7 ways to make sex more exciting

Your guide to better sex

Enticing, thrilling and hot; would you use these words to describe your sex life? If not, then it's time to take a look at our guide. You'll soon be enjoying some sumptuous, pillow-biting sex:

Love Yourself

Sex is a hugely intimate act and requires a lot of trust. Considering this, it's not surprising that many people feel uncomfortable about sex. If you don't feel confident, don't worry, there are a few things you can try. You could play a new sport. Sport players have healthier relationships with their body because they value its function, not its aesthetic value. You could also invest in some sexy lingerie that covers areas you feel uncomfortable with. And remember, psychologists have found that people who are considered beautiful are just as likely to be unhappy as anyone else.

Go back to school

Awkward teenagers, bells and bad food doesn't sound romantic but reverting back to a pupil may put the kick back into your sex life. Whether you've been with your partner a few weeks, or a few years, there are always new things to learn about what the other wants from sex. Take it in turns to play the role of teacher and pupil. The teacher needs to take control, show the pupil what they want and how to do it. The pupil needs to listen, comply and also remember these frisky moves for later. Make sure you both get a go in each role and on different days.

Have a curry

If you want hot sex then take your date for a curry. A UK study has shown that you don't even have to eat a curry to raise your heart rate, just thinking of your favourite spicy dish is enough to increase both your heart and your blood pressure to a level similar to one reached during sexual arousal. Spicy food was also found to release endorphins, which provided extra pleasure. After your curry, why not have a chili eating competition. A chemical found in spicy peppers, capsaicin, stimulates nerve endings, which means your sex will feel amazingly good.

Never been touched?

Sex can become a routine; another thing to tick off your list. You do the same moves, the same tired tricks and it all gets a little bit dull. If this sounds familiar, stop. There are lots of new things and new places you can touch. The thighs and knees may not be the most obvious place to begin, but they often get overlooked and yet they are very sensitive spots. Another neglected part of their body is the fingertips. Take their hand and rub their palms, then pull on their fingers. Touching each other in new ways is simple, exciting and fun.

Play a game

If foreplay has become a timed race to see who can turn off the lights, pull off their clothes and reach the safety of the covers first then it is definitely time you learnt how to slow down. Take a pack of cards and play a game you both know well. The loser must remove one item of clothing. Once you have both stripped off, continue the game, but this time the winner can choose an act they'd like the loser to perform on them. Keep a timer close by, so the game progresses. Playing this game will not only allow you to enjoy each other it will also build sexual tension.

Go alfresco

Doing bad things we shouldn't do is a turn on. Everyone enjoys it, but only the daredevils seem to give it a go. A fun and safe way that would allow you to take your loving outdoors is to find a compromise. You could have sex in the secrecy of your garden, or your balcony if it is secluded. Make sure both of you are comfortable and take necessary accessories, such as a blanket or pillow. Having sex outdoors will give you huge adrenalin surges, which not only make you feel great, you'll also perform better than normal.  Be safe though; if you get caught expect trouble.

Reinvent yourself

You're a brother, you're a sister, you're a wife, husband, dad or mum. When you get under the covers though, it's important to forget who you are during the day. Adopting another persona in bed helps you de-stress and become sexy. There are lots of tools or accessories you can use to help you make the transition. You could wear a costume, a wig or even some exotic make-up. Play with different looks until you feel comfortable. Dressing up will give you a confidence boost, make your sex fresher and enable you to try new things with ease.

Spotting after Period

On a regular basis, the menstruation period spans between three up to five days in most women. Nevertheless, there are times when you might notice spotting or bleeding even past your menstruation period or even in the middle phase of the menstruation cycle. Always bear in mind that every menstruation period is an important end as well as the start of a new reproductive cycle.

Spotting after period can make some women worried since they think that there might be something wrong with their body. Spotting after period or abnormal spotting following the complete menstrual cycle simply indicates that the uterus is still pushing out a stream of old blood out from the body, which was not eliminated during the normal menstrual cycle. In normal cases, the spotting after period is relatively mild and can be detected when a woman wipes or cleans. The color of the discharged blood might be mild red or even dark brown in rare cases. If you will consult doctors, they will inform you that if the spotting after period discontinues after one day or two, there is no need to worry. Nevertheless, if a woman experiences the spotting after period after the end of each menstrual cycle, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.

Why is there spotting after period?

The common cause of spotting after period, which typically occurs after a week after the end of the menstrual period and brownish color, might be due to the fact that the uterus was unable to completely eliminate the menstrual tissue throughout the menstrual period. As a result, it expels it a week or two after the menstruation period has ended. If this will not occur on a monthly basis and with minimal blood flow, it is not an issue to worry about. Nevertheless, if it occurs regularly and there is excessive bleeding, it is best to see your doctor. There are also other causes of spotting after period. It might be due to hormonal changes that take place within the woman's body, which might be due to different reasons such as sexual intimacy. Stress and anxiety is also another reason for spotting after period as well as the intake of certain medications or drugs that can result to certain side effects which is evident through spotting during the menstrual period. A number of health conditions can also cause spotting after period such as diabetes, cancer and thyroid problems. Another cause of spotting after period would be the start of taking oral contraceptives or instantly stopped the intake. Young girls usually experience spotting after period since their menstruation period is not yet fully established. Lastly, the presence of uterine fibroids can result to spotting in between periods or after. Even though it is harmless, it should be removed immediately if they start to grow in size.

There are cases when it is time to seek medical intervention and women should not hesitate to go to their doctor. First, there is bright red spotting after the end of the menstrual period. Next, there is mild or extreme pelvic pain during the time of spotting. Third, there is spotting after engaging in unprotected intercourse and lastly, there is spotting during the ovulation period.

There are also diagnostic tests that can help detect if there is abnormal vaginal spotting. The pelvic ultrasound is the initial test carried out on women who are complaining of spotting after period. With the help of this diagnostic procedure, the doctor will verify the existence of cervical polyps. The pregnancy tests are also done to rule out possible pregnancy. A Pap smear test is performed to determine the development of cervical cancer while the blood test is done to detect the level of progesterone in the body. Other tests conducted are the thyroid and the liver tests.

The treatment and remedies given for spotting after period is usually decided the moment the main cause of the condition is detected or diagnosed. If the woman is diagnosed with a diminished level of progesterone, progesterone supplements will be provided. However, it the progesterone medications given were unable to deal with the condition, hysterectomy might be carried out. If there is the development of cysts or polyps, she is required to undergo surgical treatment to completely eliminate them. In case infection is the cause of spotting after period, antibiotics will be administered. If it is due to a miscarriage, a surgical procedure known as dilation and curettage will be carried out.

In case spotting after period does not occur on a regular basis, it might be due to stress or other involved factors. Of course, it is best to minimize stress levels since it can affect the entire body, including the regular menstrual cycle. Just make sure that once you notice signs such as bright red spotting, mild up to extreme pelvic pain or spotting after intercourse, it is best immediately consult with your doctor.

Sex after divorce: Does it get better?

"If I hadn't gotten divorced, I never would have had the top five sexual experiences of my life," gushed Tom, a friend of a friend at a recent holiday party.

What a turnaround! In 2010, at the same party, Tom* had been in the midst of splitting up with his wife of 12 years and I was offering him the names of marriage counselors. Now he was bankrupt and only saw his kids every other week, but he was exuberant about the change to his sex life.

"I'd given up on sex and fooled myself into thinking that I wasn't even a particularly sexual person," he explained. "I didn't want to be the sort of guy who cheated, so I resigned myself to lackluster sex every other week... if I was lucky. We were so young and inexperienced when we got married. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm approaching sex as a confident adult."

Does sex get better after divorce? Unfortunately, there haven't been any formal studies that explore levels of post-divorce sexual satisfaction, but intrigued by Tom's exuberance, I spoke with a handful of recently divorced friends, colleagues, and former patients. To my surprise, I found that many echo Tom's enthusiasm.

While divorce and its adjustments aren't easy, many newly single people say they are seeing its silver lining … in sex.

Dr. Andy Trees, author of "A Scientific Guide to Successful Dating," says Internet dating has really changed the game.

"Divorced people find it much easier to get back in the saddle so to speak," Trees said. "I also think this is a classic case of the power of chemistry in the early months. Sex with someone new is always exciting in a way that sex with a familiar partner isn't (which isn't to say that long-term sexual intimacy doesn't have pluses as well)."

"At first I was cautious," said Sandra*, 38. "Our culture treats divorced people like babies or wounded birds. Everyone says things like 'Take it slow, be careful, you're still getting over a painful situation.' And all this advice made me feel unsure of myself. But after my first post-divorce hookup - and first orgasm in years - I realized that this bird has wings and it's time to soar!"

Says Kristen Mark, a sex researcher at Indiana University, "When sexual desires aren't being met for a long period of time, you can feel really trapped, like the real you isn't able to shine."

Adds psychicatrist Gail Saltz, "Embedded in divorce sex is the knowledge that your partner has in essence rejected you, or at least let you go, and part of hot sex is the unconscious desire to show them what a mistake they made by not keeping you."

Sometimes life after divorce can reinforce a person's libido type or help them discover what they like and don't like, as is the case with David*, 39, twice married and divorced: "It took me two marriages to realize that I like a lot of sexual excitement and experimentation, but I'm also a romantic. I believe in marriage and monogamy, but if and when I get married again ... it's going to be with a woman who enjoys the kinkier side of life."

The enjoyment of sex after divorce may also have something to do with a sense of deserving a bit of hard-earned sexual selfishness.

Take Karen*, 38, who says, "I'd always heard that women experience their sexual prime later in life, but I never understood that. The more I was in my marriage and the older I got, the less sexual I felt. Then I got divorced and started having casual sex again. For the first time in a long time I was with men who were making an effort to pleasure me and discover what I liked, and I wasn't shy or bashful about letting them know. I am having a sexual peak, but it's not physical, it's mental."

With all the fun to be had, is there a downside? And are there any best practices for sex after divorce?

"Watch out for too much too soon," says, Lance*, 42. "After my divorce, I was like a kid in a candy store. There were women everywhere. And a lot of them were willing to have sex. Suddenly, I was a womanizer."

He continues, a bit remorseful: "Be honest with the person you're with. What are you looking for from the sex? I don't want to get married again, or be in a serious relationship right now, and I need to be clearer about that up front before having sex with someone."

Remember, too, that just because you're divorced doesn't mean you're necessarily wiser. "Practice safe sex," says Mara*, 58. "My best friend and I both got divorced at the same time and were there for each other. We're both well past the age of having kids. But I always use protection, and she doesn't. I try to tell her that STDs are still a real possibility."

Sex educator Amy Levine confirms that advice. "When 'you don't know what you don't know' a lack of sexual knowledge can put someone at risk for a range of STDs. For those that were married for quite a while, sex ed after divorce is imperative!"

And be cautious if you have children. "Don't bring your fun home if there are kids in the house," says Trish*. "I want to get married again, and I want my daughter to have a loving stepfather someday. But I'm going to make sure he's really the one before I bring anyone home."

There's one thing everyone agrees on, in theory, if not always in practice: Avoid sex with your ex. Says Tom, who got this whole ball rolling, "I couldn't believe it. Jackie* and I would be with our lawyers, fighting viciously about money or kids - and then we'd leave and go have hot crazy sex. It was really confusing. Why couldn't it have been like that when we were married?"

The Truth About Sex After Pregnancy

Things were going along just fine in the sex department until you got pregnant and, nine months later, out popped a wailing newborn. Body changes, family changes and new responsibilities can sometimes make post-baby sex more challenging, but what's normal? Here, our experts tell it like it is.

1. Your sex drive revs back up around six weeks after giving birth.

False: While most doctors give women the all-clear for sex six weeks after childbirth, not all women are raring to go. And according to many experts, including Trina Read, PhD, a sex therapist in Alberta, Canada, it can take a woman months, even an entire year to regain her sex drive. "It is my experience that the majority of women completely lose interest in sex for at least a year after the baby is born," she says. "Because many women associate sex with performing just another chore, having to be touched becomes just another sacrifice on her part. So, when he touches her, whether he wants sex or not, her body immediately shuts down." The solution? Make time for no-pressure intimacy, like cuddling on the couch together after the baby is asleep, that doesn't necessarily end in sex, says Dr. Read.

2. You probably won't snap back into shape right away, and your faltering body image might make you shy away from sex.

True: "We see so many images of celebrities sporting bikinis and baring their toned, taut bodies right after giving birth," points out Claire Mysko, coauthor of Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? The Essential Guide to Loving Your Body Before and After Baby. "The reality is that most new moms' bodies don't look like that—and most new moms don't have celebrity bank accounts for trainers and designer diets." Try not to dwell on how your body has changed, says Mysko, since it could be a downer to your sex life—especially one that's already taking a beating from the baby. "To put it simply, bad body image kills the mood," she adds. Here's Mysko's best body image advice for new moms: "Treat yourself with kindness and compassion as you heal and adjust to your new life as a parent. The truth is that women are much harder on themselves about their post-childbirth bodies than their partners are. Of the husbands and partners we surveyed, most said that their biggest concern was that their wives didn't feel more confident about their bodies."

3. Your husband is counting down the minutes until you're cleared to have sex again.

False: Whether it's because of a C-section, a bad tear or other complications, there's usually a period of time when sex is out of the question after the birth of a baby, and it's easy for a woman to feel as though her husband is getting impatient—especially after nine long months of pregnancy when you may not have had as much sex as you used to. You may worry, "Is he getting impatient about having sex again?" Maybe, says Mysko, but probably not. Here's why: "We heard from guys that it wasn't the sex they missed the most after childbirth, it was the connection." Other experts, like Irvine, California–based psychologist and sex therapist Stephanie Buehler, PsyD, say male hormones are at play. "The hormone vasopressin can dampen a man's sex drive," Dr. Buehler says. "Vasopressin is a kind of male bonding chemical," she continues, which helps fathers connect with babies—and mothers. Even if you aren't ready to have sex just yet, a hug or some snuggling can go a long way in the intimacy department.

4. Your vagina may never be the same again.

True: It's something none of us really wants to hear, but "after childbirth, many women have looser vaginas," says Brad Douglas, MD, an ob-gyn and Chesapeake, Virginia–based expert for JustAnswer.com. But if you're worried about this affecting your sex life, don't. "Yes, the vaginal tissue does expand from childbirth, but it's very pliable." In most cases, he says, your anatomy should return to its normal shape in the months following delivery. However, if you feel that something isn't quite right—pressure, a continued feeling of "looseness" or pain during intercourse—it could be a sign of a "pelvic organ prolapse," says Dr. Douglas, and it's something you should talk to your doctor about. In the meantime, heath experts say the best thing women can do post-delivery is to try Kegel exercises, which can help tighten your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles.

5. Breastfeeding makes you feel sexier.

False: Your breasts swell and may increase several sizes after having a baby, so it stands to reason that you'd feel sexier with your curvier, perkier breasts, right? But the truth is, says Mysko, you probably won't. While breastfeeding is great for the health of your baby, it's probably not going to do much for your sex life. "The breastfeeding hormone prolactin inhibits the release of estrogen, the hormone that gives women libido," she says. "Breastfeeding moms can lose interest in sex and experience vaginal dryness. Some breastfeeding moms also describe a feeling of being 'touched out.' When you have a baby on the boob all day and you're pumping breast milk, you might get turned off when your partner wants to touch them."

6. Sex may hurt at first, but it shouldn't hurt that badly.

True: Even if you had a normal birth experience, with minimal trauma, you can expect a bit of pain the first time you have sex again. Your vagina will be tender and natural dryness can amplify things. That's normal, says Hope Ricciotti, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a medical expert at BeWell.com. She encourages her patients to use lubricant, even if they never have before; it can be your best bet to minimize friction and pain, she says. What's not normal, however, is pain that doesn't subside with a little lubrication or time. "Scar tissue from a tear or episiotomy can result in painful intercourse," says Jaiya, a sex educator and birth coach in Los Angeles. "Scar tissue results in the 'pinchy' sensation that many women feel during intercourse after having a baby. I had keloidal scars that made intercourse so painful that it became traumatic." Bottom line: If the pain doesn't feel normal, give your body a little more time to heal and make an appointment to see your doctor. 

7. Your husband may develop the "Oh-No-I'm-Married-to-a-Mother" syndrome.

True: He's overjoyed to meet his new baby and is so in love with you, so wait, why is he suddenly shying away from sex? "Some men are raised to believe that mothers are placed in a separate category," says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, a New York–based gynecologist and the author of What Your Mother Never Told You About Sex. "It can be even harder for some men to get past this if they were in the labor room and saw the delivery," she continues. "You're a mother now, and while it can be a turn-on for some men, for others it's not." If you fear that your husband is shying away from sex because he sees you in a different light, talk to him about it. "You have to remind (and show) him that you're still the same sexy woman that you were before the baby. You may be someone's mother now, but you're still his lover."

8. If you need lubricant, something is wrong with you. 

False: Every woman has heard the "frigid" rumors—that vaginal dryness means you're closed up, disinterested in lovemaking and not sexy. Wrong! "You may be very turned on, but still very dry," says Jaiya. "There is nothing wrong. The postpartum period is a very dry period due to hormonal changes." The remedy? Lots of lubrication. "This is a good time to experiment and find your favorite lube," she says.

Why Do Guys Get Sleepy After Sex?

This answer is provided by Melinda Wenner of Scienceline, a project of New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program.

For many women, the correlation between sex and snoring is one of those annoying facts of life: no matter when passionate encounters occur, men always seem to fall asleep immediately afterwards. Dave Zinczenko, the author of "Men, Love and Sex: The Complete User Guide For Women," explained the phenomenon to Huffington Post writer Arianna Huffington this way: "Men go to sleep because women don't turn into a pizza."

I doubt I am ever going to become a pizza, and I'll never have the foresight to order one beforehand. So in lieu of a cure, a better explanation will have to do. Although women sometimes feel sleepy after sex, the phenomenon does seem more pronounced in men. What is it, then, that spirals them into the land of nod?

First, the obvious reasons for sex's somnolent sway: the act frequently takes place at night, in a bed, and is, after all, physically exhausting (often more so for the man than the woman, although this certainly varies). So when sex is over, it's natural for a guy to feel sleepy.

Secondly, research using positron emission tomography (PET) scans has shown that in order for a person to reach orgasm, a primary requirement is to let go of "all fear and anxiety." Doing so also tends to be relaxing and might explain the tendency to snooze.

Then there is the biochemistry of the orgasm itself. Research shows that during ejaculation, men release a cocktail of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide (NO), and the hormone prolactin. The release of prolactin is linked to the feeling of sexual satisfaction, and it also mediates the "recovery time" that men are well aware of—the time a guy must wait before "giving it another go." Studies have also shown that men deficient in prolactin have faster recovery times.

Prolactin levels are naturally higher during sleep, and animals injected with the chemical become tired immediately. This suggests a strong link between prolactin and sleep, so it's likely that the hormone's release during orgasm causes men to feel sleepy.

(Side note: prolactin also explains why men are sleepier after intercourse than after masturbation. For unknown reasons, intercourse orgasms release four times more prolactin than masturbatory orgasms, according to a recent study.)

Oxytocin and vasopressin, two other chemicals released during orgasm, are also associated with sleep. Their release frequently accompanies that of melatonin, the primary hormone that regulates our body clocks. Oxytocin is also thought to reduce stress levels, which again could lead to relaxation and sleepiness.

What about the evolutionary reasons for post-sex sleepiness? This is trickier to explain. Evolutionarily speaking, a man's primary goal is to produce as many offspring as possible, and sleeping doesn't exactly help in his quest. But perhaps since he cannot immediately run off with another woman anyway — damn that recovery time! — re-energizing himself via sleep may be the best use of his time.

And although there is conflicting information as to whether women feel sleepy after sex, a woman often falls asleep with the man anyway (or uses it for some key cuddling time), which is good news for him: it means she is not off finding another mate. When the man wakes up and she's still there, he just might be ready to go again.

It's also possible that sleepiness is just a "side effect" associated with a more evolutionarily important reason for the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. In addition to being associated with sleep, both chemicals are also intimately involved in what is called "pair bonding," the social attachment human mates commonly share. The release of these brain chemicals during orgasm heightens feelings of bonding and trust between sexual partners, which may partially explain the link between sex and emotional attachment. This bond is favorable should the couple have a baby, as cooperative child rearing maximizes the young one's chances for survival.

The bottom line is this: There are many potential biochemical and evolutionary reasons for post-sex sleepiness, some direct and some indirect — but no one has yet pinpointed the exact causes. One thing, however, is certain: we females better get used to it, because it doesn't look likely to change anytime soon.

I will leave frustrated American women with one final thought: if you are upset at the ubiquity of the post-sex snoring phenomenon, remember that things could be a lot worse. A recent survey of 10,000 English men revealed that 48 percent actually fall asleep during sex.

How to take care of your skin

It keeps your insides from falling out. It helps you warm up when you're cold and can cool you off when you're hot. It lets you feel things by touch. It protects you.

What is this wondrous stuff? Your skin, of course! And what does your skin ask for in return for all the wonderful things it does? Just a little care and consideration. So let's learn how to take good care of the skin you're in.

Why Be Nice to Your Skin?

Like the heart, stomach, and brain, your skin is an organ. In fact, it's the largest organ in your body, but it's still easy to take skin for granted. Unless there's a problem, you may not think about your skin very much. But skin has an important job to do.

Your skin is constantly protecting you. Your skin keeps infections out of your body and keeps you from getting sick. When you take care of your skin, you're helping your skin do its job. And taking care of your skin today will help prevent future problems, like wrinkles and even skin cancer.

Clean Skin Is Happy Skin

One simple way to take care of your skin is to keep it clean. Keeping your hands clean is especially important because your hands can spread germs to the skin on other parts of your body.

When washing your hands, use water that's comfortably warm. Wet your hands, then lather up with a mild soap. You should lather and rub everywhere, including the palms, the wrists, between the fingers, and under the nails. Rinse well, dry thoroughly with a clean towel, and you're done!

You'll also want to use water that's warm, not too hot, when you take a shower or bath. Use a gentle soap to clean your body. Don't forget under your arms and behind your ears! Your face needs attention, especially as you enter puberty and the skin on your face gets more oily. It's a good idea to wash your face once or twice daily with warm water and a mild cleanser.

If you look in the drugstore, you'll see shelf after shelf of skin care products, but kids don't usually need anything more than a gentle soap. Talk to a parent or your doctor if you have questions about what to use on your skin.

If you have dry, flaky, or itchy skin, you might use a moisturizing lotion or cream. When choosing a moisturizer, pick one without a lot of colors and perfumes. Petroleum jelly can work for some kids. If you are worried about pimples, look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won't cause pimples).

With pimples, you might think that scrubbing your face is the way to get rid of them. But actually, your skin will be less likely to break out if you clean it gently, using your fingertips, not a rough washcloth. If you have trouble with pimples, talk with your doctor about which cleansers are best to use.

Screening Your Skin From Damage

There is one product that everyone needs: sunscreen. Even if your skin is naturally dark, you still need to use a sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun prevents sunburn, which hurts and is a kind of skin damage. Sunscreen also can help prevent wrinkles when you get older and can decrease the risk of skin cancer, which is caused by exposure to the sun's harmful rays.

Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or 45, and apply it evenly. Try not to miss any spots, such as your neck or the middle of your back. Have a friend or your parent help you with the hard-to-reach spots. Follow the directions on the sunscreen, which often recommend reapplying it, especially after swimming or sweating.

Because sunscreen cannot protect your skin completely from the sun, it's also a good idea to wear a brimmed hat and use a lip balm containing sunscreen. If you need more protection from the sun, wear long sleeves and pants. Also, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Soothing Skin That's Sore

Everybody gets little scrapes and cuts on their skin. When this happens to you, be sure to wash the area with warm water and a mild soap. Talk to one of your parents about whether to use an antibiotic (say: an-tie-bye-ah-tik) cream or ointment. This can kill germs at the site of the cut and prevent an infection. Covering a cut with a bandage helps keep it clean.

When you have a more serious cut, you may need to go to the doctor or the emergency department. A deep cut might need stitches to heal properly. Instead of stitching a cut together with special thread, in some cases, doctors can use a special kind of glue.

Allergies to Skin Care Products

Sometimes when you use a new kind of soap or other skin product, your skin may get irritated or you may get an allergic reaction. If you get a rash or if your skin feels itchy, hot, dry, or like it's burning, tell an adult. Stop using the product and don't forget that it caused a reaction. You don't want to use it again or buy a product with the same active ingredient.

To test a new product, place a tiny bit of it on the inside of your wrist or arm. Watch for any redness or irritation over the next 24 hours. If your skin becomes red or irritated, don't use the product. Sometimes, your skin is fine with a new product the first time, or few times, you use it, but then your skin gets red or irritated later on. You'll want to stop using the product whenever redness or irritation occurs.

Hot Stuff

Burns are another serious problem for your skin. Prevent them by staying away from fire (such as matches, candles, and fireplaces) and steering clear of stoves, irons, and other sources of heat. If you accidentally get burned, tell a grown-up so he or she can get you the care you need.

Solving Skin Problems

Bug bites, bee stings, and poison ivy are all common skin problems. Try not to scratch! Scratching can tear your skin and is another way for germs to get in there and possibly cause an infection. Your mom or dad can help you by applying an ointment or cream to fight the itch.

Eczema (say: ek-zuh-muh) is another itchy problem. You're more likely to have this dry skin condition if you have asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. If a moisturizing cream doesn't work, you may need to see your doctor or a dermatologist (say: dur-muh-tah-luh-jist), a doctor who specializes in skin care.

Urticaria (say: ur-tuh-kar-ee-ah), also known as hives, is a type of skin rash that causes red blotches or bumps that itch. Hives can be caused by an infection, or an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or something you ate, breathed in, or touched. Your mom or dad might give you medicine, such as an antihistamine, to reduce the swelling or itching related to the hives. If someone has hives and other symptoms, such as trouble breathing, the person needs to go to the emergency department.

You may not think of it as skin, but you have skin on your scalp, where your hair grows. Sometimes, this skin can get flaky and fall off. This might be dandruff, the little white flakes you can sometimes see if you are wearing a dark-colored shirt. Talk to your mom or dad about this and they can buy you a special shampoo, or talk to the doctor about getting a medicated shampoo to control dandruff.

Super Skin!

We've been talking a lot about the problems your skin can have, but don't forget how super your skin is. Your skin has amazing healing ability. Remember the last time you had a cut? What happened to it? Let us guess — your skin completely healed or left only a small scar? See what we mean? Your skin is simply skintastic!

Tips to Make Your Face Look Young and Fresh!

Skin aging is an unavoidable process that has some very visible side-effects. These include dryness, wrinkles and sagging skin. Luckily, there are ways to significantly delay these unpleasant signs of aging. Don't delay until it's too late and take steps today to make your skin look youthful and fresh.

Step one: exercising your facial muscles

Facial muscles are directly linked to the formation of wrinkles. As we age, we tend to repeat certain facial expressions over and over again, causing skin to slowly lose elasticity. Tiny facial muscles can sometimes contract permanently, creating frown lines. You can prevent this by being cautious about the use of repetitive facial expressions and by getting frequent facial massages.

Step two: switching to a healthier diet

What we eat has a huge effect on how quickly we age, and this includes skin wrinkles. It's recommended that you eat at least 5 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. There's no better source of antioxidants than green vegetables and citrus fruits.

Add green tea to your daily diet and keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Step three: using skin creams

By now we know that exposure to sunlight is the single biggest cause of premature aging in most people. Wear skin creams that come with UVA and UVB protection.

Don't forget to keep your skin properly hydrated. There will be times in your life when no matter how well you eat and how much water you drink, your skin is going to feel dry and flaky. Dryness can cause permanent damage to the skin, so use a suitable moisturizing cream.

Step four: avoiding sun damage

Ultraviolet sun rays are the most common cause of premature skin aging. This process is also known as photoaging and should be avoided at all costs. The easiest way to protect your skin from sun's UVA and UVB rays is by using sunscreen and avoiding too much direct exposure to sunlight. Don't forget that sunscreen should be used throughout the year, even during winter months.

There are also other ways (such as facial exercises) to help relax your facial muscles. You can use a device known as a facial toner to help stimulate the many tiny muscles on the face by sending weak electric signals to them.

Remember that preventing wrinkles is much easier than making existing ones disappear, so take good care of your skin and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful, young look for years to come.

4 Essentials For Healthier Natural Hair

African-American women are redefining the beauty of natural hair like never before.

With  twists, coils, braids and locs, we've ventured way beyond those early Afro styles of the 60's.  That's why today, not only does hair need to be strong enough to withstand all of the braiding, picking and pulling; it needs the right care to maintain its healthy brilliance and sheen.

Though natural styles may have evolved, the good news is that some of the best tried and true hair care ingredients are natural, too.

Try These Natural Hair Tips:

1. Use Essential Oils.

Stick to hair products formulated with the essential oils that help to hydrate and infuse your hair with natural brilliance and sheen. Try tea tree oil shampoo to purify the scalp, diffuse unsightly dandruff flakes, stimulate the scalp and unblock clogged hair follicles.  Or, try an invigorating peppermint shampoo to gently cleanse hair and eliminate that itchy scalp.

Remember, shampooing too often strips the hair of its natural oils so be sure not to overdo it!  Every other week is usually enough.

2. Strengthen & Replenish Every Day.

It's imperative to use a good protectant on your hair daily.  Coconut oil is great for rejuvenating the scalp and enhancing shine without adding weight. For weak hair, there's nothing like castor oil to help nourish weak, fragile strands while fortifying hair with the strength it needs to grow.  Or, try a dab of Jojoba oil to lubricate hair at the shaft and add maximum shine with no greasy residue.

3. Deep Condition.

Why? It helps to defend against damage and maximize shine. Don't be afraid to veer away from store-bought brands and keep your hair care 100% natural by mixing your own deep penetrating hair conditioner. Use one part olive oil and one part honey.  For deeper penetration, apply warm (microwave for 10-15 seconds) and pop on a plastic cap for 45 minutes.  Be sure to shampoo out all of the mixture and use a regular conditioner afterwards.

4. Watch out for Moisture Leeches!

Wool hats, baseball caps, excessive sun and even that seemingly innocent pillowcases are all enemies of your hair's natural sheen. So, remember to always sleep in a satin cap or use a silk scarf underneath that hat in order to maintain moisture and prolong your hair's healthy shine.

A word of warning: Nothing makes natural hair look as dull and dry as excessive coloring.  Explore natural coloring tools such as henna. But, if you really must color, take extra care by using a replenishing moisture mask after every coloring session and don't forget to use a leave-in conditioner every day.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

"Just like every other part of your body, the cells and processes that support strong, vibrant hair depend on a balanced diet," says New York nutritionist Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet.

It can take longer to notice changes (both good or bad!) in your hair than in your skin. For example, "just one week with a poor diet can yield acne flare-ups or dry, sallow skin within days," says New York City dermatologist Cybele Fishman, MD, "but with hair, it can take a few months for a nutritional deficiency or the effects of a crash diet to show up."

The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. "Healthier follicles? Healthier hair. Healthier scalp? Healthier hair!" Drayer says.

Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns.

Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

2. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.

Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

3. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says.

 

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.

Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says.

Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.

Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.

Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says.

Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says.

Beauty tips for winter skin

We're here in winter now, what should we doing different to our skin during these months?

 

In the winter, our skin is prone to becoming dry, flaky and even cracking.To protect your skin against this, I would recommend adapting your beauty regime to include products which are suitable for protecting your skin against the winter weather conditions. For example, you should use products that boost the hydration of your skin.

 

All skins are different and respond to different products so I recommend visiting your department store to have a consultation at their cosmetics counter. They will provide you with free advice and will help you to select products which will suit your skin and provide it with effective protection against the weather.

 

Secondly, it sounds strange but I would advise people not to stay in the bath or shower too long during the winter months. When it's cold, it is tempting to warm up by enjoying a long hot soak in the bath. However, this can cause the skin's natural defences against the cold to become damaged.

 

The reason for this is that, the skin has a natural, protective outer layer which protects it from the outside elements. This is formed of dead keratinised skin cells which are naturally moisturised by  lipids/oils (also known as fats). This layer is easily damaged by changes in humidity and temperature. Therefore, when your skin goes from being in a cold room to being in a steamy bath of water, the protective layer is damaged, becomes dehydrated and this leaves your skin drier, flakier and more prone to damage or irritation.

 

I would also recommend applying an essential product that contains Hyaluronic Acid ingredients to your skin. This should be applied after bathing and immediately after soaking and drying. It will rehydrate your skin and help to restore some of the moisture loss. Alternatively, try to use products containing moisture rich ceramides in the ingredients.

 

Why is important that we change our beauty routine in the winter months?

- In winter, environmental humidity becomes low and this can cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated. In addition, we tend not to drink as much water because it's cold and also turn up the central heating.  All of these factors and many more extract the moisture out of our skin. This, along with the winter weather, dries out your skin, causing it to become dryer, flakier and more easily irritated. This is something that none of us want so we need to adapt our beauty regimes to protect our skin from the changes in environmental conditions. You wouldn't wear your bikini in the snow so why would you use the skincare products that you used in the summer and expect them to provide the same protection for your skin against the winter weather?

 

What products would you recommend for the winter?

In the winter chapped lips can also become a problem. Not only do they look awful but they can be painful too. I would recommend investing in a high quality vitamin E based lip balm. This will act as a protective barrier for your lips against the cold and will also smooth and moisturize your lips. Remember... prevention is better than cure! Apply the lip balm before you go out into the cold winter air, several times during the day and last thing at night.

Secondly, instead of using a gel cleanser or toner, you could use a hydrating soothing moisturiser to boost the skin's moisture level. This will boost the skin's moisture level, and will provide an instant quick-fix for people with de-hydrated skin.

 

Applying more products can sometimes lead to build-ups which leads to breakouts, how can we counteract this?

It's important not to overload your skin with products and to exfoliate regularly. Washing your face with soapy water and gently towel drying it is a simple but very effective way of keeping your skin clear and can be easily included in your daily routine

 

For an instant hydration boost, what product or tip would you recommend?

Firstly, it is important to remember that the best, and cheapest, way to prevent dry skin is to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by drinking lots of water. You should also try to avoid drinking white wine as this will dry your skin. By making small changes, you can ensure that your skin is hydrated and nourished and looking great so that any additional products are just a bonus

 

However, for an instant hydration boost, you could use a hydrating soothing moisturiser instead of using a gel cleanser or toner. This will boost the skin's moisture level, and will provide an instant quick-fix for people with de-hydrated skin.

 

For those looking for something more luxurious, I would recommend treating yourself to a facial. A particularly good one would be DermaFrac with combined microdermabrasion. This will help to remove dead skin cells and the infusion of Hyaluronic acid or Peptides will help to replace moisture and will defiantly boost hydration.  In addition, if you suffer from particularly thin skin, you could benefit from receiving a clinic only range of Vitamin C.

 

What tips do you have to make sure our skin is glowing for the party season?

The most obvious tip is don't overdo the partying  and always drink lots of water especially after the office party.

 

You may not realise it but the reason your skin may be looking tired and dull is because your skin is actually shedding. cells. The process takes about six weeks.  So my solution is to speed up the process by using products containing glycolic acid or retinol. But be warned: if you are pregnant or trying for a baby then retinol is a big No No.

 

But if your skin really is looking Dull….come and see me! I'll give you a chemical peel called Radiance. The result is all in the name girls. It doesn't hurt… it doesn't take long. And you can have the peel and still go out the same night and still look radiant!

 

How can we reduce a spot in a few hours ready for the party that night?

It's a common problem especially if we are tired and a bit rundown. Never, EVER, pick it, or squeeze it, because that will make it even worse!  Dab some Aknicare skin roller let dry and repeat repeat process 4 times in 10 minutes and then every two hours, which you can buy from our us online, Then apply a cover up, preferably one that neutralises red, which would be one with a green base, (Aknicare Fluid Powders) and when you get back at night cleanse your face properly.

 

You've worked with countless celebrities, any tips that you've given them that you can share with us?

I ask my celebs to commit to a year with me to enable me to give them a flawless complexion. When they ask me why I show them copies of  Closer or Grazia, for instance, where an actress is pictured with  tonnes of  high definition makeup. She looks great. But you've seen the other photos when, oh my god, the  celeb has been captured on camera without a spot of make-up and their skin looks terrible. It's why I tell them  to be absolutely disciplined and follow the four or sometimes five stage cleansing procedure morning and night with the products I recommend which vary for the different celebrities. I also put them on a course of chemical peels,  and repeat this twice in the first year.  My other advice is to ensure you get a good look at the face of the cosmetic practitioner you choose. Their skin should be an advert for their expertise. If they've got bad skin (like some I could mention) give them a miss otherwise you might end  up looking like Scary Mary.

 

What are your ultimate skincare tips?

A good skincare regime doesn't always need to be expensive. Yes, it's lovely to treat your skin to a luxurious product or treatment but there are some fabulous, inexpensive Beauty Tips that can help you to achieve healthy, nourished and revitalised skin.

 

I would definitely recommend washing your face daily with soap and water.

 

It sounds simple but, because of this, it is something which is often overlooked. Washing your face with soap and water not only acts as an exfoliator for your skin – removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, but it also helps to rehydrate your skin. This is something which cannot be successfully achieved by using cleansers and cleansing wipes alone.

I would also recommend using Vaseline to protect your skin from the harsh winter weather. Vaseline is an absolute gem. It provides important protection to your lips and can reduce the moisture that is lost as a result of using lip gloss alone, leaving luscious, kissable lips. A good Vaseline is not just great for your lips, it can also be applied to patches of dry skin to protect them from further dryness and help to re-hydrate the area. This added moisture will help to reduce the dryness of the skin.

 

I would recommend applying a good SPF to your skin throughout the year. Just because the summer sunshine has gone, that doesn't mean that you should stop applying your SPF. SPF is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer as it also provides important protection against the cold winds and UVB rays and will help to protect your skin against skin-damage and visible signs of aging.

What’s Aging Your Skin?

Skin aging, like most physiological phenomena, is the result of many things. "But only about 20 to 30 percent of the process is genetically determined," says Doris Day, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. "So there's more you can do to control it than you might have thought." We know you already wear sunscreen every day to fend off those UV rays—here are some stealthier skin agers and ways to mitigate their effects.

Sweet Treats

If sugary foods are a staple of your diet, you may want to reconsider what you eat. "When sugar breaks down and enters the bloodstream, it bonds with protein molecules, including those found in collagen and elastin [the fibers that support skin], through a process called glycation," says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami Beach. "This degrades the collagen and elastin, which in turn leads to sagging and wrinkles."

Preventive measures: Curb your consumption of simple carbohydrates, which include the obvious treats, like soft drinks and candy, but also seemingly innocuous choices, such as honey, white rice, and white bread. These foods are quickly converted into sugar in your body and put your skin on the fast track to glycation. If you need something sweet (and, really, who doesn't?), Baumann suggests a small square of dark chocolate. The antioxidants in it can protect you from free radicals, those unstable atoms in the atmosphere that latch on to skin and lead to fine lines. Also, increase your intake of vitamin C. "It helps generate collagen," says Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist in New York City and the author of Simple Skin Beauty ($27,amazon.com). You'll find vitamin C in papayas, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, and kiwis.

Frequent Flying

You're much closer to the sun in a plane than on land, so it stands to reason that solar rays, which can penetrate windows, "are more intense at higher altitudes," says Marmur. This may explain why pilots and flight attendants have been found to be at an increased risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. Plus, the air up there is notoriously dry—and without moisture, skin, like any living tissue, simply shrivels.

Preventive measures: Drink as much water as you can in flight; avoid alcohol and salty foods, which are dehydrating; and apply a rich moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before boarding, as sunscreen needs time to be absorbed before it's effective. And if you're sitting next to a window, pull down the shade.

How to Make Yourself Beautiful easily

Sometimes we're too tired and run down to worry about applying cosmetics and expensive products, and sometimes we simply can't afford them. Fortunately there are some cost-effective, natural and easy ways to give your body, face and hair a boost of health and beauty. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions
Take Care Of Your Body
1
Get more sleep. Going to bed an hour or two earlier will do wonders for your skin, hair and overall health. Sleep allows your body to rest and rejuvenate.
2
Drink plenty of water. Keep your body hydrated and your mind healthy by drinking lots of water throughout the day. It will help clear up your skin, revitalize your hair and flush out the toxins in your body.
Sponsored Links
3
Eat a better diet. Consider adding plenty of organic foods, fruits and vegetables to your diet. A healthy diet leads to a healthy body and glowing skin.
4
Exfoliate all over your body to achieve smooth, fresh skin.
5
Apply a fruit-based face pack. You can make your own by mashing up some fruit--avocado is good for this--with some natural yogurt, then refrigerating for 30 minutes. Apply generously to your face then lie back and enjoy its benefits. Your face will appreciate the vitamins in the face pack and your skin will glow with a healthy radiance.
6
Moisturize. Your skin needs help to stay soft and smooth--pollution and the weather are just two things that will constantly attempt to dry it out and make it appear dull and tired. Creams with an aloe vera base will work wonders toward keeping your skin healthy. Olive oil is a quick way to soften dry, troubled skin, and a few drops of lemon on your face will help clear up spots and blemishes.
7
Freshen up the skin around your eyes. If you suffer with bags or dark circles around the eyes, or if your eyes feel tired and dry, put two tea spoons in the freezer for a minute then press the spoons gently against your eyes. The sudden chill will wake up the skin and soothe any sore spots. Alternatively, you can place pieces of cucumber or cold, used tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes--this will help reduce any swelling and red areas.
8
Soften your lips. Licking dry, cracked lips will only dry them out more--use Vaseline for a quick, healthy shine and apply frequently to speed up the healing.
Give Your Hair A Boost
9
Give your hair a week off from the hairdryer, straighteners and tongs. The daily application of heat can make hair dry, damaged and brittle. Give your hair some time to recover and rest.
10
Condition your hair. Blast hair with cold water for three seconds after conditioning to lock in the nutrients. Using a leave-in conditioner after washing will give long-lasting shine.
11
Trim off the split ends. Getting rid of dead split ends will give your hair a healthy boost and fresh hair will grow quicker.

35 Simple Ways to Be Beautiful

Even though I got Joey McIntyre from The New Kids on the Block to sign my scoliosis back brace in the sixth grade, I still felt ugly wearing it.

I didn't realize the irony back then, but in retrospect it seems a little funny I grew crooked considering I convinced myself I was wilting in my sister's shadow. (I also had braces and headgear, but that's another story.)

I was a kid who wanted to be beautiful, but more desperately wanted to feel loved. My self-esteem increased through the years, but I never quite shook the sneaking suspicion I'd be never be beautiful enough. Or maybe lovable enough.

It would be easy to blame it all on society and the Kate Moss era of modeling, but I think it's more than that. I just never learned to notice and appreciate all the beautiful things about myself. The stuff that has nothing to do with my waistline, skin tone, or eye lashes and everything to do with who I am.

I never learned to give myself the credit for all the good I do in the world. I was too busy cataloging my weaknesses, mistakes, and flaws to recognize it.

It seems like such a cliche to say pretty is as pretty does, but the truth is physical beauty is subjective. And no matter how closely someone matches your ideal of physical perfection, that will eventually fade. What endures are the qualities, passions, and habits we nurture.

That's what makes us beautiful–and believe me when I say there is something beautiful in everyone. If you've done any of the following lately, you are absolutely beautiful:

1. Smile. As the quote goes, "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful."

2. Be there for someone who needs you even if there's nothing in it for you—give without expectations.

3. Make a sacrifice for someone you love.

4. Admit a mistake, even if it's hard to say you're wrong, and work to make amends.

5. Share your struggles, putting your ego aside, to make someone else feel less alone.

6. Create something that helps people. A song, a blog, a support group, a non-profit—anything that inspires.

7. Help a child feel good about him or herself.

8. Tell someone what you appreciate about them, even if you feel vulnerable.

9. Forgive someone without needing to hear the words, "I'm sorry."

10. Create positive energy around you by thinking positive thoughts and acting with positive intentions.

11. Sit with reality without judging anyone or anything.

12. Accept someone for who they are instead of trying to change them to who you want them to be.

13. Treat people as they want to be treated.

14. Notice something simple but beautiful in the world around you.

15. Acknowledge the beauty in others instead of feeling threatened or competing with other people.

16. Be the change you want to see in the world, as per Gandhi's suggestion.

17. Tap into your personal power and do something that makes a difference in the world.

18. Find strength in a challenging moment. It's not easy to do, and you deserve credit for it.

19. Talk kindly about the world around you instead of gossiping or complaining.

20. Forget yourself for a minute and do nothing but listen to someone who needs it.

21. Measure a person by their best moments, not their worst.

22. Give yourself the same courtesy—focus on the good you've done, not the mistakes you've made.

23. Take the high road when someone hurts you instead if being cruel or catty.

24. Make someone laugh. A smile can literally melt stress and pain away. How beautiful of you to do that for someone else!

25. Make someone cry—tears of joy that is. People want to feel moved, inspired, motivated. Never underestimate the power of touching someone's heart.

26. Keep an open mind instead of sticking with a judgment or assumption.

27. Love what you're tempted to fear.

28. Be the voice of optimism when the people around you need it badly.

29. Show humility when your accomplishments would make it easy to stand above people.

30. Handle rejection or failure with grace. It's far more easily said than done—and it sounds so cheesy and cliche—but accepting loss gracefully makes you a true winner.

31. Show unbridled enthusiasm for something that excites you. All children are beautiful, and I think their unadulterated joy has a lot to do with it.

32. Hear what someone means, not just what they say. Anyone can nitpick. Not everyone actively works to be understanding.

33. Imagine a world where people know peace, and do one small thing to create it.

34. Honor the values that matter to you. Showing integrity is the first step to feeling good about yourself.

35. Accept and love yourself, just as you are in this moment.

And now a disclaimer: some days you may not do anything written above—in fact, you might do the exact opposite. On those days you are still beautiful.

There are times when, like Alexander, I'm having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Times when it seems like I might get swept into the tornado of chaos around me. Times when the voice in my head is unkind, and I interpret everything that happens through a negative filter. When I think the worst of people and complain about it; when I expect the worst of my day and lament it.

This admission might seem like the biggest possible acknowledgment of hypocrisy, but I have nothing to give if not my honesty. And the reality is I am imperfect. We all are. We all have moments of weakness—but they'll only define us if they far surpass moments of kindness, compassion, love, and strength.

Being beautiful doesn't mean adhering to some picture-perfect fantasy, or living every moment that way. It means realizing this moment is a new opportunity to be who you want to be, and making the effort to seize it.

 

 

 

 

 

How to Keep Yourself Healthy and Beautiful With Household Items

Ever had oily hair and forgot to shower the night before and needed to go out, fast? This how-to can help you out, and a lot more.

1. Use baby powder for oily hair. For oily hair, one commonly household item is baby powder! Sprinkle some on top of your head, and rub through. This will absorb the oil.

2.Try olive oil. If you have dry hair- olive oil with help you. Just add a couple drops to your shampoo and conditioner. Olive oil is also good for your nails. It makes your cuticles and nails soft. It will moisturize them, and prevent hang nails.

3.Use petroleum jelly for dry skin. For dry skin on your hands or feet, Vaseline comes in. Just slather it onto where ever the dry skin is, and put on socks or gloves while you sleep. When you wake up, take off the gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly.

4.Have a little beer! For beautiful skin, this may sound weird, but you can take a bath in beer. Believe it or not the vitamins in the yeast in the beer will really smooth out your skin. And also, if your hairs starting to look a little bit dull, an old trick is to shampoo with beer. It may sound weird but Cleopatra did this and she was one of the hottest women back then.

5. Protect your finger from turning green with nail polish. If you have a favorite piece of jewelry that's turning your finger green, a cool method to stop this is clear nail polish. Just the clear coat. In smooth motions, just run the brush dipped in clear coat around the inside of the piece of jewelry and let dry.

6. Use apple cider vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar is great for so many things, like sunburns, and say you went swimming in the pool and your hair turned green, this will help take this out.

7.Get your teeth clean. We all want white teeth, and two of the main ingredients in any whitening tooth paste is baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. So why don't you try to mix together your own whitening tooth paste? It's way cheaper.

8.Use mayonnaise. Now you may have heard of putting mayonnaise in your hair, which is true, its totally going to make it smoother and softer and moisturize your hair, but it is also good for your skin. So if your skin is dull, and just not as hydrated, grab some mayonnaise from the fridge. It's also great as a face mask.

9.Make a mask for your face. Speaking of masks, did you know that egg whites make great masks? So take the egg whites and slather it all over your face and let it dry. It will get all tacky, and that's the white exfoliating and tightening your pours. Its going to make your skin look smooth and refreshed.

Another good mask is coffee. You can get coffee beans and grind them, or get the ground kind and just rub the coffee on your face. It will massage, and exfoliate. Just make sure you wash your face after wards.

10.Find other uses for pineapple. A lot of us suffer from acne and acne scars. And a good way to reduce these scars and acne is pineapple. Not only is it delicious, but its active insides and fun stuff including acid is going to reduce your scars if you rub it all over your face. Just take a fresh pineapple and cut it up and puree it until its kind of chunky. Then rub all over your face and leave on for a good 15-20 minutes. Do this at least once a week if you can and you will see great results.

11.Condition your hair. One way to deep condition your hair is to take any conditioner you have in your house and when using it, don't wash it out. Instead, leave your towel wrapped around your head or use a shower cap while you sleep. Then in the morning wash it out.

12.Use dryer sheets. Dryer sheets are good for so many things. If your hair is static-like, just take the sheet and kind of slide it down where the static is and it will reduce static. You can also put them in a drawer or closet to keep clothes smelling fresh.

How To Have Beautiful Skin

It's not enough to get a facial to keep your skin clear and beautiful. You need to have a great home skin-care routine. Here are the everyday habits you need to keep your skin beautiful:

• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and leafy green. Good nutrition is the basic building block of healthy skin.

• Drink plenty of water every day. (I fill a carafe to remind myself.)
• Cut out skin-damaging habits like smoking, excessive drinking, tanning booths and excessive sun exposure.
• Search out a good esthetician by asking friends and doing some research. Then work with her (or him) on a regular basis.
• Get a professional facial to deep cleanse your skin and review your product choices at least four times a year, as the seasons change. Every four to six weeks is ideal.
• Throw away the soap and use quality products that are right for your skin type. Discuss your home skin-care routine with an esthetician.
• If you can't afford all the skin-care products right away, ask the esthetician which are most important to start. Invest in additional products as you can.
• Give yourself a home facial as often as once a week.
• Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days and in winter. Use a good-quality, high-SPF, full-spectrum sunscreen. Sun damage is the single most important cause of premature aging. On my face, decolette and the back of my hands I use Ti-Silc Sheer SPF 45 Sunblock (compare prices). It's reasonably priced and doesn't sting sensitive skin.

Remember to put sunscreen on exposed areas like the back of your hands, neck and chest. They're often the first place to show your age.

10 Motivational Tips to Keep You Healthy

Consider the following ten motivational tips to help you make small, positive steps each day.

1. Feel Good About Yourself Today

Be sure the people around you make you feel good about you -- no matter what your size or health condition. In addition, if close friends encourage you to smoke, overeat, or drink too much, find some new friends who have good health habits and also want a healthier you.

Elaine Magee, MPH, Rd, author of more than 20 books, says don't get hung up on pounds or what size dress you are wearing.

"Instead, focus on being healthy from the inside out," Magee says. "Eat well, and exercise regularly. And remember that you can be sexy and look and feel fabulous and not be thin."

2. Rethink Your Role Model

Barbie's still the first role model many young girls are drawn to. But let's be honest. For most of us to look like Barbie, we'd have to be nearly 6 feet tall, shrink our waist size by 8 inches, move the excess inches up to our chests, and then pose in the "suck in the gut/high heel" position all the time. Come on! There's a better way to live our lives than pretending.

Select positive role models. Choose role models that help you feel good about who you are, rather than ones who make you feel bad. Find a female role model who is strong, healthy -- and real!

3. Know What Makes You Overeat

The key to staying motivated is to know where your problem areas are and have a plan for dealing with them. Do you use food to cope with disappointment, rejection, boredom, or even personal success?

Brainstorm some healthier ways to cope with mood swings that do not involve food. In addition, control your environment to avoid bingeing on high-calorie foods when you do feel disappointed, rejected, or bored. Keep your kitchen stocked with lots of healthy options such as chunks of fruits and veggies, low-fat yogurts, flavored waters, and sugar-free gum.

4. Make Simple Daily Change

Who said health-related lifestyle changes had to be all or nothing? Start small and make a few simple weight loss and exercise changes each day. These small changes can add up over time to give you a big health boost. Here are some suggestions:

• Add 5 more grams of fiber to your daily meal plan.
• Cut out refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and sweets
• Avoid foods with trans-fats
• Add two more servings of veggies at lunch and dinner
• Drink three more glasses of water each day
• Add 10 minutes of walking to your daily exercise regimen
• Take a break every hour at work and walk 500 steps in place (2,000 steps burns 100 calories)
• Wake up 15 minutes earlier and walk before work

5. Find a Cheering Section

We all need a cheering section -- having to account to someone else gives you a reason to hang in there when you can't muster determination from within. It doesn't matter where the support comes from -- a spouse, friend, co-worker, or online "buddy," or others.

Think of five people who might be in your cheering section. Talk to these people about giving you support and holding you accountable as you work to reach your weight loss or health goals. Call upon your cheering section when you're having trouble sticking with good health habits. When you do reach small weight loss or exercise goals, invite your support group to celebrate with you.

6. Forgive Yourself

If you slip up on vacation and overeat, drink too much, or fail to exercise -- forgive yourself. Don't beat yourself up! Instead, say, "I really enjoyed my vacation," and let it go at that.

Allowing yourself time to enjoy a few indulgences occasionally is OK. If you start to feel guilty for having dessert on a special night out, forgive yourself and start back on your more disciplined program the next day.

7. Never Go Hungry

Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, author of Diet Simple, says the biggest cause of overeating is undereating. "People go too long without eating, and then pig out when they are ravenously hungry."

Rigid diets don't work for anyone. Include planned snacks in your daily diet to prevent binges. Make sure you allow for treats once a week without feeling guilty. Have a brownie every Friday, and enjoy every bite.

8. Remember That Change Takes Time

It's easy to see thin people and think how lucky they are. But here's the truth: If a thin person is over 30 -- or even over 20 -- chances are they are working hard at being thin each day.  Learn from them. Find out how they stay thin. Is it through more exercise? Eating fewer snacks?

According to Kathy Kater, a LSW and psychotherapist in St. Paul, Minn., the research on body diversity is conclusive. "Even if we all ate the same optimal, wholesome diet and exercised to the same high degree of physical fitness, we would still be very diverse in our shapes. Some quite thin and some quite big, but most in the middle."

Make the commitment to change some lifestyle habits and allow yourself plenty of time to see your goal. In addition, accept the fact that your body is meant to be a certain size -- even if that size isn't skinny -- and feel good about it.

9. Move Around More Today; Sit Less

Make healthy choices by being more physically active. Park at the end of the lot when grocery shopping. Change your TV channel manually. Take the stairs at work. Go on a long walk with your kids or grandkids. Raining outside? Walk or run in place while watching TV. No excuses!

According to Christopher Wharton, PhD, a certified personal trainer and researcher with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, the more time spent exercising and the more vigorous the exercise, the more calories you will burn.

"Studies have shown that with increases in exercise time, the elevation in resting metabolic rate is prolonged," Wharton says.

Make a deliberate effort to move more and sit less to increase physical activity and good health.

10. Celebrate Each Day's Journey

In the midst of your exercise and weight loss goals, don't forget to enjoy each day's journey. Most women agree that their lives and dreams for the future are so intertwined with reaching a specific goal or destination that any derived pleasure is disregarded. Problems arise when the "goal" becomes the sole purpose of living and overshadows our daily lives.

While having healthy weight loss/exercise goals are important, make sure to take time to celebrate each day's journey. Live for the moment and savor some of life's simple pleasures -- every day.