Ecco Bella Skin Care Is All Organic, All Natural! No Carcinogenic or Comedogenic Preservatives Added!

I take care of my skin well by using organic anti aging skin care products as possible. When I purchase beauty products off the shelf I am careful in reading the list of ingredients at the back. Who knows that scientifically sounding ingredient could be plugging my pores or perhaps scarring my skin gradually? Imagine my delight in finding a beauty and skin care company engaged in providing only the most natural and safe products for its clientele.

Ecco Bella has only the choicest ingredients for its beauty and skin care product line. It also makes sure its products were never tested on animals. From Ecco Bella's FAQ page we learn that Ecco Bella products are non-comedogenic and preservative-free. All Ecco Bella products are preservative-free except for Shampoo, Conditioner, Mascara and Natural Foundation. But we were assured that over time these products will become preservative-free as well.

In addition to that we learn that grapefruit seed extract and vitamin E, which are popular ingredients in organic cosmetics, are in truth not full spectrum preservatives that kill both bacteria and mold. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that keeps oils from going rancid but it will not kill bacteria.

To really provide anti-bacterial action, Ecco Bella uses methyl and propyl paraben as preservatives in some of its cosmetic products. They are two of the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Parabens in general are the most frequently used preservatives in the US. In 1977, approximately 30% of all cosmetics registered with the FDA contained parabens. Methyl and propyl paraben are broad spectrum and are classified to be: nonpoisonous, nonirritating and nonsensitizing.

Methyl paraben can be naturally derived from benzoic acid which does not store in the body. It is classified to be safe for the skin and also for the environment. They provide bacterial and fungicidal activity against a diverse number of organisms. They have an extremely low sensitizing risk and are classified as safe. They are even used in intravenous medicines. There is a range of paraben concentrations used in Ecco Bella's mascaras, foundations.

Since this blog is focused on anti aging skin care products, I immediately dived into Ecco Bella's skin care page where i found the following description of its skin care line:

Skin Care with VitaminCells

Ecco Bella natural and organic anti-aging skin care has world renowned anti-aging vitamins.

•Helps slow down the signs of aging with trillions of nutrient filled Vitamin Cells.

•Lutein, lycopene, astaxanthin, CoQ10, Vitamin E and Vitamin C are proven to help skin retain its natural beauty.

•Doctor approved, anti-aging, natural and organic skin care that is preservative-free for sensitive skin.

•Ecco Bella guarantees you will be exuberant over these natural beauty products.

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Organic Skin Care Information at Saffron Rouge

I was out shopping yesterday for my monthly supply of bathroom and skin care products. As much as possible I'd like to buy natural beauty products. So I kept checking out the list of ingredients on the label at the back of each product I pick regardless of the brand name. Some I can barely read because of the fine print and the number of ingredients listed.

I had the impression that herbal ingredients such as witch hazel and rosemary makes a difference. I have also read that denatured alcohol and salicylic acid are de rigeur for some products. They keep the acne out and cleans the skin of bacterial residue. Though the skin may not be completely cleansed, it is safe to assume that besides having minimized pores and smoother skin texture one can avoid developing acne infections if these products were used with regularity.

I was particularly concerned with the ingredients in the organic skin care product I use as toner. I was able to find a good toner with the prerequisite herbal ingredient and at a good price, too! I was very happy - for the meantime.

"How about next month then?" I asked myself.

Well I found a good website online that can give me the organic skin care product to use without wasting time at the mall which actually lacks options for consumers of natural skin care products like me.

It's called Saffron Rouge, website of Kirstin Binder, organic beauty expert. I like Kirstin's site because of the variety of organic skin care information stored there. She has listed some of her favorite natural beauty products. There are also freebies available if you purchase products from her site.

Saffron Rouge offers natural beauty products for men, women and even babies. That is how safe to use the organic skin care products being sold at the site. There are also articles on Kirstin's blog on how to keep your personal natural skin care regimen.

For more information on organic skin care, natural beauty products and tips for maintaining a natural skin care regimen, visit Saffron Rouge at www.saffronrouge.com.

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Young? Beautiful? Join Look of the Year Model Search, an online beauty contest!

Ever dreamed of becoming the next Gisele Bundchen, or Adriana Lima? How about becoming another Tyson Beckford or Marcus Schenkenberg? Now is the time for you to step into the spotlight and show people in the modeling industry your potential to be a model! Join the Look of the Year Model Search online and win a $10,000 cash prize and perhaps be signed into a modeling contract with one of the hottest modeling agencies in the world.
(In Photo at Left: Gisele Bündchen)

If you are aged 14 and above, young, fresh faced, beautiful and worthy of the title, sign up now at LookoftheYear.com and submit your personal information and at most three most recent photos. Each participant is voted upon by visitors and the one who has the most votes at the end of the beauty contest wins the top prize.

There are no prerequisites, no limitations. Everyone is qualified to join as long as the photos submitted are not judged as obscene. Each participant has a profile page that representatives of Model Agencies can check out and, if they are interested, they can contact the person through private messages or email.



Visit Look of the Year Model Search for more details on how to join this online beauty contest and become one of the beautiful models of the young generation.

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LAser HAir Removal Treatments for a More Beautiful Ageless You

I am a Filipina with light brown skin. We call the color of our skin "kayumanggi". I don't look Chinese, less of the Spanish-Indo hybrid, and more of the Indian-Spanish kind. As a result I have deeper seated oriental eyes, and more hair on my Asian skin. The last characteristic may be attractive to some of the opposite sex, but to me, having too much unwanted hair can be a problem.

I have heard of hair removal laser treatments before, but I have no idea how the process is done. I have lots of questions on my mind about it: will it hurt? will it leave scars on my skin? how long will take before I have that smooth hairless appearance I've been longing for? These questions were finally answered when I stumbled upon a Dallas hair removal treatment site, Advanced Skin Fitness.

Advanced Skin Fitness offers two kinds of laser hair removal methods: one is for lighter skin and another for skin of color or darker skin. The first one, GentleLASE, is used to remove unwanted hair from people with fair to medium skin, light to dark hair, and blue, green, or brown eyes. While the second one, GentleYAG, is for removing unwanted hair from people with darker skin, tanned skin, and brown to black eyes. The relationship between skin, hair and eye colors are found in the pigment source: melanin. The more melanin you have, the darker your eyes, hair and skin are.

And melanin, I have discovered, tends to block harmful UV rays. This is the reason why most Asians look younger than their actual age. Their skin is naturally protected from sun-damage. However, when undergoing laser hair removal treatments it is important for the beauty technician to know how much melanin you have in your body. If the intensity of laser is not matched with the amount of melanin in your skin, the effectiveness of the hair removal laser treatment may decrease, which may lengthen the treatment period.

What I like about that Dallas laser hair removal website is that they have offered some tips on what to do before and after undergoing the process. The following are just some of those listed at the site:

* avoid the sun for 4 – 6 weeks for the GentleLASE alexandrite laser; 2 weeks with the GentleYAG ND:YAG laser. Recent sun exposure or artificial tanning bed exposure can excite the melanin in the skin and can adversely affect treatment effectiveness.

* avoid spray-on tans for 7 days prior to treatment

* the treatment area should be absolutely clean of any deodorants, lotions, makeup, sun block, or any other chemicals or skincare products. These can block the transmission of light and limit the amount of heat that enters the skin.

* make a note of any medications that you are currently taking. The laser hair removal professional needs to make sure that any medications you are taking do not cause photosensitivity.

For the after-treatment care, Advanced Skin Fitness offered the following information:

Treated skin will feel like a sun burn for a few hours after the treatment. The skin will appear pink and may be slightly tender for a few hours to a few days. On rare occasion there may be burning, blistering, scabbing, or bruising. If this happens contact Advanced Skin Fitness immediately for special instructions.

The hair will appear to grow after the treatment. It is actually not growing, it is shedding. In about 10 to 14 days the hair will loosen up and fall out of the follicle.

It is important to closely follow your protocol and schedule your next appointment. Missed appointments can results in more treatments than normal.

If you have any additional questions and would like to know more about the hair removal laser treatment services of Advanced Skin Fitness, visit their website at www.advancedskinfitness.com or their Dallas laser hair removal clinic at 2928 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219 on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 7 pm.

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Anti Aging After Shave Now Available!

Most anti aging skin care products are usually geared towards women. Lotions, serums, and creams are packaged and marketed with the female buyer in mind. It is rather unusual to find products for men who are concerned with wrinkles and aging.

Introducing the one of the newest products against aging created for men: the Anti-Wrinkle After Shave. DermaLAstyl-m is an anti-wrinkle after shave that contains a special formula composed of real human elastin in the form of Elastrophin (registered trademark). This ingredient is purported to restore youthful appearance and improve one's skin in just a few months of regular use.

Since Elastrophin® is made from organic sources, it is readily absorbed by human skin, and delivers genuine human elastin to the skin. The protein elastin keeps skin flexible and able to stretch or contract, and then return to its normal shape.

Elastin is lost as we age, making signs of aging appear more frequently and likely permanently. With the use of Anti Aging DermaLAstyl-m, a man can keep the wrinkles away without steering from his usual morning routine. No additional lotions or creams to apply. Just rub the anti-aging after shave evenly onto your skin, and enjoy looking years younger.

DermaLastyl-m contains Argireline® to help relax facial muscles, and Matrixyl 3000® to promote collagen production. It also employs Hyaluronic Acid to both moisturize and stimulate collagen synthesis, and Proli-Sel® selenium antioxidant to help protect your face against photodamage.

For more information on DermaLAstyl-m and on ordering and shipping costs, please visit this page.

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Beauty salons' customer service quality is the best!

One thing I love about beauty salons is the kind of customer service they deliver. I like it that they know how to take care of you. And once you have become a regular customer they show their appreciation by giving you privileges not usually offered to other clients.

What's more you get to know some wonderful people at the beauty salon, both the other regular clients and the beauty consultants there. They are a happy bunch, always joking and laughing. And of course, if you are into gossip, you will find a treasure when you stay longer. Everybody's got a story to tell, no matter how true it is or whether it should be talked about in the first place.

The best beauty salons give you quality services because of the training their employees have undergone, and the level of quality service they expect them to deliver. This is referred as quality service management.

Constant changes in their service policy is undertaken based on continued customer feedback and on research on the newest trends in this field. Old clients may love the old ways, but integrating the new won't hurt if it will get you new loyal customers as a result.

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Snail extract can get rid of wrinkles and acne!

I wonder... Will snail extract cream be effective in fighting anti aging signs on skin? According to an Eye Beauty Tips article, it can! Apparently a paste made from the secretions of snails can plump up, smoothen and soften skin.

This amazing discovery was made by workers in a snail farm. Their skin became baby soft after handling the snails everyday. It seems snails can regenerate their shells when their shells were damaged or became diseased. The same substance that helps snails will also help human skin to regenerate and be rejuvenated.

It was mentioned in the Eye Beauty Tips article that a pharmaceutical company is taking advantage of this discovery to create an effective anti aging skin care product to combat wrinkles and acne. Additional ingredients are allantoin, collagen, natural peptides, proteins, vitamins and glycolic acid.

However, after researching the scientific name of the snail variety mentioned (extraviada natural Alantonia) in the said article, I couldn't find information on it. Instead I found several kinds of snails from different parts of the world. I don't know which of these were used for making this rumored upcoming anti wrinkle cream.

In the meantime why don't you spend some time watching this video of Giant African Snails? The background music is nice and soothing, add to that the slowness of movement and the video will probably lull you to sleep... hehehe...

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FREE trial-size Makeup Remover from Clinique!

Good news to make-up lovers! Clinique is offering a limited offer! For any $40 purchase at Clinique.com you can get a FREE trial-size Makeup Remover plus Standard Shipping if you use the offer code TTDO. This offer is valid through May 31st only so hurry now!

About Clinique

Clinique Laboratories, LLC. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of prestige skin care, makeup and fragrance products.

Clinique was first launched in 1968 with skin care and makeup products that are all allergy tested and 100% fragrance free. Our products have been designed to address individual skin types and needs. The products are based on research and related expertise of leading dermatologists. Clinique's skin care products are marketed as part of the Three-Step System: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize.

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Now one can eat ice cream and look younger at the same time!

Anti-Ageing ice cream with fruit flavors
by Anonymous

Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa January 16 2004 -- A South African company, the Renewal Centre - who bill themselves as South Africa's Antidote to Stress, brought a whole new meaning to therapy and a unique South African sensory experience, in their announcement of their world first range of organic Vinetherapy™ Ice Creams using the same fruit flavours that are used as descriptors for wine, with flecks of grape seed extract which offer anti-oxidant properties.

All good upmarket wines are described using fruit, like cherry, blackcherry, black currant, strawberry, blueberry, liquorice, anise, mint, chocolate, guava, gooseberry, vanilla, peach, apricot, pear, fig and honey. Now this same approach towards using fruits as wine descriptors, is being brought to the arena of ice cream, elevating ice cream into a whole new stratosphere of flavours, like:

Vinetherapy™Chardonnay Grape with Fig & Honey - Reserve 2004
Bold, ripe, smooth and creamy. A real mouthful of the Chardonnay grape. Its tiers of ripe pear, fig, and honey flavours have resulted in a beautifully crafted ice cream, with a rich butterscotch aftertaste that still has all those delicious flavours chiming in. It is irresistible!

Vinetherapy™ Chardonnay Grape with Peach & Pear - 2004
Bright with fruit and supple in texture, this harmonious white velvety smooth ice cream has a generous dose of peach and pear flavours and a hint of honey on the finish. This ice cream is "very good, an ice cream with special qualities," and this Chardonnay fruit offers virtues without flaws. Stellenbosch is known for a full-bodied, ripe style of winemaking, and that heritage is reflected in this ice cream's "supple" texture, "generous" fruit flavours and "hint of honey". You'll remember it for the rest of your life.

Vinetherapy™ CABERNET SAUVIGNON Grape with Black Cherry & Raspberry Private Bin 2004
DESCRIPTION: The Vinetherapy™ Cabernet grape is rich with deep, dark berry aromas. This ice cream is wonderfully complex with lush black cherry, black raspberry and cassis. The lingering juicy finish is complete as an exotic dessert.

Vinetherapy™ Blackberry & Cherry PINOTAGE Limited Edition 2004:
DESCRIPTION: The Vinetherapy™ Pinotage grape is wonderfully intense. This ice cream has rich black fruit with a velvety texture and a lingering berry finish which will delight your palate. This ice cream is full of berry and black cherry and has a lovely cocoa finish.

The Vinetherapy™ range of ice creams was inspired in the South African coastal resort town of Camps Bay in Cape Town, with Sinnfull, the ice cream emporium and the Renewal Centre, the developers of the Vinetherapy™ range of products, known as - South Africa's Miracle of Nature.

The Vinetherapy™ range of products from the Renewal Centre in South Africa, have high concentrations of grape seed polyphenols, by cultivar, especially the South African red grape varietal, Pinotage, that are potent anti-oxidants and proven to be effective in treating wrinkles and ageing.

Now one can eat ice cream and look younger at the same time!

Note: The Renewal VineTherapy Range™ is the culmination of extensive research and development in which the finest viticultural grapes are used to develop our specially crafted cosmoceutical ranges. The Renewal VineTherapy™ products base ingredients have been carefully selected and prepared with immense care over the years, by the world's best viticulturalists. The by-products from these world class grapes, which have been specially nurtured and harvested from around the Stellenbosch and West Coast wine areas, consist of grape seeds and husks, which form the foundation of a unique South African healing processes and have resulted in a world class South African health and skincare range.

The Renewal VineTherapy™ range is a luxurious range of health and skin care products developed to treat the aging process of the body both internally and externally. The range is based on the highest quality Pinotage Grape-seed extracts containing high concentrations of grape-seed polyphenols.

None of the products contain alcohol. They are free from animal derivatives and are not tested on animals. This is South Africa's Miracle of Nature - and used in South African Airways First Class Lounges.

TREATMENT OF EFFECTS OF AGING EXTERNALLY
The effects of ageing on the skin, is treated with our specialised Pinotage grape seed polyphenol treatments for the skin and body care products.

The Pinotage Grape-seed oil and grape polyphenols form the basis of this range.

To this, unique medicinal botanicals and therapeutic ingredients that are indigenous to South Africa, from the Cape area have been scientifically added and formulated, which further enhances the unique South African health and healing experience.

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
Normal metabolism releases destructive oxygen molecules called free radicals into the body. On a daily basis we are all exposed to additional destructive free radicals from pollution, smoke, alcohol, contaminated water, sunlight, stress and tension.

It is now commonly known from research, that free radicals are largely responsible for our aging process by being implicated in cardiovascular diseases, memory loss, vision loss, arthritis, certain cancers and sports injuries. Free radicals can be described as the cause of "biological rusting". 80% of skin aging is due to the effect of free radicals. They kill off our cells, and therefore cause premature aging. (It is free radicals that make our fruit go brown).

Everyone therefore needs to combat free radicals, by the use of Anti-oxidants, which reduce oxidative damage. Research has proven that Grape-seed extract is the best antioxidant available. Studies have proven that it is a more powerful reducer of free radical induced cell damage than vitamin C, E, and B-carotene. Some of the biological active flavonoids found in red grape seeds, posses up to 20 to 50 times more antioxidant activity than vitamins C and E respectively.

Issued by:
Tony McKeever for and on behalf The Renewal Centre

Contact Details:
ny[at]renewal.co.za
Tel: 27.829 511 488
Fax: 27.21.438 0319
www.vinetherapy.co.za
The information contained in this message is intended for the addressee as press release with no embargoes.


This article courtesy of www.anti-wrinkle-creams.org. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

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Anti-Wrinkle Protection: Coenzyme Q10

by Natalie Katsman

Coenzyme Q10 has exceptional antioxidant properties. Studies show that it can effectively prevent damage to collagen and elastin production process and help you avoid wrinkles.

Anti-Wrinkle Protection: Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 was discovered in 1957. This vitamin-like substance, present in every cell of the body, is vitally important for cell functioning: it plays a major role in energy production and is a powerful antioxidant. Doctors and researchers around the globe have been investigating CoQ10, and now it is used for a variety of ailments and as a part of preventive care: * CoQ10 is needed for anything that requires energy: heart and liver functioning, sperm production, muscle activity * it boosts immune system * shown to be effective in treatment of gum diseases * lowers blood pressure * it is used in cancer treatment and was noticed to reduce tumors.

Human body has the ability to make its own CoQ10. After the age of 20 the production level declines, but the demand grows. Foods highest in coenzyme CoQ10 include beef, spinach, sardines, albacore tuna, and peanuts. Unfortunately, high temperatures that we use to cook meals will affect the coenzyme. That is why older people and those who want to use CoQ10 for therapeutic effect will benefit from taking it as a supplement.

How effective is CoQ10 in skin care?

Wrinkles appear when skin loses its elasticity. This is due to decreased collagen production and collagen crosslinking. Everyday life, cell metabolism, exposure to sun and other environmental factors, toxins, cigarette smoke - all result in production of free radicals. Those overactive pesky molecules or atoms have odd electrons on their orbits and try to find a balance. They either give away the odd electron or find a pair for it, thus making another molecule unstable, turning it into another free radical.

While this process is natural and unavoidable as a part of metabolism, too many free radicals cause dangerous chain reactions that destroy cellular compounds and can damage DNA, proteins and lipids (fats). When it comes to skin aging, free radicals interfere with collagen production and cause premature aging.

Coenzyme Q10 has exceptional antioxidant properties. Studies show that it can effectively counteract free radical damage and provide significant protection against UVA-induced depletion of cell membrane. In other words, it will prevent damage to collagen and elastin production process and help you avoid wrinkles.

CoQ10 is so powerful, it is able to reduce cancer tumors and minimize stroke consequences that are due to suddenly increased levels of free radicals. So when applied topically, it can provide extra protection for your skin and produce a dramatic anti-wrinkle effect.

Note: Information in this article is not to be taken as a medical advise. Always consult your doctor if you need professional help.

(C) Natalie Katsman, 2003.

About the Author

Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of www.natural-aid.com, where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty and well-being and subscribe to Healthy Skin Newsletter filled with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic chemistry.

This article courtesy of www.anti-wrinkle-creams.org. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

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Know Your Skin Type Before Buying Any Anti Aging SKin Care Product!

I just got a sage advice from Cavyl Stewart: "Knowing your skin type is important because this will help you determine the right skin care products, soaps or cleansers to use." I read her latest newsletter about this.

I echo her sentiments too. Before buying the latest anti aging skin care product try to find out first what type of skin you have. Here are the four basic skin types to identify:

Normal skin (the ideal skin type)

• has medium-sized pores


• has an even texture


• appears smooth and healthy looking


• has good circulation and color


• has a tendency to become a little dry around the cheeks

Oily skin

• has a more shiny skin tone


• has larger pores


• blackheads and blemishes are more prevalent

Dry skin

• feels tight; more so after cleansing


• more prone to fine wrinkles, red patches and flaking


• appears dull due to the buildup of dead skin

Sensitive skin

• delicate, thin and has fine pores


• appears to blush more easily


• can be susceptible to rashes and other skin irritations


• broken capillaries are a problem with sensitive skin

Once you have identified your skin type, it will be easier for you to choose which product to use that will either moisturize (for dry skin) or lessen the sebum on (for oily skin) your skin.

I happen to have a combination skin, which means I have oily areas on my forehead and along the bridge of my nose. This forms the shape of a letter T, which is why it's commonly called the T-zone.

My cheeks and the areas around my mouth range from normal to dry skin. I often moisturize my face to combat dryness and control the oil. I use a special moisturizer for this and it's in a form of lotion rather than serum or liquid. Cream is used for really dry skin.

Besides using any skin care product, try these organic ways of keeping your skin as normal as possible: lower your stress levels, keep yourself out of the sun as often as possible, use sunscreen (SPF 15 and above) if it can't be avoided, change your diet to nutritious foods, and exercise daily to encourage sweating which cleans out our skin pores.

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Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

by Mitamins Team

This article discusses about the uses and benefits of grape seed extract. The article explains how grape seed extract benefits us in treating cardiovascular diseases, allergies, cataracts, and providing skin care.

Grape seed extract is a natural source of a powerful antioxidant called OPC. It is twenty and fifty times more powerful than vitamin C and vitamin E respectively. In addition, grape seed extract is good for brain support and eye health as it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties besides being an environmentally friendly antioxidant.

Grape seed extract can support the treatment of aging by stopping the onset of degenerative mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, and also by slowing down the outer aging process. Grape seed extract is also used in the treatment of cancer by suppressing tumor growth and providing protection against the effects of internal and external stresses. Another benefit of grape seed extract is that it is helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia, a disorder known by its chronic pain in the muscles.

Grape seed extract has been known to help in the treatment of the following health concerns.

Treatment of High Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Grape seed extract has the ability to lower cholesterol levels and thereby support heart health. The powerful antioxidants in grape seed extract helps improve the strength of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to help prevent heart disease and stroke. It also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis or development of plaques in the blood vessels.

Treatment of Aging and Skincare

The benefits of grape seed extract also include its excellent skincare properties. Grape seed extract helps to bind to collagen much better than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. This promotes youthful skin, healthy cells, cellular elasticity, flexibility, and generally helps in the treatment of aging. For this reason, gape seed extract is one of the most effective ingredients in skincare and spa treatments, and is used in many beauty creams.

Grape seed extract is often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The presence of flavonoids in grape seed extract can prevent allergic reactions that can cause eczema. Grape seed extract also helps in restoring the normal functioning of the tissues.

Treatment of Allergies

Grape seed extract works as a natural antihistamine and helps in the treatment of a number of allergies. It also helps in controlling the symptoms of allergic reactions, such as sneezing and chest congestion. Grape seed extract can also help in the treatment of endometriosis, a menstrual disorder. The release of prostaglandins during endometriosis generates inflammation and pain.

Support in Eye Health

Grape seed extract can help regulate the blood flow in eyes and so prevent and treat various eye health concerns. Grape seed extract helps in preventing free-radical damage, a leading cause of macular degeneration and cataracts, the most common causes of blindness in older people.

Article Source: Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

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Beauty and Stress - Effects of Stress

By: Alien

It's when tension becomes long term - as it has for so many of us - that your mood, your body, and your beauty - suffers. The following conditions are common beauty­ leaching reactions to stress. Fortunately, most disappear once you stop feeling frantic.

Spots and breakouts: The stress response hormone, cortisol, causes the body to secrete extra androgen, a sex hormone that increases sebum production. This excess sebum clogs pores and leads to blackheads and whiteheads.

Pale complexion: Have you ever looked in the mirror one morning during a particularly hellish week at work and wondered why you look so washed out? Blame it on a decrease in blood flow to the skin, because blood is what gives skin its rosy glow. A stressed body prioritizes its blood flow, sending the majority of blood to vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs and, therefore, away from the skin. Stress is not a disease. It can, however, lead to numerous ailments and aggravate any existing health conditions.

Scaly skin: The diminished blood supply that makes skin pale can also cause flakiness. That's because without a rich supply of blood, the skin’s cells renew themselves more slowly. Keep in mind that when you’re under stress, your skin may simultaneously break out, look pale, and display flaky patches.

Itchy bumps: When your body is stressed, it often releases histamines, which in turn can create itching, inflammation, rashes, and hives in those of us who are prone to those kinds of things.

If you tend to pick at your skin when you are under stress (don't be ashamed ­lots of us do that), don't spend time standing in front of mirrors. You'll only end up staring at your face, searching for pimples to squeeze. This leads to infected cyst-like pimples and scars.

Body aches: When tension persists, the primed muscles (remember the fight-or-flight response?) remain rigid and inflexible. Blood flow diminishes, starving the muscles' fibers of oxygen and causing them to shorten. The result: sore shoulders, stiff neck, tight jaw, and/or knotted back, plus enough discomfort to make life miserable. This can really have an affect on your posture and bearing. Most heart attacks occur on Monday mornings. Why? Experts believe it's the stress of having to return to a pressure-filled job. Now what more motivation do you need to find work you love?

Tummy troubles: You remember those nervous stomach aches you got as a kid before your first day of school - or you still get when faced with a week of insane work deadlines or some unpleasant relationship or family issue? When stress strikes, the brain douses the gastrointestinal tract with neurotransmitters and hormones. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, in turn, responds in several ways - by going into spasms, slowing down or speeding up, or secreting more acids. The not-so-lovely result of all this is a churning stomach, waves of nausea, or an irascible bowel.

Headaches: Clenched muscles in the neck, face, and scalp can lead to tension headaches. Also known as muscle-contraction headaches, these range from mildly irksome to severely painful. They feel like pressure, often described as a "vice grip," is being applied to the head or neck. For some people, the pain is so bad that shampooing, brushing, and styling hair is painful. Stress depletes the body of B-vitamins, especially vitamin B6. If you're undergoing a prolonged period of stress, consult your health-care provider about taking a vitamin B-complex supplement.

About The Author:

Alien writes for a Medical doctor. He also writes about home remedies and drugs treatment.

He is writing for a family doctor since Aug 2006. Check out his latest articles on Bodybuilding supplements and Makeup tips.

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