The Healthy Bee

The sun is vital to the survival of our planet as we know it. It is a source of light, warmth, and imperative to the life cycle of all living things. Excessive sun exposure is also the leading cause of premature aging. So much, in fact, that scientific research estimate that the sun is responsible for up to 80% of the skin’s aging. That statistic aloneis simply incredible. Unprotected daily exposure to UV sunlight is causing you to age at an accelerated pace.

Sunlight can be detrimental to your skin because of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that the sun emits resulting in free radical production in the human body. Free radicals are molecules that are chemically imbalanced due to a missing electron. In order to regain equilibrium, these electron-deficient molecules wreak cellular chaos on your body by feasting on electrons from other nearby molecules.

Free radicals are a serious threat to the human body. These imbalanced molecules attack and damage collagen fibers. These damaged fibers then deteriorate causing the skin to lose its elasticity and resilience resulting in premature aging of the skin.

Unsightly wrinkles, age spots, and a dull complexion are all direct effects of excessive free radical production in the body from UV sunlight. Excessive exposure is really the collective amount of time spent in the sun, as opposed to spending an afternoon at the beach. Everyday exposure has a much more damaging effect on the skin than occasional long hours in the sun. So, how do you protect yourself the sun’s harmful UV radiation and stop the premature aging clock? Here are 4 methods of shielding your skin from the sun’s UV rays in order of importance.



Cover Up: The simplest and most effective means of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is clothing. Tightly woven fabrics and darker colors are best when it comes to sun protection. Of course, this is dependent upon the season. Wearing such clothing in the summer months can bring upon a multitude of other undesirable sun-related conditions such as heat stroke.

Sunscreen: Using sunscreen on a regular basis not only protects your skin against sunburn and skin cancer, but typical signs of premature aging. When choosing a sunscreen make sure that it contains at least one of the following active ingredients: avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide. These three ingredients have been approved in the U.S. for protection against UVA-I light, the most harmful type of UV light because it penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin.

Avoid Peak Hours: UV radiation emitted by the sun is strongest between the hours of10 AM and 4 PM. Limit extended exposure to sunlight during these peak hours, especially during the summer months when ultraviolet radiation is more intense.

Use Antioxidant Protection: The skin uses antioxidants to ward off free radical production in the body. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are all antioxidants. Skin creams containing vitamin C can be applied topically with good results. All skin creams containing vitamin C are not created equally. The best anti aging skin cream we’ve found joins vitamin C and palmitic acid to form Ascorbyl Palmitate which is 10 times more effective than vitamin C alone.



Defending your skin with the above mentioned methods will undoubtedly reduce if not eliminate your chances of premature aging due to overexposure to sunlight. The above mentioned product possessing the breakthrough ingredient, Ascorbyl Palmitate, is called LifeCell. LifeCell is an all-in-one anti wrinkle cream, firming cream, 24-hour moisturizer, age-spot reducer, corrective eye cream treatment, lip-plumper and make-up base! Remember, by making small adjustments in your lifestyle habits now, you will be reaping the benefits well into your later years.



By: Stephen Cauldry

About the Author:

Have you ever wanted to take that dream trip to a tropical island in the Caribbean to soak up the sun and atmosphere, but had that dream taken away from you because of your fear of flying? It doesn’t have to be this way! You need to identify exactly why it is you harbour these, and other, fears, and discover ways to overcome fear of flying and other limitations.

What is fear of flying?

An unwillingness to even think about getting onboard a plane is a sure fire sign of fear of flying, but these are some other common symptoms:

- Worrying, and becoming overstressed about a flight for days, weeks, even months in advance

- Having feelings of anxiety before boarding the plane

- Feeling you need a strong drink or sedatives to calm down before a flight

- Feeling uncomfortable when the door closes, when the plane takes off, and when you hear certain noises

- Feeling elated and overcome with relief when you finally get off the plane

Why do you fear flying?

In order to overcome fear of flying we need to understand why the fear exists. There are two types of things in our lives; things we can control, and things we cannot control. Things we can control include our thoughts, our actions, and our reactions to certain situations. However, we cannot control things such as the behaviour of others (legally anyway), the thoughts of others, and the weather, among other things.

Fears emanate from our irrational assumptions that the things we cannot control will turn out to be bad experiences. For example, with flying we have absolutely no control; everything is in the hands of the captain. And even if we wanted to, we can’t just stop the plane and get off. Where do these assumptions come from though? We certainly aren’t born with these fears; they are learned through our experiences and through the experiences of others. Try to think of a time that triggered your fear of flying, it could be a personal experience of a turbulent flight you had, the fearful stories of others, or the frightening images seen on television. It’s likely that your imagination takes these experiences and heightens them into a worse case scenario that accentuates your fear. You need to use your imagination to overcome fear of flying, rather than allow it to feed the fear.

Seldom do people realise that flying is significantly safer than travelling in a car or a train. Think about that for a second; it is more dangerous to hop into a car and drive down a freeway than it is to fly, yet people do it every single day without even thinking twice. When you hop into a car or a train what are you thinking? Really, the next time you get into a car or train, take note of what goes through your mind. Most likely you’re not even thinking about whether or not it’s safe to do so, you just do it. Yet when a plane is involved we allow our imagination to overwhelm us due to the uncertainty, because after all how can an object that big possibly fly?

Overcome fear of flying

There are a number of ways to feel more comfortable about flying, and to use your imagination in your favour.

- Prior to the flight have a full, nutritious meal as it will help you relax during the flight.

- Ensure you pack books to read, or music to listen to, or anything else that will distract you, while you are waiting for the flight, and during the actual flight

- Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare so you can check-in and get your luggage through without too much hassle

- Avoid sugary foods, or caffeine prior to the flight as this may increase stress levels

Other than these practical tips, a very effective way to overcome fear of flying is to visualise the flight. Before your flight try to visualise every aspect of the journey; from the time you arrive at the airport imagine everything going smoothly during the check-in, see yourself walking calmly, even laughing, as you go through the gates and onto the plane. Imagine yourself sitting in your seat, being absorbed in your book, then seeing the magnificent view out the window. Visualise the smooth landing, and how thankful you are to the crew for such an enjoyable flight. Now that wasn’t so bad was it?

Visualisation is a powerful technique not just to help overcome fear of flying, but also to overcome any other fear you have.



By: Simon Lim

About the Author:

Have YOU ever had a panic attack these can be really scary and may make you shake, sweat and breathe quickly. This happens to celebrities too!

A panic attack can cause a you to think something awful is going to happen, that you can’t escape, or that you might lose control. Some people who have panic attacks say that when the attacks are happening, they feel like they can’t think straight or that they’re “going crazy.”

Such panic attacks only last a short time. But to a person who is having one, they can feel much longer.

So what can bring on such a panic attack. Flying, heights, spiders, the dark. Any or all of these can cause a phobia in people including celebrities.

A national survey of 4,000 adults and 1,600 kids revealed that 56 percent of adults admit they now have a fear or a phobia. The survey found that 86 percent of adults and 91 percent of youngsters admitted to being afraid of something.

Nearly one in five adults also said they are scared of more now than they were as a child.

You may not believe it, but even rich and famous celebrities have common, everyday fears just like the rest of us.

So what scares the stars?

Top 10 Fears of celebrities.

1. If you suffer from Acrophobia: fear of heights you may experience immediate anxiety when high up. This apprehension may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, chest or abdominal discomfort, trembling, and an emotional response which involves an intense fear - of losing control, embarrassing oneself, or passing out. If you suffer from this you are not alone. Rock star Sheryl Crow says heights and hearing “scary” noises frighten her the most.

2. How many of you hate flying or: Aerophobia With this phobia you may have frightening thoughts (this plane might crash; I’m trapped; I must get out). Did you know that Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Michael Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg all hate and fear flying too. Avoiding this feared situation, means not flying. Such a sacrifice limits these celebrities lifestyles severely as they will find it hard to travel long distances.

3. How about situations like being outside, or in a crowd, or even being on a bridge. Such fears are known as: Agoraphobia a fear of being in places or situations from which there is no escape. You are not alone as Woody Allen and Matthew McConaughey who is scared of tunnels and revolving doors also shares this fear.

4. Anyone scared of spiders? Arachnophobia as they called it in the film about the same dread. You can guarantee Justin Timberlake would not have enjoyed this movie or Jaws as he hates spiders, snakes and sharks.

5. Do you break out in a sweat in those little closed in spaces? Uma Thurman is claustrophobic too. She says that in Kill Bill: Vol 2 where she is buried alive in a coffin. “There was no acting needed. Real screams available,” “It was horrific. Nobody wants to live that experience.”

6. When the weather changes and the skies darken do your hands sweat as the thunderstorm approaches? Well if you happen to be with Madonna at the time she will be scared as she suffers from: Brontophobia: fear of thunder!

7. The vampire slayer suffers from Necrophobia: a fear of death. TV’s vampire-slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar has a real fear of graveyards, so real that she refused to film “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in a real one.

8. Do you hate your appearance in the mirror first thing in the morning? Alternatively, maybe you experience undue anxiety when you look at a mirror. This Eisoptrophobia a fear of mirrors is irrational. However this fear is grounded in superstitions. You may worry that breaking a mirror will bring bad luck or that looking into a mirror will put you in contact with a supernatural world inside the glass. Well imagine how poor Pamela Anderson feels for she fears mirrors too!

9. If you get the spooks when you see a clown then you might be suffering from Coulrophobia. Johnny Depp, Daniel Radcliffe and Sean “Diddy” Combs are frightened of clowns. “Something about the painted face, the fake smile,” Depp said in 1999 when he was promoting the film “Sleepy Hollow.” “There always seemed to be a darkness lurking just under the surface, a potential for real evil.”

10. Now here is a strange one! While there is no official name for the phobia of butterflies, it has been linked to Mottephobia (Fear of Moths), or a name such as Lepidopterophobia which is an animal group based on insects butterflies and moths. Who could be scared of such things? Well Nicole Kidman for one she says her greatest fear is butterflies!

So there you have it the top 10 list of celebrity fears. Did I mention poor the celebrity with the most phobias is well that award goes to Woody Allen. He’s afraid of insects, sunshine, dogs, deer, bright colors, children, heights, small rooms, crowds, cancer and anywhere except Manhattan. Imagine that!



By: Silveral

About the Author:

Since sunlight is a large part of our lives, many people tend to forget about the sun’s harmful effects on skin. While sun is a great source of warmth and happiness, it can also have negative impact on our lives — especially when it comes to beauty and aging.

Sunlight can be responsible for premature aging, skin cancer, and many other skin defects. Almost 90% of symptoms associated with premature skin aging are attributed to the ultraviolet lights (UVA or UVB) that come from the sun. These lights speed up the aging process by breaking down elastin and collagen in the skin.

Most other changes in the skin (that were once attributed to aging) have now been linked to extended exposure of UV radiation. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation has a profoundly negative effect on a person’s beauty, due to the adverse effects on the skin.

UVA rays penetrate well into the skin while damaging collagen – a protein responsible for holding the skin together in a firm and smooth manner. The broken down collagen structure manifests as wrinkles – the most common symptom of aging. To make matters worse, the broken structure of collagen is incapable or re-building itself, which is why loss of collagen is a huge threat to beauty and skin care.

Overexposure to the sun can also result in freckles and sunspots, which are often found on various body parts such as face, legs, hands, etc. Freckles and sunspots generally develop upon the skin of those that sunbathe regularly.

Interestingly, suntans (which are often considered a sign beauty and health) are also the result of skin damage caused by exposure to sun. Suntans are caused by the production of melanin (the dark pigment responsible for a tanned appearance) that can only increase with exposure to the sun. In short, tanned skin is burned skin.

Sunburns are, yet another, result of the negative impact of sun on your skin. Sunburns happen when UV rays penetrate deep inside the layers of the skin killing the living cells. The body responds to this damage by increasing the blood flow in the affected area, so that the white blood cells can remove the dead cells — this abnormal blood flow results in the skin becoming warm and red causing sunburn. Scientists have also gathered substantial evidence that links sunburns to DNA damage. Additionally, recurring sunburns significantly increase chances of skin cancer development.

Although nobody can escape from the negative impact of the sun, it is important to protect your skin. Using quality health and beauty products that are made from natural ingredients is a good way to keep your skin safe. These basic skin protection rules will keep your skin safe from the sun…and you will also be able to avoid pre-mature aging.

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 (or more) to all parts of your body (especially your face) before you head out into the sunshine. Applying moisturizer after enjoying the sun can also be beneficial. Lastly, it’s important to keep a close eye on your skin. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, make sure to visit with your dermatologist.



By: Jerzy George

About the Author:

Does this sound familiar - the engines roar, you’re thrown back into your seat for take-off, and the knuckles on your hands turn white as you grip the armrest for dear life? Air travel has become so integral a part of all our lives that we perhaps sometimes forget just how frightening it can be to many. A fear of flying, or aerophobia, can make any trip by air, for vacation or business, a potential nightmare. Indeed, a recent article in USA Today suggested that a fear

of flying “cripples - or at least burdens - the careers of millions of Americans”.

So what can you do to combat your fear of flying?

Firstly, take a deep breath. However difficult it may be, remind yourself that the chances of being involved in an accident are astonishingly low. Per million passenger miles, air travel is by far the safest form of transportation.

Try not to consume too much alcohol before the flight, or once you’re up there. Apart from potentially rendering you unfit to fly, alcohol at altitude can actually exacerbate feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety.

On board, several airlines try to make the whole process of flying that much easier for those of a nervous disposition. A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said: “We have a dedicated Flying Without Fear audio channel to help anyone through their flight. On selected flights we also have a meditainment channel giving our passengers the chance for some quality deep relaxation whilst flying with us.”

Many have turned to hypnotherapy to try to overturn an often debilitating fear of flying. Chris Thomas, a hypnotherapist with Vision Coaching Services, says:

“Flying phobias can be caused by either by conditioning stemming from a single frightening event; masked general anxieties from past experience, learned gradually over time either first hand or from others, or as a result of ‘distorted’ thoughts about airtravel. These fears are usually irrational and are usually deep within our subconscious.”

Thomas adds: “Even at airports all the wrong words are used unintentionally which condition people to fear flying. Examples of such expressions include “terminal, final destination, final approach, insurance desk, departure lounge and last and final call. Particularly post September the 11th peoples fears are brought to the fore with armed police are highly visible adding to the tension.”

Finally, if things are really bad, get yourself onto one of the courses run by several major airlines: British Airways and Virgin both hold courses for nervous flyers. They don’t come cheap, though: Virgin charges £199 for its one-day course, BA charges £235 - but the net result could be well worth it.

A BA spokesperson said: “Lack of control, claustrophobia, heights and fear of falling are the concerns of many nervous passengers. The psychologist will give some positive ways of coping with and minimising these fears and will conduct a relaxation session just prior to the flight.”

British Airways claims a 95% success rate for the 40,000 passengers who’ve passed through their Fear of Flying programme.

See you up there!



By: Liam Perkins

About the Author:

There are various skin types and the kind of cosmetic product used can lead to some serious problems. The younger the person is, the more sensitive the skin is. And it is a fact. So when it comes to the choice of cosmetic products, experts highly advise the use of the hypo-allergenic ones to avoid the development of skin diseases or problems. More so, beautifying yourself should not compromise the health of your skin. With this, the best mineral makeup is mostly applicable to utilize.

When you apply makeup on your face, it should not only enhance the physical look but must never turn you into a more matured or older individual. A heavy makeup is not so appropriate for the younger skin so if you are a teenager, you should be more geared towards the use of the products that make a good effect on your own skin tone. But a heavy makeup can be advisable if you are a bit older. You must realize that the makeup to use should not change your image in a way that you would appear aged. Your choice of the makeup hues and intensity range from the light and natural look for day use to that of the more profound one when about to go out on special events such as a party or a night out date.

The Mineral Makeup at a Glance

Have you heard of the mineral makeup? If you are in search of a safe yet healthy cosmetic product to apply on your face, then you might as well start considering this.

The mineral makeup is a kind of facial cosmetic product that is comprised of the organic minerals. Among of these minerals include iron oxides, titanium oxide, zinc, ultramarine, mica, and bismuth oxychloride. All of these components are grind until they become very fine. The mineral makeup is then brushed on the face through the use of an appropriate makeup brush. The mineral makeup can give you a natural look and a glowing skin.

The best mineral makeup has a lot of advantages over the rest of the available cosmetics out in the market. Here they are:

First and foremost, it is dry because it is simply a loose powder. The rest of the cosmetics out there are liquid or are made to be put together by some bonding ingredients which are not at all natural. The traditional products have a specific expiration date because it means that bacteria will build up due to the moisture contained therein. And since the mineral makeup does not keep moisture, no bacteria would live therein.

The best mineral makeup doesn’t get the facial sweat or oil. Therefore, it would not melt away and result to coloration, creases, or cracking. You can simply wear it for the whole time of the day or night.

Unlike some forms of cosmetics that clog the pores, the best mineral makeup is hypo-allergenic. It doesn’t promote the formation of inflammation, dryness, or allergies on the skin. More than ever, it is safe, effective, and healthy for the skin. The ingredients also aid in blocking the harmful rays of the sun.

The Application of the Best Mineral Makeup

If you only know how to apply the mineral makeup on your face, you are going to look gorgeous. Here are the essential steps to take note of.

Step 1. Wash your face using a gentle cleanser that moisturizes your skin. If needed, apply some additional amount of moisturizer. The disadvantage of which is that the base would be made up of a heavy layer of some mineral base which can turn discomforting for you.



By: Vivian Timson

About the Author:

These days there are many skin care products in the market. Sometimes, it can be quite an ordeal to choose the best antiaging creams. As it is, each one of us has a different skin types that have different requirements. Moreover, new products are flooding the market with new claims of defying age and restoring beautiful skin. A layman can be quite muddled in the plethora of these anti aging face creams. However, there are a few ways that can help you to make out a good anti aging face cream from not so good one.

Whilst on a hunt for the anti aging skin cream, pay special attention to the products that have sun protection. The UV rays from the sun are quite damaging to the skin and are responsible for causing aging signs like wrinkles and blemishes. Since the face is the most exposed to the sunlight than any other body part, it is important to go for creams that have sun protection. A daily application of anti aging skin care cream with sun protection will ensure that your face does not age due to sun exposure.

Another important factor in determining the right kind of anti aging cream is to look for a cream that is “cosmeceutical” which is a combination of cosmetic and medicinal cream. In other words, the best anti aging face cream will not only make you look younger, it will also heal and remove aging signs from your skin. An ideal anti aging cream should include constituents like vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Minerals such as selenium, zinc, lycopene and antioxidants also help in healing the skin. Other ingredients such as herbal extracts also help in the lightening up of the skin tone and inhabiting melanin formation in the skin. When you decide to choose an anti aging cream, be sure that the cream contains all or most of these components

Though dermatologists and researches have classified our skin types into four major skin types such as dry skin, oily skin, normal skin and combination skin, the fact is that each person’s skin is uniquely different. Hence, the anti aging face cream will primarily depend on your face and skin type. You also need to decide on what the anti aging cream needs to accomplish. Is it to prevent the aging of the skin or to remove the already occurring signs of aging? Read the product description and the ingredients label to decide which one suits your skin best.

If you are still unable to decide on the best antiaging creams, then you need to consult a skin specialist such as an esthetician or dermatologist. There are many people who feel buying a cheaper anti aging cream would be a good solution. However, most of the time, this can back fire causing you to only have more problems with your skin. Cheap creams from unknown companies may not have the quality control that the branded creams enjoy. So even though you may spend some extra money, it is wiser to buy a branded and a tested anti aging cream rather than going for some cheap imitation.



By: Ray A. Rubio

About the Author:

How do pure mineral cosmetics revitalize and maintain healthy skin?

There are excellent properties in mineral based cosmetics that promote healthy skin recognized by dermatologists. Dermatologists typically recommend high quality mineral based cosmetics that are free of irritating dyes, oils, perfumes, preservatives or chemicals, and free of nano-sized particles. Usually, they will prefer the use of natural inorganic minerals that sooth and heal the skin, natural pigments, and cosmetics that are loaded with super-antioxidants. Many women claim tremendous improvement in the quality of their skin within a short period of time after switching to a high quality mineral makeup product. Be sure to check the ingredients when purchasing mineral based cosmetics to avoid brands with inferior ingredients.

Do mineral based cosmetics heal the skin?

Pure mineral cosmetics use revitalizing minerals with properties that are excellent for acne, rosecea, and irritated skin. Acne and rosecea benefit from zinc oxide as it promotes healing to the skin and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Titanium dioxide and zinc hold in natural moisture, keeping the skin healthy and hydrated, and they allow the skin to breathe without clogging the pores. Antioxidants such as grape seed extract or pomegranate extract neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the skin and aging.

Are pores able to breathe?

Finely crushed pure mineral makeup allows the skin to breathe. Pores do not become clogged from using lightweight minerals and non-organic pigments. Whereas, heavier makeup can be absorbed into pores which can cause irritation, acne, and infection. With pure mineral makeup, sensitive skin conditions as acne, rosecea, and dry skin are soothed and not irritated.

More on anti-aging benefits

High quality pure mineral cosmetics are loaded with anti-oxidants such as grape seed extract that have anti-aging properties. Grape seed extract interrupts enzyme reactions that break down skin firming collagen. The mineral super oxide dismutase (SOD) has the property of neutralizing free radicals that age skin. In addition, vitamin A provides natural retention of moisture in skin.

Do mineral based cosmetics provide UVA-UVB protection?

Pure mineral based cosmetics use titanium dioxide as a natural sunscreen. Titanium dioxide acts as UVA-UVB protection reflecting light and protecting your skin in sunlight. Zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory. High quality mineral based cosmetics will stay on your skin when sweating or moderate swimming. So they have both SPF (sun protection) properties and water proofing properties. Most mineral based cosmetics have about SPF 15 on average.

What is the big deal about Nano sized particles?

Make-up that contains nano-sized particles are questionable as these particles are more easily absorbed into the body. Nano particles are useful in the cosmetic industry. For example, nano sized particles can encapsulate vitamin A and deliver it deeper into the skin. Nano sized ingredients are 10 to 1,000 times smaller than normally sized powder particles. Nano technology used in products are an important area of research and their impact on health and safety need to be further understood. There are conflicting opinions and research articles that have been published about using nano particles on the skin. Some state it is not a concern and others state it is something to worry about as nano-sized particles can be found in deeper tissues soon after skin contact. Another body of research points to inhalation of nano particles as a potential problem as well. Avoiding products with ingredients that have nano-sized particles is definitely a safer direction to take and be sure to look for products that ensure they do not use nano-particles.

What about fragrance in cosmetics?

Fragrances are the most common cause of irritation to the skin. Fragrances can be completely natural. However, most fragrances contain chemicals as phthalates that are used to make the scent last longer. Phthalates are unnatural and unhealthy. It is known that sometimes artificial chemical fragrances can accumulate in the body and breast milk. Fragrance formulas can trigger asthma and headaches. Be cautious when you look for an unscented product. Even though it is labeled unscented, an additional chemical may be used to cover up the original fragrance! So check the ingredients and become informed about your cosmetic products. You will find that pure mineral based cosmetics do not use fragrances.

Why aren’t preservatives used in pure mineral based cosmetics?

Cosmetics made from pure minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature do not need preservatives. Bacterial and fungal growth do not occur in completely dry pure mineral based cosmetics. Therefore, pure mineral cosmetics can be used for long term, up to two years. Preservatives are used in cosmetics that are not completely dry. These are subject to bacterial and fungal growth. Unfortunately, preservatives can cause irritation, acne, and infection to the skin. Preservatives are one of the main ingredients in most fragrances.

Are pure mineral based cosmetics good for the environment?

When friendly non-toxic ingredients are used in manufacturing products, the water systems are not contaminated as you wash the cosmetics off. Mineral based cosmetics are non-toxic and not based on non renewable resources as petroleum.

How do I find mineral based cosmetics that offer these qualities?

Many inexpensive cosmetics use an inferior grade of ingredients so be careful with checking what you are buying and putting on your largest organ, your skin. High quality pure mineral makeup will tend to use highest quality ingredients such as pharmaceutical grade minerals, certified organic antioxidants, and nano-free particles. Higher quality mineral cosmetics tend to last longer, and are a much much better value in the long run considering the value of your health. Look on the web for pure mineral makeup companies that ensure they are non-toxic, nano-free, and preservative-free. Always check product ingredients on the Mineral Foundation Ingredient List or the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Report.

We recommend high quality pure organic makeup such as afterglow cosmetics a completely natural brand of mineral makeup that can be found in the uk, sweden, norway, finland, germany, austria, denmark, and netherlands at carefreebeauty.eu or in the united states at carefreebeauty.us.



By: Rena Sperling

About the Author:

I’m writing this article outside in the sunshine. Well, actually that’s not completely true.

I am outside and the sun is shining beautifully but I’m sitting in the shade. As much as I’d like to feel the heat of the sun on my exposed limbs my days of sunbathing have gone - doctors orders!

Like many people I love to have a tan. It has always made me feel healthier (and slimmer) somehow, and from my mid teens until my early thirties I spent many a happy hour soaking up the sun’s rays.

But not any more.

I have done so much damage to my skin over the years that if I had one of those special skin X-rays done I would look about ninety! I’ve had all sorts of things burned, frozen or cut out and it has to stop before I get the kind of skin cancer that cannot be treated.

When I was a teenager it was “cool” to have a tan although I don’t suppose that was the expression used in those days. It was just fashionable. I used to rush home from work at lunchtime and don my bikini for almost my entire hour’s lunch break. I’d then dash back to work red faced but happy, pleased that I was gradually building up a lovely tan to show off in my sleeveless, low cut tops and halter necks.

I sunbathed in the middle of the day when the sun was at its hottest and not only did I not use suntan lotion but coated myself in baby oil instead. I literally cooked myself.

Was I stupid? - probably, but not intentionally. I just didn’t know better. No-one did back then. Sun tan lotion was only for those very rich people who actually went abroad for holidays to “hot” places like Spain or Portugal.

As I got older my quest for an all year tan led me to sunbeds. For almost two years I had one in my bedroom and used it regularly. There was no advice in those days not to use one for more than a few days per year.

I religiously wore the thick black goggles and timed the sessions but I certainly had more in a month than is now recommended for a year.

Too late, the damage has been done and I’ll be happier when I’m older so I can grow into my skin!

My excuse for not taking better care is that I was simply unaware of the dangers sun damage can do. However, in this day and age there is no excuse for people to follow my example.

In almost every magazine and newspaper reference is made to the changes in the ozone layer and the increasing strength of the sun. Yet still many people, particularly men, seem to think that it is only when you go on holiday that you need to use sun protection.

If you look at any construction site or road maintenance operation during the summer you will see men with their shirts off, working in the heat of the day, burning their backs, necks, heads and arms. Some even wear shorts with their heavy duty boots.

How many, I wonder, wear sun protection and out of those who do, how many actually renew it as the day goes on?

Like me in my younger days it still appears to be the belief if you work outside then the tan will build up gradually and it will be okay. However, a tan is a sign of DNA damage and as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a safe tan”.

A recent survey (2007) revealed that ten percent of men don’t even know solar radiation is linked to skin cancer and two thirds of men rely on their wives to both buy and apply sun protection for them.

I’m not sure if that’s a macho thing or what, but skin cancer is on the increase and in UK we have more cases than Australia. This is most likely due to the awareness over there but 13.5 million men in UK don’t use sun cream and the more people burn the more risk there is.

Women are more likely to use sun protection because of the fear of premature ageing, wrinkles and age spots but even then many don’t realise that it’s not just necessary on hot sunny days.

You can’t see or feel UV radiation and it can be equally as dangerous on cloudy days. You need to protect against both UVA which are ageing and UVB which are burning.

As the summers get hotter and longer it is essential to protect your skin at all times and you should use at least a sun protection factor 15 (SPF15).

Also take great care of your eyes and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection otherwise you’ll magnify the sun’s rays onto the delicate skin around your eyes.

There’s no question being in the sun gives you that feel good factor and wonderful natural Vitamin D. However, limit your exposure and avoid the hottest times of the day when the sun is at its highest otherwise you’ll be like me and have to sit in the shade - doctors orders!



By: Jean Shaw

About the Author:

To lots of people, summer means hanging out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays and baking in the sun in pursuit of the perfect golden tan. Indeed, most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better with a tan.

Tanning saloons and tanning beds are everywhere! Are they safe? Yes! When used as directed, tanning salons and tanning beds provide the best and safest place in the entire world to tan! Timers provide control to measure the dose. It is overexposure, or sunburn that might be cause for any of the negative things you read about sunlight and health.

Taking care of your skin may seem to take a lot of effort. But you only have one skin. You spend money on it so that it will have a perfect tan. But you must also invest in skin care products to protect your skin from the aging process caused by tanning and to keep your skin health and younger looking.

Staying out of the sun altogether may see to be the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming.

Buying good quality tanning lotion and other tanning supplies will help you get a gorgeous tan that is sure to be the envy of many. Always remember that the healthier your skin, the better your tan is likely to be. Moisturizers such as Hempz Shea Body Butter, New Body Invest Moisturizers and Hempz Moisturizers offer your skin much-needed protection when you are on a beach vacation

Skin care products are made up of cleansers, masks, toners, moisturizers, and sun blocks. The cleansers, which come as creams and gels, deeply clean the skin.

The masks, which are also known as mud packs or exfoliants, peel off old skin. The toners, which should be non-stringent, remove stubborn dirt lodged in the pores. The moisturizers return the protective skin oils. Moisturizers should be different for various types of skins. And the sun blocks shield the skin from the damaging radiation from the sun or tanning bulbs. Then, there are also specialty skin care products such as eye creams that are meant to lessen facial lines, and lip protectors (for lips are special skin) that are used to prevent the lips from chapping due to freezing or scorching temperatures.

Nivea is one of the foremost brands in skin care products worldwide. The Nivea Face Moisturising Sun Block Cream is included in its products lines of face moisturizers and sun protection. This product contains Jojoba oil and Vitamin E, ingredients that are known to be beneficial to the skin. You can check out this product on the Internet. You can also see some reviews of the product which have favorable ratings.

Solbar is one of the products of sun block cream that has the highest number of sun protection factor. The Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream that can be found in some online shopping sites has been known to have SPF 38 as shown on its label. This skin care product contains zinc oxide, an opaque compound that can block ultraviolet rays A and B but can produce white out to the skin when applied. However, in Solbar Zinc, the zinc oxide is not visible when it is massaged onto the human skin. Though invisible, the compund cannot be penetrated into the skin.



By: Peter sams

About the Author: