Aromatherapy and Perfume

Posted on June 24th, 2007 by Arihant

Aromatherapy Perfumes are simple, uplifting blends of organic essential oils and absolutes in pure Jojoba oil. Aromatherapy is a therapy which uses the essential oils of plants, barks, roots and flowers to treat the skin, the emotions, and the body as a whole. Essential oils are used for everything from anxiety, stress, rheumatic pain and digestive disorders to skin problems and muscular complaints. Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell. Perfume oil can also be diluted by means of neutral-smelling lipids such as jojoba, fractionated coconut oil or wax. Perfume oil is necessarily diluted with a solvent because undiluted oils (natural or synthetic) contain high concentrations of volatile components that will likely result in allergic reactions and possibly injury when applied directly to skin or clothing. Grouping perfumes, like any taxonomy, can never be a completely objective or final process. Many fragrances contain aspects of different families. Even a perfume designated as “single flower”, however subtle, will have undertones of other aromatics. “True” unitary scents can rarely be found in perfumes as it requires the perfume to exist only as a singular aromatic material.

1 Comment »
Filed under: Beauty Tips

White Spot – A type of Fungal Infection

Posted on June 21st, 2007 by Arihant

White Spot is a stress related infection. Ich(White Spot ) is a common name for the parasite  Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and the disease that it causes. The white spot trophont  forms a nodule under the skin or gill epithelium.  Fish infected with Ich may have  white specks on their skin as though they were sprinkled with salt Ich is the largest known parasitic protozoan found on fishes. Adult organisms are oval to round and measure 0.5 to 1.0 mm in size. The adult is uniformly ciliated and contains a horseshoe-shaped nucleus which can be seen in older individuals. The skin of the fish may also look bumpy.  Mature forms of the parasite are large (up to 1 mm or 1/32 inch across) and can be seen without magnification. Ich often causes the fish to have large amounts of mucus sloughing off of their skin,  an appearance which may resemble fungus when viewed from a distance in the water. Many times, however, the only indication of IchÕs presence may be dead and dying fish. In some Ich cases the parasite may be present only on the gills and not on the skin.

In the early stages of the disease, fish are likely to flash and rub against objects because of the irritation. At a later, advanced stage they will become lethargic and spend most of their time sitting on the bottom. Life cycle of the Ich is a complex one, as by the time you see it on your fish it is already in the adult stages of its life. The general consensus is that Ich has a lifespan of about 10 to 14 days, while there are those in the science world that will go as far to say the lifespan will be as long as 20 days. Once the cyst settles in begins to multiply by dividing itself up to as many as 2,000 times. The result of this division produces what is called Tomites. The time frame for this division can vary. In a tank that is 77 degrees F, the tomites will only require about 12 hours to complete this stage as where in a tank of 50 degrees F it may require months to complete. After the formation of the tomites is complete, they emerge from the cyst as free swimming Theronts. At this stage of their life they are looking for new hosts to feed on. After falling off of the host, it becomes free swimming and will fall to the bottom of the tank or attach itself to rocks and decoration in the tank.

White Spot treatment Tips

 1. Free-swimming tomites are susceptible to chemical treatment. A single treatment will kill tomites which have emerged from cysts and have not yet burrowed into the skin of host fish.

2. An alternative treatment is prolonged salt immersion at 1-2  ppt (parts per thousand), i.e. 1-2 grams per litre

3. Water should be monitored during the treatment course in case there is any loss of filter activity.

4. It is also believed that fish that survive an attack of Ich have an increased immunity against future attacks

5. Water changes can help too at the first sign of out break.

6. Another thing that can be done to help with the treatment of ICH is adding salt to your tank. Most LFS carry aquarium salt and it serves in helping gill function and works as a general tonic to fish.

7. If used correctly, most of these meds have a high success rate, but keep in mind that they are strong treatments that will probably kill your plants (if you have planted tanks, remove fish and treat them separately).

8. Some recommend the addition of aquarium salt (NaCl salt, not to be confused with Marine salt, which contains buffers and should not be used on FW fish) at the concentration of 1 tablespoon per 20 liters with this treatment.

2 Comments »
Filed under: Skin Disorders

10 Ways to Beat Wrinkles

Posted on June 21st, 2007 by Arihant

Wrinkles are creases in the skin. Wrinkles are a natural part of aging. Wrinkles are the thin, creased, and sagging skin that is especially noticeable on the face, neck, and hands.  Skin wrinkles typically appear as a result of aging processes such as glycation or, temporarily, as the result of prolonged (more than a few minutes) immersion in water. Wrinkling in skin is caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking and poor hydration. Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows. skin is made up of 3 layers – the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outer layer and functions as a barrier to the external environment. The cells of the epidermis, keratinocytes, move from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the top layer building up a large amount of keratin and developing a tough outer shell. The second layer of skin is the dermis, which contains the structural elements of the skin, the connective tissue. There are various types of connective tissue with different functions.The dermal-epidermal junction interlocks forming fingerlike projections called rete ridges. The cells of the epidermis receive their nutrients from the blood vessels in the dermis. The rete ridges increase the surface area of the epidermis that is exposed to these blood vessels and the needed nutrients and bottom layer of skin is the subcutaneous tissue containing fat cells. These fat cells provide insulation to the body and make the skin look plump or full.

Humans have not documented which skin changes are specific to decreased estrogen and which skin changes are a result of sun exposure or just normal chronological aging. Although genetics are the most important determiner of skin texture, a major contributor to wrinkles is spending too much time in the sun. The sweat and oil glands of the skin become less numerous and smaller in size. This causes the skin to lose moisture and to dry out. Dry skin with weak collagen and elastin will sag, shrivel, and wrinkle. The skin around the eyelids, jaw, and neck is especially thin, and therefore more naturally prone to agingIn animal experiments lack of estrogen can cause a decrease in collagen levels of 2% per year and a decrease in skin thickness of 1% per year. The effects of gravity make the loosening of the skin more apparent as skin sags more. This causes jowls and drooping eyelids. Habitual facial expressions cause the skin to wrinkle as it looses elasticity. Frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet radiating from the corners of the eyes develop as the tiny muscles in those areas permanently contract.

10 Ways to Beat Wrinkles Tips

1.Protect your skin from the sun-Biggest cause of skin ageing is sunlight. You should use a sun screen every single day of the year. This will help your skin from becoming prematurely aged,a as well as guard against burning. The ageing rays of the sun are as prevalent in the cold winter months as in the hot summer ones so it’s a daily safeguard you should take.

2.Stop smoking- Cigarette smoke speeds up the ageing process because it strips your skin of oxygen and slows down the rate at which new cells are regenerated. It is responsible for giving skin a grey sluggish look

3.Deep cleanse- Many older women don’t cleanse their skin as thoroughly as they should believe this can lead to dryness and lines.

4.Deep moisturize-As well as daily moisturising, you can leave your night cream or usual moisturiser on your face thickly coated for 5-10 minutes then wipe away the excess to boost your water levels. Apply to damp skin for greater effect.

5.Boost the circulation-

6.Disguise lines by using foundation and concealers

7.Pamper regularly

8.Be weather vain

9.Be gentle on your skin- Be careful not to drag at your skin when applying or removing beauty/make up products

10.Clever makeup

No Comments »
Filed under: Skin Disorders

Herbs For Hair

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Much success has been achieved with the use of plant ingredients, for the treatment of the hair problems, selecting extracts that are known to promote hair growth and keep the scalp in a healthy condition. Not only do these ingredients have powerful therapeutic value, but the body responds well to natural organic substances.

Among the plant ingredients that have been used in the treatment of hair problems are Amla, Shikakai, Reetha, Bael, Heena, Hibiscus, Jatmansi, Neem, Lemon Grass Bhringaraj, Mint and so on.

Brahmi – The Natural Herb for Hair

Brahmi has been widely used in the ayurvedic system in India. Not only is it of great value in healing scalp infections,but is known to have a soothing and relaxing effects on the nerves.

During the ancient times, it was used to treat psychological problems. Being a nerve tonic and anti-depressant, it imparts a feeling of optimism and self-confidence. It is, therefore, beneficial in treating hair problems that are stress-related.

Hair herbs and their uses in hair products

These natural ingredients have been included in ranges of hair-care and treatment products like hair cleanser, rinses, conditioners, medicated lotions and ointments. Amla, for instance, helps to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance. Shikakai and reetha have powerful cleansing actions, but do not disturb the natural balances.

Many of these ingredients are effective agents against bacterial and fungal infections.

Mint has a stimulating effect, due to its action on the capillaries. Neem, one of the most popular and versatile ingredients, is nature’s own antibiotic. It has been used for centuries to cure skin and scalp disease.

Benefits of Hair Herbs

Those who use chemical hair treatment lotions and dyes, as well as styling procedures that are known to cause hair damage, should realize that it is all the more important to give the hair regular treatments with natural products, so that hair receives some protection from the effect of chemicals.

Many of the herbs facilitate the removal and cleansing of toxins and wastes. Natural ingredients are non-toxic and do not harm the structure of hair. They do not destroy the cuticle. In fact, they help to coat the hair shafts, strengthening and protecting the hair.

2 Comments »
Filed under: Hair Care

Removing Mascara

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Remove mascara properly with an oil based remover. You could also use petroleum jelly for removing the mascara. Wipe gently on to the lashes; leave for a few seconds and then gripping the lashes gently between your fingers wrapped in tissue remove the mascara from root to tip. This will not pull out your lashes if done carefully.

No Comments »
Filed under: Makeup Tips

Lining the Eyes

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Eyeliners, including our own indigenous kaajal are the most extensively used form of eye make-up. Liners outline the eye and are particularly attractive in deeper toning colours (to match the eyeshadow).

The earlier type of liner has now been some what replaced by liquids and pencils. The liquid liners are sold in bottles either with a separate sable brush or in an automatic-unit with the brush built into the cap. The product may be either water-based (when it is susceptible to wetting with water) or alcohol-based (when it is water-proof). Our own kaajal has also undergone a considerable improvement- from cake to stick and now to a pencil, which is so easy to use.

No Comments »
Filed under: Makeup Tips

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Good news for the shiny-faced, you may not have to use a moisturizer at all, because your skin’s natural oils may protect it from water loss. But even oily skin can have dry patches during seasons like winter when the oil content may be adequate but since the water content is less the skin might still fell dry. You should use an oil-free moisturizer to tackle this kind of dryness. Oil-free moisturizers contain ingredients that work like oil to help seal water into your skin, without an oily feel and without causing breakouts. Though they’re not quite as thick and rich as oils, these ingredients will effectively hydrate your skin. They work espacially well if you’re prone to acne or tend to get breakouts during your menstrual cycle, because many oil-enriched products may occlude pores, leading to zits.

No Comments »
Filed under: Makeup Tips

Applying Eye Makeup

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Eyes are the most expressive features of our face and one must attempt to enhance their beauty by proper eye make- up. To get an effective result,begin by an application of eye shadow. Apply the lighter colour to highlight the entire eyelid and the area below the eyebrow. Then use the darker colour to put an accent. This can be done by drawing a line starting from the middle of the eyelid, just above the lashes, moving outwards tillthe corner of the eye, and then reverse it in a V-shape defining the eye contour. This should be followed by the application of an eyeliner and mascara.

No Comments »
Filed under: Makeup Tips

Cell Renewal or Exfoliation

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Did you know that your skin sheds dead skin cells on a daily basis? In fact, even while you sleep, Mother nature is doing her job by making sure your skin exfoliates itself without your help. Cells from the dermis age as they move upwards. By the time they reach the surface, they are dead and are shed off. These dead cells, removed from the epiidermis, are extremely tiny and not visible to the naked eye. The normal cycle is about six to eight weeks. Stress, pollution and UV rays however tend to slow down epidermal turnover time.

No Comments »
Filed under: Beauty Tips

Greying of Hair

Posted on May 5th, 2007 by Arihant

Greying hair, like wrinkled skin, is a manifestation of the ageing process. Both cause much despair and feeling of regret, for lost youth. When hair starts greying permaturely, it can cause a great deal of anxiety and hopelessness. It does present a problem of how to camouflage the grey hair and also check the process.

To understand the greying process, one must have a basic idea of the structure of the hair. It is in the middle layer of the hair shafts, the cortex, that pigment,or coloring matter, forms. This gives the hair its colour. The more the pigment may not form, causing the hair to be without colour. The white colourless strands mix with the dark hair and give the impression of grey hair.

No Comments »
Filed under: Hair Care

« Previous Page — Next Page »