ones that best fit your needs. One of the biggest misconceptions about moisturizers is that these products hydrate the skin. The truth is that moisturisers lock in the skin’s own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking. The more oil a moisturiser contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturisers that come in ointment form contain the most oil because an ointment, by definition, consists of 80% oil and 20% water. This water-in-oil emulsion forms a protective layer on the skin and makes it more “moisturising” than creams and lotions. Ointments are especially beneficial when humidity is low. Ointments should not be used on areas of the body that tend to get hot and sweaty.

Creams contain 50% oil and 50% water. Water is the primary ingredient in lotions, so lotions do not provide as great a barrier against moisture loss as do ointments and creams.

When selecting a moisturiser, be sure to keep in mind:

• When the relative humidity drops below 60%, skin begins to lose moisture and greater protection against moisture loss is needed. When humidity is low, look for moisturizers that contain petrolatum, mineral oil, linoleic acid, ceramides, dimethicone, or glycerin.
• In humid conditions, the skin can replenish itself by soaking up moisture from the air so a lotion may be all that is needed.
• Find moisturisers that feel pleasing to the skin as this will encourage use.
• Avoid products that contain fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Read the full article here

Do it for yourself - Do it for your family - Get everyone to do it!

Because your health matters to you, ad because you matter to your family, take part in this online survey by Priceline, Women’s Health, Prevention and Sunrise

You have until 31st July 2010 to complete and you have a chance to WIN $3,000 cash or one of 10 Techno Marine watches worth $450 each!

CLICK HERE to start