Top 5 Myths about Drinking Water Busted

How many times have you went around seeking natural solutions for glowing skin, weight loss, good digestion and more; and your search has ended on one resource - water? It is natural and is easily available, but is it essentially as good as it is proclaimed to be? There are myths regarding certain 'magical' qualities of water that are result of incomplete knowledge or lack of knowledge. It is therefore necessary to bust the myths hovering around drinking water and drive home clear viewpoint. Take a look, as we bust the top 5 myths surrounding water.

  

Myth#1 Drinking water between meals is bad for the digestion.

Myth Busted: There is absolutely no scientific evidences around such claims. Drinking water between the meals can probably reduce your appetite as your stomach feels full. If you were worried that drinking water between meals would seriously affect your digestion, forego of this thought, right away.

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Myth#2 Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water is good and beneficial for health.

Myth Busted: This is again a very popular age-old myth that has traveled down through the generations, and across cultures and continents. Scientists, on the other hand, have proven that there is no direct or indirect correlation between drinking water all through the day and good health. Doctors recommend that one should drink water only to quench thirst.

Myth#3 Drinking excess of water is beneficial for your health.

Myth Busted: Scientists and doctors have pointed out that drinking excess amount of water is potentially harmful for the body as it would lower the concentration of salt inside the body. Water intoxication is considered to be a fatal situation when there is excessive dilution of sodium in the blood. This happens because the kidneys are over worked, and cannot excrete excess of water inside the body as urine.

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Myth#4 Drinking water will help in cleansing the body’s toxins.

Myth Busted: Drinking excess water will not clear the toxins that form in your body. In fact, toxins are cleared by the kidneys. Drinking large quantity of water will show a possible reduction in the power of our kidneys to work as a natural filter.

Myth#5 Drinking water is healthy for the skin.

Myth Busted: Since 60% of human body is made of water, therefore, drinking plenty of water will give you a healthy and glowing skin. However, very little is accrued by the scientists and doctors on this matter. The beauty of our skin is result of genetics, diet, weather, lifestyle, etc.

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Having an idea about the popular myths around drinking water will obviously help you to become clear on the facts related to it, and you too will be able to guide individuals who are living in dark with all these myths.

Amazing Transformations Thanks to Angelina Jolie (11 pics)

26-year-old Christina Staggs used to weigh 310 lbs (140 kg) when someone told her that she has something in common with Angelina Jolie. And Christina had a dream to aim for. Now, 16 months later she weighs only half of what she used to weigh - 155 lbs (70 kg). Does she look like Angelina Jolie? Not exactly. But she definitely became a very attractive woman. Take a look. '

Why outdoor games are best for kids

Let your kids get down & dirty if you want them to be healthy.

1.IF YOU are a parent who is terrified of letting her child crawl on the floor out of the fear that he will eat dirt, then you may be doing him a disservice after all. Many doctors are of the opinion that exposing kids to dirt may have health benefits.

2.Immunologists believe that children exposed to germs and animals are less likely to develop modern diseases such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease, asthma and heart problems.

3."Our lifestyles are slowly getting westernised. Our children are now growing up in 'hyperclean', sterile environments resulting in under developed immune systems because of inadequate exposure to bacteria," senior consultant of paediatrics at Rockland Hospital, Dr Vandana Kent, said. This draws attention to the paradox in Western healthcare.

4.Old epidemics, such as cholera, having disappeared from advanced nations, a set of new ailments — including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis — have become more common. Many of these seem linked to our immune systems.

5.Rob Dunn, an eminent professor of biology and the author of The Wild Life of Our Bodies , urges us all to adopt a radical approach to the 'hygiene hypothesis'. He believes that our lives have become too clean and that this is making our immune systems so disoriented that they over- react massively to harmless everyday substances, such as house dust.

6.He believes our healthy future lies in what he calls, 're-wilding our bodies' and that we should be able to convince ourselves that our bodies are still in the natural state of our ancestors: roaming bug-infested forests and living in unsanitary hovels. We can do this, he says, by having worms living in our guts.

7."We have gone from lives immersed in nature to lives in which nature has disappeared but our bodies continue to expect to meet our old companions, the parasite species with which they tangled for generation upon generation,” Dunn said. It might sound disgusting, but research scientists across the world are taking this idea very seriously. Tests have shown when parasitic worms are put into the digestive systems of mice, it could stop them from ...

8."It's just how a vaccine works. It first introduces foreign substances in our body and then prepares it to develop antibodies. Similarly, when we are exposed to bacteria as children, our body learns to fight infections. We build an army of soldiers to fight diseases,” Dr Kent said. (Mail Today)

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Everyday Foods that Can Kill You

Our daily diet, unknowingly, consists of a lot of food that is actually poisonous and can cost us our life. Being alert about what you eat is really important as sometimes, even a seemingly regular food can turn fatal.

Here are some foods that can actually kill you.

Almonds: Just like cashew nuts, almonds too are considered to be extremely poisonous if not treated before consumption. In the crude form these nuts are exposed to heat in order to make them edible.

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Cashew: Raw cashews contain urushiol, which is a poisonous chemical that can lead to death of a person. The ones that are available in the market are not in their raw form as they are steamed before being packed for consumption

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Potatoes: One of the most commonly eaten vegetable across the world, a potato plant is actually poisonous. Everything except the bulbs, that we consume, is extremely harmful. If you consume the leaves of the potato plant in surfeit quantities it can prove to be fatal.

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Mushrooms: Toadstools are poisonous mushrooms that must not be eaten. Mushrooms that are found in the wild are the harmful ones and can cause grave damage to the body. However, you must take note of the fact that not all mushrooms are poisonous.

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Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a plant with edible and flavorsome stems which are used as a part of a number of desserts. However the leaves of this plant contain an acid which is very harmful in nature.
Being observant about the quality and nature of food you consume is particularly imperative. Having complete knowledge and information about unusual foods is another important point to be taken care of.

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Cherries: The tiny little red fruit is enjoyed by most people and used in a number of ways. However, the seed of the cherry is poisonous in nature. It releases hydrogen cyanide in your body. You might feel uneasy, dizzy or even vomit. Extreme reactions include convulsions, kidney failure and heart related problems.

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Apple seeds: The fruit that actually keeps the doctor away has poisonous seeds that contain cyanide. However, the level of cyanide is low and does not cause extreme reactions. But health experts do not recommend eating apple seeds.

Beer – The bitter-better drink

We all know that red wine is rich in heart-friendly antioxidants. But did you know that your favourite beer could be healthier than you realise. Beer can help you lower the risk of heart diseases, strokes, gallstones and kidney stones!

Beer – The bitter-better drinkGone are the days when beer was associated with sagging bellies; your favourite pint is now gaining a status of a drink with health benefits – of course when consumed in moderation! This means, while men can consume about 710 ml of beer per day, women should limit it to 355 ml, to reap the health benefits. If you overdo it, just like any alcohol, beer too can take its toll on your health. So let’s look at the benefits and risks of drinking beer.

Benefits of drinking beer

Helps protect bones: Beer, when consumed in moderation, is said to protect your bone health as it is high in silicon content. Several studies have shown that beer may help in preventing bone loss and also rebuild bone mass in men and young women. However, no benefits have been seen in women in the post-menopausal stage.

Healthy heart: Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a beer a day may help you keep heart diseases away. Moderate consumption of beer has many benefits and one of them is the significant increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. The good cholesterol has anti-clotting effects which keeps the blood vessels clear and healthy.

Healthy kidneys: A study conducted by Finnish researchers found that people who consumed beer were at a lower risk of developing kidney stones when compared to those who drank other types of alcohol. And this benefit could be due to the high water content in beer. In addition, the beer’s hops – a flower which gives beer its bitterness and also acts as a preservative —  is said to prevent kidney stones as it slows down the release of calcium from bones.

Apart from this, beer is also a rich source of vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and plenty of B vitamins.

Risks of drinking beer

Beer belly: Everyone says that drinking beer makes you fat or at least develop ‘beer belly’. The fact is that beer contains almost no fat or nutrition. However, it does contain a lot of calories. And if you are trying to lose weight, you must know that alcohol does not let your body burn a lot of stored fat for energy. Actually, when you drink beer, your liver produces a substance called acetate with the help of the alcohol in the beer and your body, instead of using the fat stored on your hips and belly, burns this acetate for energy.

Heartburns: Drinking too much beer can cause heart burn as it contains powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion leading to gastro-esophageal reflux.

Dehydration: You would do anything for a mug of beer after a long day outside in hot weather. Though beer is 95 per cent water, it is a diuretic. And since the alcohol in the beer interferes with the release of an antidiuretic hormone in your body, it makes you rush to the bathroom more often than you like. So if you drink beer, you will lose fluid through sweating as well as urine, dehydrating you completely. Also, make sure never to drink beer instead of water.

In addition, beer can affect your blood sugar levels despite being low in sugar. As beer contains alcohol, it has the ability to drop the level of sugar in your blood. This will lead to low energy levels and if you end up drinking too much beer, you will surely hit the sack in minutes!

Well, we conclude that drinking beer might be good for you if it’s done in moderation. In fact most of the negative effects of drinking beer are due to excessive drinking. So if you actually want to gulp down a crate of beer at one go, do so, but at your own risk. However, make sure you drink a gallon of water to keep yourself hydrated!

Photograph via sxc.hu  Link

Top 14 Recommended Methods of Cancer Prevention

01. Drink Red Wine

Drink Red Wine: Red wine is made from skin of grapes which contains resveratrol and other phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Researches show that a glass of wine a day can prevent a wide range of cancers like leukaemia, skin as well as breast cancer. 

02. Eat Dark Chocolate

Eat Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids like pentamer, present in cocoa, has cancer-fighting properties. Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa and is certainly one of the tastiest ways to help you stay away from cancer. Pollution, radiations and bad living habits pave the way for various kinds of cancer. To effectively combat cancer, adopt a way of living that is pure and simple

03. Avoid Processed Foods

Avoid Processed Foods: Numerous studies have shown that processed foods and sugar can significantly increase the risk of cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in all nutrients and supplements is one of the basic steps to fight cancer.

04. Steer Clear of Carcinogens

Steer Clear of Carcinogens: It is quite obvious that to prevent cancer, you need to strictly avoid all things that can cause cancer. Alcohol, cig@rettes and other recreational drugs are among the top causes of cancer.

05. Get Some Exercise

Get Some Exercise: An inactive lifestyle with no exercise can drastically increase the odds of cancer. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system and helps in the regulation of chemicals, enzymes and hormones in the body.

06. Sleep Soundly

Sleep Soundly: The human body requires a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to regulate all of its functions properly. Regular sleep helps in maintaining a healthy endocrine system and its ability to fight cancer. It is also essential to sleep in complete darkness to promote a healthy endocrine system.

07. Add Garlic to Your Meals

Add Garlic to Your Meals: Garlic has very powerful antioxidant properties. It also strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent cancer. Various studies have shown that garlic can exponentially decrease the odds of stomach cancer.

08. Reduce Hazardous Interactions

Reduce Hazardous Interactions: There are a variety of environmental factors that can cause cancer. Radiation from mobile phones and other electronic devices can increase the chances of cancer. Limit your exposure to the minimum to combat cancer.

09. Eat Broccoli

Eat Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the superfoods which can help you effectively prevent cancer. However, it is not recommended to microwave broccoli as it destroys its anticarcinogenic flavonoids. It is best to boil broccoli or eat it raw as a snack.

10. Pick power fruits

10. Pick power fruits: "I make smoothies with pomegranates and blueberries because my research shows that both these fruits contain compounds that can slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells." -Shuian Chen, Ph.D., director, Tumor Cell Biology Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope.

11. Keep the scale steady

Keep the scale steady: "More than 90,000 cancer deaths a year occur due to being overweight. Carrying as little as 10 extra pounds may increase your production of sex hormones like estrogen, raising your risk for breast and uterine cancers. I step on the scale every few days. If the number creeps up, I try to exercise a little more or eat a little less to get back on track." -Ann Kulze, M.D., director, Prevent Cancer Foundation.

12. Go Greek!

Go Greek! "My diet is mostly Mediterranean-plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. People who eat this way, exercise regularly, and don't smoke cut their odds of getting cancer by at least 60 percent."-Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., director, MD Anderson Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine Program.

13. Watch your Mouth

Watch your mouth: "Oral cancers are on the rise among people ages 20 to 40, which we believe is because of HPV spread through oral sex. I always look for unusual changes in my patient's mouth, like sores or blisters on the cheeks, tongue, or lips. It usually takes less than two minutes. If your dentist doesn't already do this, ask her to start." -Gigi Meinecke, D.M.D., a dentist in Potomac, Maryland.

14. Spice things up

Spice things up: "Cooking meat over high temps creates carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines, or HCA. I marinate meat and add herbs before grilling. Our studies show that doing this can slash levels of HCA by 40 percent." -J. Scott Smith, Ph.D., chair, Kansas State University's Food Graduate Program.

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8 Foods You Should Never Eat Out of Season

The Winter of (Foodie) Discontent — Nowadays, you can eat pretty much any fruit or vegetable you want, all year long. But should you? During the summer and fall, farmer's markets are brimming with local, organic food that was harvested within 24 hours and is usually at the peak of its freshness, flavor, and nutritional content. In the winter and early spring, however, you often have to rely on out-of-season produce that's traveled an average of 1,300 miles to get from commercial farms to your dinner table. The process is not only bad for the planet, but it also means you wind up with bland produce that's mealy and low on nutrients.

While some out-of-season eating is inevitable, there are certain fruits and vegetables you're better off buying frozen. Frozen produce, like fresh produce, has usually traveled long distances to get to your plate, but it at least was picked at the height of freshness and, studies have found, sometimes has a higher nutrient content than fresh produce (just watch for added salt, added to many frozen veggies). For an expert's take on what should only be eaten in season, we turned to Chris DiMinno, the chef at Portland, Oregon's modern gastropub Clyde Common.

01. Tomatoes

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DiMinno is adamant about eating fresh tomatoes when they're naturally ripe and delicious. "Eat them between early August and mid-to-late October, says DiMinno. "They can only gain their full potential sweetness and tenderness in the middle and late summer months." In the winter, bypass the cardboard-y orbs in the produce section and look for jarred, crushed tomatoes instead. Jars don't contain the toxic chemical BPA, which is used to line tin cans, and you can find organic jarred tomatoes made by Bionaturae and Eden Organics.

02. Peas 

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Fresh peas aren't easy to find, and with good reason; the true pea season, according to DiMinno, is only about two weeks long. "Only eat them in early spring, when they are the sweetest and the most tender. Other times of the year, fresh peas can be starchy, with little to no flavor," says DiMinno. If you're a diehard fan of peas, the chef advises stocking up on them in the spring, and shelling your peas and freezing them while their sugars are at their peak. If you're stuck with store-bought, look for Columbia River Organics frozen green peas, sold at Whole Foods stores. They contain no added salt.

03. Asparagus 

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Another truly seasonal vegetable, asparagus is only good in early to mid spring, before the stalks become too woody. Otherwise, you just wind up with bland, limp stalks. Most out-of-season asparagus is grown in California or Washington, which could be local depending on where you live, but the U.S. also imports a fair amount from South America. Frozen asparagus, which doesn't usually contain added salt, is good in cooked dishes, or for a twist, try pickled asparagus, which you can find at certain specialty grocery stores and farmer's markets.

04. Wax Beans

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Summer gardens often overflow with colorful wax beans, and it's the best time to savor them. Says DiMinno, "These are only good in the summer. Before and after, they can get very fibrous and have terrible color." If you prefer fresh, squeaky beans, you may be better off living without them until next summer, but in most recipes, wax beans can be used interchangeably with green beans, which Columbia River Organics sells without any added salt. Going with frozen is extra important with green beans, as tests from Consumer Reports have shown that canned green beans contained the highest levels of BPA of any canned food. 

05. Corn

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Enjoy it while it lasts—corn is only at its prime in the late summer and early fall. Corn's sugar content is at its peak in September, says DiMinno, adding that it's best grilled or roasted in its husk and peeled afterwards. This helps the corn retain moisture and flavor. In the off-season, look for frozen corn. It's easy to find organic, nowadays, without added salt.

06. Mushrooms

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Since every season has a mushroom, you can enjoy them year-round; just don't stray outside each variety's season: "Morels in the spring, truffles in winter and summer, chanterelles in the fall, lobster mushrooms in summer," says DiMinno. Because mushrooms are highly absorbent, don't clean them with water; instead, trim off the bottoms and clean off any residual dirt using a pastry brush. For a deliciously different side dish, make Marinated Mushrooms with Coriander.

07. Lettuces

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Although lots of lettuces can be found year-round, DiMinno says that the best lettuces grow in late winter and early spring when it is still chilly outside. This allows the lettuce to achieve the maximum level of crispiness, as well as the highest sugar content, making early spring the best time of year for sweet, crunchy salads. In the off-season, rather than buy bagged lettuces, consider using lettuce alternatives like kale, as in this recipe for Black Kale Salad with Currants, or red or green cabbage, as in this Autumn Salad. The season for both of those greens lingers into the winter.

08. Peaches

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Peaches are a fruit with a fleeting season, and they don't hold up well when transported. For truly ripe, flavorful peaches, DiMinno says enjoy them only in the middle of summer. Other times of the year, look for peach butters (which can be made without extra sugar) and preserves made locally; don't even bother with frozen, according to a taste test hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle a few years back. "No flavor," was the general consensus among all their taste testers, who sampled frozen peaches from Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's, among other brands.

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12 things women need to know about stretch marks

I really don’t know any woman out there who doesn’t have stretch marks.

That said, some women have stretch marks that are more prominent that

others and for those women, stretch marks become a source of self consciousness.

For some women, stretch marks are solely located around the

belly area, but for some other women they have stretch marks on their arms,

breast, tights and buttock area. Although, it’s going to be very hard to avoid

having stretch marks, there are a number of things women should know

about stretch marks in order to minimize their chances of having to deal with

too many of them.

There are so many facts that most of us women don’t know about stretch

marks that make avoiding them easier. Here are 12 things you need to know

about them:

1. Stretch marks are scientifically known as are a form of scarring. They

usually rear their ugly heads during puberty, or as the result of excessive

weight gain, such as during pregnancy.

2. Did you know that even people who engage in body building can get

stretch marks? Yes, stretch marks have nothing to do with the number you

see on your scale.

3. Stretch marks are the result of skin being stretched beyond its natural

elasticity. This stretching causes a disruption of the body’s collagen

production. Collagen is a special protein that helps keep the skin elastic and,

therefore, able to stretch when we gain weight. When this collagen

production is disrupted, the skin loses its elasticity, which makes it more

prone to stretch marks.

4. Stretch mark are usually found in a series as small, indented streaks. They

are generally rough and uneven. In women with light skin, they are usually a

pink or reddish-brown color. They might sometimes almost look purple. For

darker skinned women, stretch marks are usually brown.

5. Genetics plays a larger role in whether or not you will develop stretch

marks. So, if your mom or her sister have stretch marks … you possible will

be more likely to get them as well (alas).

6. To help avoid getting stretch marks, it is important to monitor weight gain

closely. Pregnant women need to put on weight as a natural part of the

childbearing process. They should, however, be careful to not gain more

weight than what is recommended by the doctor. Pregnant woman should

not, of course, starve themselves in order to avoid stretch marks. They

should, however, take care to watch their diets and put pregnancy weight on

slowly. This gives the skin more time to gradually stretch to accommodate

for the growing baby inside.

7. The last trimester of a pregnancy is when women generally put on the

most weight. This is because this is when the baby is doing most of its

growing. To help avoid stretch marks during this time of the pregnancy, and

at any other time, be sure to regularly apply rich body creams, cocoa butter,

olive oil or shea butter on your skin. Make sure to consult with a doctor,

first, however, because some ingredients found in certain creams can be

harmful to unborn babies.

8. Body cream (aka proper hydration to your body) helps decrease the

likelihood of developing stretch marks because it helps keep the skin

flexible. Likewise, drinking plenty of water helps maintain the skin’s

elasticity. This is especially true if you are pregnant.

9. Fortunately, stretch marks generally fade after weight lost. For women

who gain stretch marks during pregnancy, stretch marks usually fade to a

slightly lighter color than the surrounding skin, though the etching will

always remain.

10. For women who are bodybuilders, it is important to put on muscle mass

slowly. Quickly adding on muscle mass will force the skin to stretch beyond

its ability. Therefore, a bodybuilding program should be designed to slowly

add on bulk.

11. For women who are not pregnant and who are not bodybuilders, the best

way to avoid stretch marks is to simply monitor your diet and maintain a

healthy body weight. Don’t forget that drinking plenty of water is a great

way to help keep the skin more pliable.

12. If you still develop stretch marks, which many women do during puberty

as their bodies rapidly grown, there is little that can be done to get rid of

them. Although there are many lotions and creams on the market claiming to

be able to get rid of stretch marks, there is no proof that they work. There are

also surgeries available to help with lessening the visibility of stretch marks,

but they can’t get rid of stretch marks completely. Instead, the best option is

to cover up the stretch marks. Many women used over-the-counter sunless

tanning lotions to do this, or they get a sunless tanning treatment from a

salon. These lotions help even out the skin color, since the pigmentation of

stretch marks is lighter than the rest of the skin. Getting a real tan, however,

does not have the same effect because stretch marks are scarred tissue and

scarred tissue does not tan the same as healthy tissue.

Through precautions and a healthy lifestyle, most women can help minimize

stretch marks. That said, some of life’s big life-changes, such as puberty and

childbirth, can make avoiding stretch marks nearly impossible. Therefore,

it’s important to apply body creams or hydrating natural oils and drink

plenty of water to keep the skin’s elasticity and, if all else fails, cover up

those stretch marks and chalk it up as just another part of being a woman!

Skin Care-Causes of dry skin

Some causes of dry skin are:

Cold weather and low humidity

Central heating can make air dry which can cause dry skin.

Aging - Lower estrogen levels, thinning skin, and the fact that our skin can not produce enough oils are some of the reasons our skin is more prone to dryness as we age.

Dry skin affects people who have skin type I or II more frequently.

In some cases dehydration, malnutrition, diabetes, eczema or low thyroid hormones can cause dry skin.

Treating dry skin:

When you shower use lukewarm water and don't take long showers or baths.

Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to seal in moisture.

Use mild soap and avoid perfumed soaps.

Use a humidifier at home.

Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol.

Don't wash your face too frequently.

Use moisturizers which contain emollients. Emollients, such as urea and mineral oils, soften skin and provide a barrier to keep moisture in and harmful agents out. Your moisturizer should also have lipids (fat or waxes) such as cholesterol, lecithin or glycerol.

Dry skin can cause flaky and rough skin. To get rid of the layer of dead skin use a gentle exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid.

Wear sunscreen.

Apply moisturizer frequently.

What to do about dark spots on your skin?

Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) are caused due to past sun damage from your childhood and your teens that shows up in your 20's and 30's . Try a 2 percent hydroquinone cream and see if they fade. It should take a couple of months for you to see results. If you don't see results you can get your dermatologist to prescribe a 4 percent cream. Please note that hydroquinone is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

What is the difference between a moisturizer and a serum?

They are two different products and serve different purposes. A moisturizer hydrates the skin with humectants and prevents water loss.

A serum contains high concentrations of specific ingredients like antioxidants that helps maximize absorption. Serums aren't designed to be moisturizing although some contain a humectant like glycerin so check the ingredients on your serum. Otherwise you will need both - the serum first and then the moisturizer.

The Essential Skin Care Routine

It doesn't need to be elaborate but these 3 steps are essential? You can add additional laying steps such as applying a toners or an exfoliant as your skin demands but these 3 are the essential steps.

1. Cleanse: Wash your skin thoroughly on a daily basis to remove the dirt, debris, pollutants, and perspiration that accumulates on a daily basis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use only warm water to wash your skin and use a mild natural cleanser every few days. If you have normal or oily skin, be sure to wash with a gentle cleanser on a daily basis.

2. Moisturize: Unless your skin is very oily, you will want to use a moisturizer everyday to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Your skin needs moisturizer all year long as both the indoor winter heat, and summer sun can be equally damaging to your skin.

3. Protect: Use a sunscreen when possible, regardless of whether or not you plan on spending much time in the sun. The sun's rays are very damaging and if you get in the habit of applying sunscreen.

Things you do daily for your skin.

Aside from the sunscreen and the water consumption, exercise, rest, and good nutrition lay the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin. A proper diet is not only good for your overall health, it also helps to ensure that your skin will receive all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs to maintain and repair cells.

Ways to combat the dry skin that comes with age.

Older skin has fewer sweat and oil glands than younger skin. Dry skin may be caused by frequent baths, certain cosmetics or medications. Avoid using harsh soaps when bathing, and if possible, cut back on the number of baths or showers each week. A sponge bath with warm water may help to clean and revive skin without stripping the skin of its valuable moisturizers. When you do use soap, try using a natural very mild soap that does not contain any dyes, parabens or perfumes. Follow up the bath with a moisturizing lotion concentrating on problem dry areas. A good all natural moisturizer is one of the foundations for a healthy skin care regimen. Continue moisturizing throughout the day to keep skin healthy. Your hands and face are particularly susceptible to daily damage, and may need to be moisturized several times.

How do I know what kind of foundation I should buy - a liquid, stick, cream, powder or mousse?

It really depends on the condition of your skin and what kind of coverage your want.

The advantages of a liquid foundation? A liquid foundation tends to blend easily and offers a wide range of coverage from sheer to full coverage. If you have oily skin remember to use an oil free liquid and an illuminating one if you have dull or dry skin. If you need to cover breakout you should use a highly pigmented foundation.

The advantages of a stick foundation? Stick foundation is excellent for spot coverage on the chin or around your nose

The advantages of a cream foundation? If you are looking for more coverage and a longer lasting foundation use a cream foundation. You can keep if from looking too heavy by using a foundation brush to apply it which will spread it lightly.

The advantages of powder and mousse foundations? Both will give you lighter coverage and look best on clear and evenly pigmented skin.

How do I find the perfect shade of foundation? Go to the department store and try a few swipes of different shades on your jaw line and go outside with a pocket mirror and see which one blends seamlessly into your skin.

How does a chemical peel work?

A combination of acids are applied to the face in varying strengths. The acid solution peels away layers of skin. Superficial peels increase cell turn over and are used to improve skin texture. It is unlikely you will experience significant wrinkle reduction.

A medium or a deeper chemical peel also encourage collagen production and are more effective for treating wrinkles. The deeper the peel the more painful and the longer the recovery time. Most people experience redness and flakey skin for at least a couple of weeks.

Tips for using the highlighter pen

Try dotting highlighter on the inner and outer corners of the eyes to brighten them and around the nose if it is pink there.

If you wear foundation apply the highlighter on top of that and powder goes on last.

Some highlighters have a rosy tone, dot and blend a little above your eyebrows and on top of your cheekbones.

Skin care advice for every age

Skin care tips when you are in your 20's

Your skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurture its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. This habit should continue the rest of your life.

Avoid oily makeup and coverups. Use an oil free moisturizer every day. This is also a good time to begin using an eye cream under the eye area at night.

Try using products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skin care tips when you are in your 30's

Your 30's is when your skin is beginning to become a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. It's time to start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Continue with eye creams at night and use your sunscreen religiously. Also, skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage.

Beauty Tip: Put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

Skin care tips when you are in your 40's

It's time to kick it up another notch. Your forties is when your skin loses much of it tightness. It may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40's would be a good time to begin using them. Of course it's essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis.

Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin's texture and color.

Skin care tips when you are in your 50's

Changes in your skin have reached high gear. Menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin's hydration levels.

Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Skincare tips for in your 60's

By age 60 all types of collagen are significantly below their youthful levels. There are, however wonderful hydrating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic acids), soy, green tea and retinol (vitamin A) which your skin will need now that it is drier and showing major signs of age. The alpha Hydroxy acids will help reduce droopy skin and the retinol will reduce your fine lines.

Skin care tips for over 60

Your skin's texture will become visibly less smooth and you will most likely begin to see age spots. You'll appreciate the early care you've given to your skin because the signs of aging will be minimal, however, if you haven't started early you'll clearly notice the effects of neglect.

While it's never too late to take care of your skin the damage you already have will be difficult to reduce without special medical treatments such as botox or perhaps surgical procedures. All the above should continue to be applied but it is wise to consult your physician on advanced treatments.

If you're haven't yet reached 60, the best skin care advice is to follow a good skin care regimen at an early age. It's an easy habit to get into and best of all, you'll thank