Ultraviolet light causes skin to lose elastin, which is a primary factor in the formation of wrinkles. Elastin fibers are what help skin maintain elasticity. Without it, time and gravity will take its toll on the skin, stretching it and creating a rough and wrinkly surface, giving a premature appearance of aging.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can also lead to precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses. They occur frequently in lighter-skinned people with blond or red hair and blue eyes. These lesions can be worrisome, as, unlike the benign sebhoorric keratoses, they very often lead to malignant carcinomas.

Skin cancer is another major pitfall of exposure to the sun’s reckless ultrviolet rays. In areas where sunlight is prevalent, and people receive extensive exposure, especially as children and teens, squamas cell and basal cell carcinomas are more common. The risk of malignant melanomas is also quite high.

In rarer cases, there may be an adverse allergic reaction to sunlight which can produce blotchiness, rashes, or blemishes on skin. These types of reactions can be brought on or intensified by the use of certain prescriptions, including antidepressants, antibiotics and blood pressure medication.

Take precautions when going out into the sun, especially for prolonged periods of time. When choosing a sun screen, look at the Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. The higher the number, the better the UV protection. Wearing hats with a brim at least three inches wide can help protect your head, ears and neck from burning, as well as protecting your eyes.

*Who gets spider veins?*

Everyone is susceptible to some degree, but women over the age of fifty are most likely to develop them. According to a recent study, 55% of American women age 50+ suffer from spider veins. However, men are not immune from them; reportedly 45% of males age 50+ also experience this problem, too. Other risk factors include obesity, UV exposure, and lack of exercise. However, the biggest culprit is something you unfortunately have no control over – your genetic predisposition.

*How to treat them?*

The good news is that there are several different treatment options available. One of the most common is a procedure known as sclerotherapy; a doctor injects a solution directly into the veins to dissolve them. Although this technique has been around for over a century, during the past few years many have questioned whether or not it’s a good idea to inject such a strong chemical into the circulatory system. As an alternative an alternative, some are opting for laser skin resurfacing instead. However, the drawback is that laser skin treatments are usually rather pricey. Last but not least, the most popular removal method is probably spider vein cream.

*Will spider vein cream help?*

Like anything in life, there are always two sides to every coin. There are tons of people who swear by spider vein cream, yet there are others who feel it’s not that effective. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle; it might be able to help mild cases, but severe spider veins will probably require something different (like laser spider vein removal). Either way, it’s important to speak with a qualified doctor before you begin any kind of treatment.

1.  Adjust your diet

Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and eating nutrient and water-filled foods like fresh raw greens and fruits is vital to healthy skin. (Dr. Brian Bonanni, Gotham Skincare)

2.  Prepare your home

Once the heat goes on in the house, everything dries out.  Increase the humidity gauge on your furnace or place a humidifier in your bedroom. (Dr. Brooke Jackson, Skin Wellness Center of Chicago)

3.  Wear sunscreen

It’s easy to forget sunscreen in the winter.  However, a significant amount of sun gets reflected off the snow and onto our skin and can cause sunburn as well as photodamage.  When the skin is compromised from the wind, cold and lower humidity, it is more susceptible to damage from sun. (Dr. Jeanie Leddon, The Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology)

4.  Moisturize

Slather on a rich moisturizer when your skin is still damp from your bath and shower. Takes just a few minutes and the damp skin helps trap and hold the moisture in better.  No moisturizer?  Extra Virgin Olive Oil will do the trick! (Dr. David E. Bank, Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery)

5.  Pamper

Have a pedicure to exfoliate the accumulated dead skin from wearing sandals and flip-flops all summer. Treat your feet well as they take a beating from all the daily wear and tear. Fill a basin with warm H20, add 1 cup of Epson Salts which contains magnesium — great for soothing tired muscles — and soak for 15-20 minutes. Lather on a moisturizer.  Slip on a warm pair of cotton socks. You’ll sleep better.  What a way to begin a new day! (Dr. Peggy Fuller, Esthetics Center for Dermatology)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5VKzZ6wx1k[/youtube]

Though your nails are made of tough protein called keratin, it is still important to take care of them because they can be damaged, they can dry out and die, and they can be infected with fungi. Here are some nail care tips that you can follow to help keep your nails healthy:

1. Water and detergent can dry your nails; be sure to apply a moisturizer on your hands, fingers, and nails after doing the dishes or washing clothes.
2. Never cut your cuticles. This can damage the root of your nail that can lead to its death.
3. If your nails are prone to drying, try using baby oil after applying polish.
4. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to Paronychia, an inflammation of the nail folds, so avoid having your hands exposed for long to water and moisture.
5. File nails only when the white part of the tip of the nail has grown about a quarter of an inch from the pink part of the nail. Never use cheap nail files, those that you can find in packs of 10 at the drugstore,  these are usually too rough for your nails and could break them.
6. Eat good food. Foods rich in calcium will help the health of your nails and make them strong.
7. Avoid exposing your fingernails to strong chemical substances. Nail polishes, hardeners, and even nail cleansers are also chemical substances that may damage your nails. Do not just use any nail polish, hardener, or cleanser, be sure that they are made of mild chemicals that can not damage your nails.

Dry skin needs gentle cleansing, regular stimulation, and generous amount of oils and moisturizers to keep it looking its best. People with dry skin must avoid toners and skin fresheners that contain alcohol. Alcohol removes skin oils, our skin’s natural moisturizers. If the soap you are using leaves your skin feeling tight, stop using it and change to a mild and creamy cleanser, which is better for dry skin. It is also advisable to cleanse only in the evening and use only natural moisturizers. You can make your own natural moisturizer from homemade mayonnaise or avocado pulp. These are good examples of natural moisturizer that really help soften dry skin. Another option for a moisturizer is vitamin A-rich margarine. The vitamin in it and its natural oils and fats will help lock the moisture in you skin and keep it soft. P

When you take a shower, make it as quick as possible. Water dries the skin, so avoid taking more than two baths a day. Avoid antibacterial or deodorant soaps because they have ingredients that are harsh and contribute much to the drying of  the skin. Never rub your skin with the towel after bathing, just pat it dry. It is good to apply moisturizers while the skin is still damp.

You also should look into your diet. A good and balanced diet is the key to healthy skin. Foods that are rich in vitamin E are good for the skin, so be sure to include them in your diet.

1. Take time to walk, run, or jump for fifteen to twenty minutes each day. It is best to do it first thing in the morning to give your joints, muscles, and brain the needed warm-up for the coming day ahead that is full of physical and mental exertion.

2. Eat foods that are low in fat like fruits, vegetables, and grains. You also need to have a regular intake of the recommended amount of protein that your body needs everyday, such as from eggs or a little meat mixed in your veggies. Sweets are really tempting and having them every once in a while won’t hurt but you should avoid them as much as possible. Have fruits instead for your sweets.

3. Take care of your skin. The largest organ of your body is also one of the most important. Make it a habit to protect it from climactic toxins, apply sunblock cream on the areas that are more exposed to the sun like your arms, neck, and face. You also can use fruit juice to maintain the smoothness of your skin (especially the face). You can mix a small amount lemon juice in the water that you use to wash your face and arms. Fruit juice help keep the pores of your skin healthy.

4. Take time to meditate. Your soul needs at least five minutes of quiet time each day. Meditation should not be something that is taxing on your mind. Meditation means putting your mind to something that relaxes it. It is what others call “daydreaming”.

5. Raise your level of consciousness, and discover the things that inspire and motivate you. Your soul needs food, too, so take time to enjoy art, a good book, a home video, or anything that could help you find your spiritual self. You can do this at night after work, with your family.

6. The last but the most important: take time to show your love to the people you love. It could be your wife, kids, or friends. Love can be shown in little ways, it could be through not failing to kiss your wife and children before going to work each day.

For most people, though, sweating is just a small nuisance. Their problem has more to do with the odor that emanates from the body when they sweat. Perspiration is odorless, but it can have an unpleasant smell when it comes into contact with bacteria. People spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year to find a cure for this offensive problem. The cure for body odor depends on its severity and its actual cause. Some treatments you can consider include:

Antiperspirants – this over-the-counter option can eliminate odor because it makes the skin less attractive to bacteria. Antiperspirants also typically contain fragrances that mask the odor or sweat. It can be used on the underarms or even the hands and feet. It works by blocking your sweat ducks with aluminum so the amount of perspiration is controlled.

Botox – injecting Botox can be seen as an alternative if deodorants don’t work. Botox is the same substance used to smooth out wrinkles by paralyzing the facial muscles. Doctors believe that this treatment can block the nerves that cause sweat to appear. It is important to take note, though, that the treatment can be painful and you may need several injections before the desired results start to appear.

Iontophoresis – in this treatment, the doctor will use a device that delivers low-current electricity to the target area. Although it is generally painless, its effectiveness can be compared to a topical deodorant.

If grapes can improve the first so well, why not to use it for the second?  So, it is no wonder that such an experiment was carried out for the first time in the homeland of the well-known vignerons.

Where did it come from? In 3-4 millennium B.C., Egyptians grew grapes on their plantations. In the Middle Ages, a French perfumer created a gift for his beloved, the recipe of an elixir for strengthening and giving shine to hair from the basis of oil of grape seeds and a tea rose.

Where it can be bought? Grape oil, which has a pleasant airy nut flavor, is received from seeds after wine extraction and corresponding drying. It possesses a variety of valuable properties, including 100 active components, minerals, a protein, vitamins A, B, C and a high concentration of vitamin E. But grapes can differ very much. The oil concentration in red grapes is much higher than in white ones. You also should know that ripe southern berries, as a rule, have more oil than those from the northern district.

How to use it? Fresh juice is also a great option. For better effect, cut berries in half, and place them on your face for ten minutes. Due to high concentration of polyunsaturated rich acids, grape oil regulates cellular permeability and keeps moisture very well. Thus, we can restore elasticity of fading skin and improve it. The skin becomes velvety like a gentle peach. Ladies who have an adipose skin type should search on labels of different cosmetic products for oil from grape seeds. It is a real rescue from the inflamed skin, enlarged pores and excessive shine.

Cosmeticians recommend this recipe for home procedures: 1 teaspoon of grape oil and 1-2 drops each of orange, lemon and juniper essence. This kind of cocktail will strengthen effectiveness of anti-cellulite treatments.

Shampoo your hair everyday – this is the easiest technique to get rid of dandruff. Ridding your hair of excess oil and flakes through shampooing can help eliminate dandruff. However, it is possible that your current shampoo is causing the problem. In this case, you need to switch to an alternative. It is recommended to use anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione because it will reduce the selenium sulfide fungus and minimize cell turn-over.

Rotate three brands – your dandruff shampoo might stop working after a while, and you will find yourself combating the dandruff again. Don’t blame the product, though, because your scalp simply has developed a resistance to the shampoo’s ingredients. To prevent this scenario, you need to rotate three different shampoos, each with dissimilar formulations, every month.

Lather twice – the first lather will get rid of the unwanted flakes and oil on your hair. The process will clear up the area before you go for the second lather. It is in the second lathering that the shampoo will really go to work. Try leaving the shampoo on your hair for five minutes before rinsing it off, you will see the difference after several days.

Rinse your hair – Rinsing your hair with conditioner, lemon juice, or creams can be very helpful. Take note that the rinse you choose should be dependent on your hair type. For example, if you have dry hair, using conditioner or cream rinse is better than lemon juice. On the other hand, if you have oily hair, lemon juice might be the better alternative.

Summer fun can come at a high price – sunburns.

If you do get burned, there are a few ways you can find relief at home. If you have second degree burns with blisters or your burns cover a large area of your body, check with your doctor.

Otherwise, try these easy comfort methods while your skin heals.

1. Stay out of the sun and away from heat. If you go out, cover up with clothing. Avoid hot showers, as it will only increase the pain of tender, burned skin.
2. Drink water. Damaged skin does not retain water as well as healthy skin, and a well hydrated body is able to repair itself faster.
3. Aloe is a proven remedy. If you have an aloe plant, simply snap off a leaf and squeeze out the juicy gel. Otherwise, you can buy bottles of aloe vera gel at the store. Keep it in the fridge for a chilly cure. Be careful, though. Many store versions contain artificial food dyes, such as Blue Lake or Yellow #5, which can irritate the skin further.
4. Milk. Milk baths are standard beauty treatments, but they also can soothe a burn. Soak a washcloth in milk and apply to the burned area for 20 minutes. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Plain yogurt also will soothe the pain and promote healing.
5. Take a bath. Soaking in a cool tub of water will draw out the heat. Add baking soda or oatmeal, natural skin soothers, for extra relief.

You can expect a sunburn to last 1-3 days, and often the damaged skin will peel and slough off.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so prevent future burns by slipping on a shirt, slapping on a hat, and slopping on sunblock.

Luckily, Acutane is just one acne treatment available. For people who suffer from severe acne problems, it might seem like a lifeline, but what’s more important? Your outside or your inside? If you are worried about Acutane possibly having a detrimental effect on your psyche, but also want to clear up your skin, here are a few natural skin treatments you can try:

Oatmeal, when mixed together with warm water, works as an excellent mask. Simply leave it on for fifteen minutes or so, and then rinse it off with warm water.

Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and many people say that applying aloe vera directly to acne will help clear it up and heal the skin around it.

Lemon juice also has been touted as a wonderful natural acne treatment. Jan Brady may have used it to get rid of her freckles, but when you apply lemon juice directly to pimples, it helps dry them up!

If you don’t mind smelling like garlic, rub some raw garlic onto your face a few times a day. Apparently it will clear up even the most stubborn acne problems.

There are plenty of other home/natural acne remedies out there, and it is worth looking into, particularly if you are worried about the possible harmful side effects of products like Acutane.

To prevent a Rosacea outbreak, it is best to avoid hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, caffeine and spicy foods. Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures if possible and use good sun protection by using sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher. Do not rub or scrub your face and use soaps, moisturizers and other facial products that are free of alcohol.

If left untreated, Rosacea will get worse and may become more difficult to treat. There are many treatment options for Rosacea so be sure to check with a Dermatologist to find which treatment plan is best for you and that will aid in acne removal.

Consult a health directory for more information.

In addition to having laser hair removal to improve your image, you can use invisalign to add beauty to your smile.