Step by Step Clean Your Face

Did you know that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity, suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how often you cleanse? Whether you’re young or old, man or woman, you can do your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.

Cleansing is arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely.

Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.

1. Cleanse twice a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the night, may lead to build-up and eruptions

2. Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.
Traditional ayurvedic cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or clarifying herbs such as turmeric, Amalaki, Neem and sandalwood, emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus waters for pure healing fragrance. You can make your own by mixing the dry ingredients to last a week or two and blending the mix with milk or cream right before use. Otherwise, look for a natural cleanser that’s gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.

3. Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time, and cold water won’t dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water.

4. If you use sponges or washcloths, make sure they are clean and soft. They are not necessary for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a job.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.

6. Start by splashing tepid water on your face and neck.

7. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips or a soft sponge, using gentle circular massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub too much…gentle massaging strokes are enough to help improve circulation as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing will stretch skin and irritate it, especially the delicate skin around the eyes.
8. Rinse with lots of tepid water. Don’t forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.

9. Gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along skin.

10. Follow immediately with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when skin is receptive.

For more details please visit: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ss_cleanface.html

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Information of Back Pain and Solution

Back pain can affect anyone at any age, but it's most common in people between the ages of 35 and 55.
'Acute' and 'chronic' are terms used to describe how long the symptoms last, not how severe they are.
•Acute back pain - less than six weeks.
•Sub-acute back pain - six weeks to three months.
•Chronic back pain - longer than three months.

How your back works
Your spine is made up of many small, inter-connected bones called vertebrae. These are separated by strong connectors called discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend. Your spine is supported along its length by muscles and ligaments. Your spinal cord threads down through the centre of each vertebra, carrying nerves from your brain to the rest of your body.

Causes of back pain
There isn't usually an underlying condition causing back pain - nothing shows up in tests and nothing is permanently damaged. This is called simple or non-specific back pain. Nine out of 10 people with simple back pain recover completely within six weeks.

You're more likely to develop simple back pain if you:
• stand, sit or bend down for long periods
• lift, carry, push or pull loads that are too heavy, or if you go about these tasks in the wrong way
• have a trip or a fall
• are stressed or anxious
• are overweight

Symptoms of back pain
Simple back pain is often in your lower back (lumbar region), and may also spread to your buttocks and thighs. It's often described as a dull pain and can come and go at different times, depending on your level of activity. The pain can begin suddenly or come on gradually if you strain your back over time.

Complications of back pain
Simple back pain usually only lasts a few days and gets better on its own. Occasionally, there may be a more serious underlying cause of your back pain, but this is rare. These causes include osteoporosis, a prolapsed (slipped) disc, spinal stenosis, malformation of the spine, infection or collapse of the vertebrae, tuberculosis or cancer.

You should see your GP as soon as possible if, as well as back pain, you have:
• fever (high temperature)
• redness or swelling on your back
• pain down your legs and below your knees
• numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your buttocks
• loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
Some symptoms are called "red flags" and may indicate that you require treatment for an underlying condition. You should see your GP if:
• your pain is the result of an injury
• you're under 20 or over 55 and the pain lasts for more than a few days
• you have had or currently have cancer in any part of your body
• you have HIV/AIDS
• you have been taking steroid medicines for more than a few months
Diagnosis of back pain
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history.
If your pain lasts longer than six weeks, or if your GP suspects there is some underlying cause of your pain, he or she may recommend more tests such as:
• X-rays
• CT scans - a CT scan uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of the body/or part of the body
• MRI - an MRI scan uses magnets and radiowaves to produce images of the inside of your body
• blood tests
Treatment of back pain
Self-help
There are many things you can do to help yourself.
• Stay active - return to your usual level of physical activity as soon as possible. This may hurt more at first, but it will help you get better and reduce your risk of getting simple back pain again.
• Bed rest - if the pain is so bad that you can't get moving, keep the time you stay in bed as short as possible. Lying in bed can do more harm than good.
• Stay positive and set yourself goals - this will help you get back to your usual levels of physical activity.
• Heat therapy - apply a hot water bottle or heat pack directly to the affected area, or take a hot bath.
• Ice therapy - apply a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel. Don't apply ice directly to your skin because you could damage it.
• Pace yourself - be careful not to overdo it when your pain improves.

Medicines
Taking a painkiller (such as aspirin or paracetamol) or anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen) is often enough to relieve simple back pain and can help you keep active. You can also use creams, lotions and gels that contain painkillers or anti-inflammatory ingredients that can be applied directly onto the painful area.

If your pain continues, your GP may prescribe stronger medicines such as diazepam, morphine or tramadol. However, these aren't suitable for everyone because they can be addictive and cause side-effects.

Your GP or pharmacist will advise you which treatment is the most appropriate for you. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS relieves back pain by delivering mild electric pulses to the painful area through electrodes on your skin. These stimulate your nerve fibres and block the pain signals to your brain. TENS isn't suitable for everybody and isn't always effective. You should check with your GP before you use TENS and make sure you know how to use it properly.

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can assess and treat your back pain, and teach you exercises to do at home that will increase your mobility and help you manage your pain. You should only see a physiotherapist registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Manipulation
Osteopathy and chiropractic are treatments involving manipulation of the body, mainly focusing on the spine. They are most useful if you have had back pain for less than three months and can provide short-term (most often) or long-term pain relief. These treatments aren't suitable for everybody and aren't always effective, so it's important to speak to your GP first. You should only see an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council or a chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractic Council.

Pain clinics
If your pain continues, your GP may refer you to a pain clinic. Pain clinics offer a range of treatments that are known to be effective and can also help you deal with your pain by changing the way you think about it. Treatments at pain clinics are often combined and tailored to suit your needs.

Injections
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines (usually steroids) can be injected directly into the epidural space (the space around your spinal cord) or around the joints of your spine to ease pain and decrease inflammation. These injections are only given by specialist doctors in hospitals. Epidural injections are usually only done if other treatments don't work.

Surgery
Surgery is considered as a last resort in the treatment of back pain. The type of surgery you're offered will depend on the cause of your pain and each type has different risks and success rates. Your surgeon will discuss the different options with you in more detail.

Complementary therapies
The following complementary therapies may help with back pain in some people. You should talk to your GP before trying them as he or she may be able to refer you to a specialist practitioner experienced in treating back pain.

• Acupuncture.
• Counselling.
• The Alexander Technique - becoming more aware of your body's balance, posture, and movement.
• Herbal remedies.
• Massage.

Prevention of back pain
Good back care can greatly reduce your risk of back pain. To look after your back, make sure you:
• take regular exercise - walking and swimming are particularly recommended
• try to reduce your stress levels - use relaxation techniques
• bend from your knees and hips - not your back
• maintain good posture - keep your shoulders back and don't slouch

For More Details visit: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/backpain.html


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Back Pain Treatment

Treatment of low back pain usually begins with a few basic steps. Before beginning any back pain treatment program, be sure you know your diagnosis, and discuss the treatment plan with your doctor. There are some conditions that cause back pain and require immediate treatment. For most cases of back pain, the first treatments are as follows:

• Rest
The first step in the treatment of low back pain is to rest the spine. Because most cases of back pain are due to muscle strain, it is important to avoid further irritation to the spine and the muscles that surroung the spinal column. Bed rest is fine, so long as this only lasts two to three days. Prolonged bed rest can actually lead to more persistent back pain. Once the acute back pain eases, avoid lifting, twisting, and physical exertion.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, are helpful in treatment of both back pain and the associated inflammation. There are both over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs, and both work well in the treatment of back pain. Side-effects of NSAIDs include problems of GI bleeding, and these medications should be avoided in patients with stomach ulcers.

• Heat Application
Applications of heat packs help ease much of the discomfort associated with muscle spasm causing low back pain. Patients can use heating pad, hot water bottles, or even a hot bath to help ease the muscle discomfort that often causes low back pain.

• Exercises
Strengthening of back muscles is probably the most important step in treatment of most causes of back pain. By increasing strength and flexibility of back muscles, weight is better distributed, and less force is placed on the spine.

These simple measures often lead to resolution of the symptoms of low back pain. If not, you should certainly be under the direct care of a physician to aid in the treatment of your condition. There are further steps in the treatment of low back pain that can be considered:

• Narcotic Pain Medications
Narcotic pain medications are excellent at relieving pain, but these can be dangerous, addictive medications. These medications include Percocet, Vicoden, Oxycontin, and others. Using narcotic medications must be under close supervision, and only for a limited period of time. prolonged use of narcotic medication can be dangerous.

• Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxing medications can be very helpful in the treatment of some types of back pain. Muscle relaxers are sold under the trade names of Flexeril, Soma, Valium, and others. These medications help to relieve muscle spasm, but may also make patients quite drowsy.

• Physical TherapyBack exercises, as listed above, are the focus of physical therapy. However, there are other modalities that can be used in the treatment of back pain if the exercises alone do not help. Modalities include aquatherapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and others.

• Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are an option for back pain treatment and inflammation around the spinal nerves. An epidural steroid injection is performed using an x-ray to guide the medication to the area adjacent to the inflamed spinal nerve.

• Spine Surgery
Usually a step when extensive efforts at conservative back pain treatment fails to relieve symptoms. Read on to learn about different types of spine surgery and the types of back pain these treatments may help.

My advice for people who are not finding relief is this: First, find a physician (orthopedist or general internist) you are comfortable and confident with, and work with him or her for at minimum several months--too many people jump from physician to physician and miss out on a complete evaluation. Second, you have to understand that back pain is often not a quick or easy fix. A dedicated approach to physical therapy and exercises often will alleviate back pain. If you're unwilling to perform exercises, your treatment may be less satisfactory. Finally, don't give up--there's usually more that can be done in the treatment of back pain.

For More Informaotion Please visit : http://www.orthopedics.about.com/cs/backpain/a/backpain_2.htm

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Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles - ever wonder why you get them?

Heredity is the primary cause of dark circles. Like so many things - eye color, curly or straight hair, skin tone - predisposition for dark circles is inherited.

The genes related to dark circles are actually the genes that cause weakened capillaries in the skin around your eyes (learn more about the biology of dark under-eye circles). Skin tone, including transparency of the skin, is also inherited and can make dark circles appear more dramatic.

What Causes Dark Circles?
Heredity isn't the only cause of dark circles. A variety of factors, both common and uncommon, can influence or cause the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Dark circles and sun exposure
Exposure to the sun can exacerbate your dark circles. Sunlight darkens the skin by raising melanin levels and bringing melanin to the surface of the skin. These boosted melanin levels make dark circles look darker.

So if you notice dark circles after a trip to the beach or the tanning bed, you're not alone.
Do fatigue or lack of sleep cause dark circles?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: not exactly. Lack of sleep makes your skin pale, which emphasizes your dark circles. Anything else that makes your skin pale, like fatigue or illness, makes your dark circles much more noticeable.

Pregnancy and menstruation also frequently make your skin pale. Many people associate dark circles with hormones -- but the hormones don't cause dark circles, just paleness.

The link between allergies and dark circles

Many people associate allergies with dark circles. This is a real and established connection. In fact, many doctors consider dark circles as an indication of allergies in children.
Allergies cause dark circles in two ways: first, histamine reactions themselves can cause dark smudges to appear under the eyes. The biology of this is way too complicated to get into here. Second, allergies frequently cause the eyes to feel itchy. Rubbing the eyes and the skin around the eyes makes dark circles even darker.

Age and dark circles
Yes, it's true -- age makes dark circles even worse. As we age, the skin of our faces becomes thinner. Thinner skin allows the discoloration of dark circles to be seen more easily, and dark circles become much more obvious.

Nutrition and dark circles
In some rare cases, lack of vitamins can cause dark circles under the eyes. This is relatively uncommon. Nevertheless, if you're not eating a balanced healthy diet, you may see dark circles. And sometimes changing to a more healthy diet can help to diminish those dark circles.

For more details please visit : http://www.darkcircles.net

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Dark Under-Eye Circles

Most people think that dark under-eye circles are caused by staying up late watching monster movies, or having that last drink the night before, or sitting up with your laptop trying to finish the quarterly report. Most people think that their behavior is somehow linked to dark under-eye circles.

Well, most people are dead wrong.

If nothing else, I want you to know that dark under-eye circles are not your fault. They don't mysteriously appear when you misbehave or are stressed out, only to vanish when you get 8 straight hours of sleep. Dark under-eye circles are a by-product of the very same mechanism that produces bruises (and you don't blame yourself for bruising, do you?). Changing your behavior will, in almost every case, NOT get rid of your dark under-eye circles.
Having said that, onto the specifics:

What causes dark under-eye circles

Your shiners, your raccoon eyes, your blue luggage... whatever you call your dark under-eye circles, here's what they really are: oxidizing hemoglobin.
Dark under-eye circles begin in the capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that web the delicate skin around the eyes. Now, your capillaries are so small that red blood cells sometimes have to line up, single file, to get through. Frequently, red blood cells get lost and wander into the surrounding skin. This isn't a problem - it happens all the time - and your body has a mechanism to mop up these escapees. Enzymes in your body break down the red blood cells, including their hemoglobin (the molecule that gives them their distinctive red color).
No problem, right? Except for one thing: when hemoglobin is broken down, its remaining components have a dark blue-black color. Just like a bruise. So your dark under-eye circles are actually caused by leaky capillaries.

How dark under-eye circles are like bruises

When something hits you, blood vessels are traumatized and sometimes broken. Blood leaks out into the surrounding skin. Your body begins the mopping-up process, and you see a dark, purplish or blue-black discoloration.

So, as you can see, dark under-eye circles are very similar to bruises. The same mechanisms produce them.

Why are dark under-eye circles so visible?

It's quite possible that capillaries all over your body are leaking small amounts of blood all the time (I don't know if this is true or not). But the reason dark under-eye circles are so apparent is this: the skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest, most delicate skin of your entire body. The capillaries are much closer to the surface of the skin there. Many people's skin is not only thinner around the eyes, but also more translucent.

The combination of capillaries near the skin's surface and translucent skin makes this discoloration much more apparent. And that's why you have those dark under-eye circles staring back at you in the mirror.

Getting rid of dark under-eye circles
Now that you know they're not your fault, you're probably even more likely to want to get rid of those pesky and unattractive dark under-eye circles. Check out RevitaLume for dark circles under the eyes to get the help you need. You can also look into home remedies for dark circles while you're waiting for your new products to come in the mail.

For More Information Please visit website :-http://www.darkcircles.net

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