Every night I use Pond’s cold cream to cleanse my skin. I follow the cleansing with moisturizer before applying eye cream and Retin-A. As you may know by now, I’m convinced Retin-A will be my secret to looking 60 when I’m really 70. Once every couple weeks I may treat myself to a microdermabrasion scrub or a hydrating mask.

In the morning, I use a washcloth dipped in organic coconut oil to wash off the dry skin flakes that sometimes come from Retin-A. I follow that (sometimes) with antioxidant rich Vitamin C cream and I top that with La-Roche Posay’s SPF 60 tinted sunscreen.

After all of this, it’s amazing I find the time to floss.

Dermatologists are always touting retinols, antioxidants AND microdermabrasion, but if one is on a prescription-strength retinoid (like my Retin-A), should she also be subjecting her skin daily to a Vitamin C cream and twice a month to a scrub? I was wondering how much is too much, so I turned to Maryann Mikhail, a dermatologist at Manhattan’s Spring Street Dermatology with that exact question.

Find out what she had to say.

Image: Photographer’s Choice

How Much Skincare is Too Much? originally appeared on About.com Beauty on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 23:09:38.

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How to Find a Good Diet
There are many popular diets today. Some of them are simply fad diets that will come and go. There are other diets that are more like lifestyle changes. These diets, are those, which will be incorporated into one’s life for the long term. Depending on your individual weight goals, you can find a diet that [...]

There are many popular diets today. Some of them are simply fad diets that will come and go. There are other diets that are more like lifestyle changes. These diets, are those, which will be incorporated into one’s life for the long term. Depending on your individual weight goals, you can find a diet that is appropriate for you.

Some diets are instituted because people are suffering from specific health challenges. Other diets are started simply because dieters would like to lose an amount of weight. There will also be dieters, who would like to maintain their current weight. Diet, and regular exercise practices, are wonderful ways to accomplish these goals.

Skip the $120 Massage & Buy a Can of Tennis Balls Instead?

Three years ago I spent an unforgettable week at Rancho La Puerta, a fitness spa in Tecate, Mexico, where I learned about the benefits of fish oil pills from Dr. Frank Lipman, tried out Pilates for the first time, got a great low-fat guacamole recipe partially made out of peas (peas!) and learned how to remove the kinks and knots in my muscles using a tennis ball.

I’m not kidding. I took a class at Rancho that taught us how to use tennis balls to massage out the knots in our legs, backs, necks and arms. We learned several positions that involved the floor, a wall and ourselves. I was reminded of the tennis ball trick this week in Tulum, Mexico, when I was paying $120 for deep tissue massages. I thought, “this is great, but the tennis ball is virtually free!”

So how to do the massage? Basically, you place a tennis ball between you and a wall or the floor. You want to place the ball at a pressure point (usually found along either side of the spine, along the lower back and at the top of the back) and then gently move the ball up and down providing just enough pressure that it feels good, not wincingly painful. You can keep the ball on the knots for a few seconds or even a few minutes.

For more information on tennis ball massage, check out this article I found on a wonderful, witty Website on solving chronic pain issues called “saveyourself.ca.”

Photo: Digital Vision

Skip the $120 Massage & Buy a Can of Tennis Balls Instead? originally appeared on About.com Beauty on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 22:32:52.

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Could You Ever Go This Red?

I once tried on a red wig and couldn’t believe I looked good in it because I looked completely washed out in the black wigs and the brown wigs that I’d tried on before. Not only did I look good in it, but somehow I felt sultrier.

If you’re curious about going red or transforming your own look, I would advise to NOT DO IT YOURSELF. Any time you go more than 2 shades darker or lighter or transform your look with an entirely new color, put your head in the hands of a paid professional. I can’t tell you how many emails I get from people who hate their color and want to fix it at home. My advice to them is “get thee to the salon.”

More fun stuff on red hair:

• Photos of famous redheads
• 8 tips to keep red hair from fading
• How to pick the perfect hair color

Photo of Florence Welch by Dave Hogan, Getty Images

Could You Ever Go This Red? originally appeared on About.com Beauty on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 23:29:05.

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Health Tip: Avoid Triggers for Eczema (HealthDay)
HealthDay - (HealthDay News) — The skin condition eczema, characterized by an itchy red rash, may be caused by a host of allergens or irritants.

Info On Bad Breath
Bad Breath also known is halitosis. Bad breath is breath that has an displeasing odor. This odor can aggress from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, depending on the cause. Bad breath is an embarrassing complication. Many of us would have sustained from bad breath at some point in our lives. Bad breath is [...]

Bad Breath also known is halitosis. Bad breath is breath that has an displeasing odor. This odor can aggress from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, depending on the cause. Bad breath is an embarrassing complication. Many of us would have sustained from bad breath at some point in our lives.

Bad breath is a problem which is shared by millions of people across the country. Millions of bacteria exist in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. Specific foods, health preconditions and habits are among the reasons of bad breath. Bad breath can also be made bad by the types of foods you eat and other unsalutary lifestyle habits. In some people, they are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth’s warm, moist conditions are model for the growth of these bacteria.

Bad breath that results from a systemic sickness may be a long-term problem. Smoking and other tobacco is major cause of bad breath. In most cases (85-90%), bad breath emanates in the mouth itself. Most bad breath is caused by object in the mouth. It generally can be controlled with suitable medical care. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals. Preserve water levels in the body by drinking several glasses of water a day.

There are different home remedies reduce bad breath. Green guava is useful in halitosis. Gargling right before bedtime with an efficient mouthwash. Bad breath may be ephemerily reduced by using a hydrogen peroxide rinse. Change your toothbrush every three to four months, and select a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Add 1 lemon juice with some sugar and salt to a glass of water and drink it often. Eating apples daily is also good for mouth clean as it transfers the bacteria causing bad breath. Chew some cardamom seeds to gild your breath. The aromatic savour in cardamom is a breath freshner. It is an effective home remedy for bad breath.

5 common makeup mistakes women make ABC15.com (KNXV-TV) When it comes to the latest Spring makeup trends, there are some things you may have been seeing on the runway that translate to everyday makeup tips. skin …

Quick tips: Perfect makeup, better blow-dry - KGO-TV

Quick tips: Perfect makeup, better blow-dry KGO-TV Correct makeup imperfections, extend a blow-dry, and protect eyeglasses from hair coloring. Practical information to make beauty routines easier. …

Vain Glorious | A Scar Is Born - New York Times (blog)

New York Times (blog)

Vain Glorious | A Scar Is Born New York Times (blog) Laura, inquiring minds at T want to know your beauty tips. I know this is an interview about scar makeup, but would you indulge me? Linney: [Laughs. …

Lindsay Lohan & Boy George Exchange Makeup Tips - Allie Is Wired

Lindsay Lohan & Boy George Exchange Makeup Tips Allie Is Wired This time, she's getting makeup tips from Boy George. Ahhh yes, gold old Boy George. You remember that guy who pranced around in an oversized white Hoodie … and more »

There’s a First Time For Everything - A Girl’s Guide To Waxing For The First Time!
Summer is approaching, and you want your skin to be silky smooth and hairless for the season. You have already tried all types of depilation (shaving, depilatory cream, etc.) and now you may be wondering if it’s time you finally found the courage for waxing. Here is a little guide on how to get started.

How to Blow Dry Hair Straight - A Do-It-Yourself Guide
Getting sexy, sleek fashionable straight hair is possible to do yourself if you have the right tools and take the time to learn how to blow dry hair straight properly. Beauty and fashion experts agree that the keys to achieving a beautiful look are the right products for your hair type, high-quality brushes, a blow dryer with multiple heat settings including cold, and the willingness to take the time to do it right.

Molly Malaney Was 'Calm' Before 'Bachelor' Wedding PopEater She loves wearing makeup, and I gave her lots of tips to really play up her big gorgeous eyes. Yeah, Molly and her bridesmaids' makeup looked flawless. … and more »

Source: news.google.com

Downtown Night of Fashion to benefit CWIT - Grand Haven Tribune

Downtown Night of Fashion to benefit CWIT Grand Haven Tribune Fashion tips, makeup trends and new hair designs will be given during the narration of the style show. Models will have their hair and makeup done by the …

Source: news.google.com

Expert Tips On Waking Up Beautiful KDKA "I try to take the makeup off but the hair is usually a mess," one woman said. "It depends on how I sleep. If I'm restless I wake up and my hair's about 27 …

Source: news.google.com

High Tea in Style at Sail Port Stephens - Sail World (press release)

Sail World (press release)

High Tea in Style at Sail Port Stephens Sail World (press release) … to create an afternoon for women of all ages and sizes to see some great fashion and get exclusive access to some amazing styling and make up tips. … and more »

Source: news.google.com

Dolly Parton Wigs - The Essential Accessory For Every Girl’s Wardrobe
Dolly Parton wigs have grown to be tremendously fashionable in the preceding decade due to the fact that many famous women began sporting them, such as Beyonce and Kelly from Destiny’s Child, Patti Labelle, Ashanti, Tyra Banks, Lil Kim, and of course Dolly Parton. In this article, you will read all about these wigs, what they are, why you ought to have one as opposed to other wig styles, and even how to place one on correctly.

Apply Eyeliner
How to Apply Eyeliner: Eyeliner Tips and Tricks