Contact lenses are small, concave devices used for corrective, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes and is placed on the eye's cornea. It is first used to replace the use of glasses for people who have eye problems.
Because of this, some contact lenses are considered corrective. A corrective lens can improve a person's vision. Only eye experts prescribe corrective lens. The common eye conditions that are corrected by the lenses are near and far sightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Doctors recommend therapeutic lens so that existing conditions in the eye, such as corneal edema and ulcers, are protected allowing it to heal faster. This type of lens works by shielding the eyes from rubbing, blinking of the eyelids, and the dust and dirt in the air.
If contact lenses are used for medical purposes before, its use took a drastic turn when cosmetic contact lenses are introduced. These types of contact lens are especially designed to radically change the color, style, and even the design of the eyes. If you want to change the color of your eyes overnight, or make look like a zebra to match your Halloween costume, these are the lenses that you need.
Aside from these three, lenses can be further classified according to the material it is made of, its wear time, and its disposability. The shape and the number of its focal points are considered as well. To know more about the basics of a contact lens, read on:
1. Material. When contact lenses are first introduced, it is made out of glass. But glasses cause eye irritation, making it inapplicable for long use. And so Plexiglass, RGP, and Hydrogel lenses came about.
2. Wear Time. Some lenses have to be worn during the day only, and so they are called daily wear contacts. Before you sleep at night, daily wear contacts have to be removed. Consequently, there are also contact lenses that can be used overnight, up to a maximum of one week. These are called the extended wear contact lenses.
3. Disposability. If some lenses can be worn during the day only, some are scheduled for a single use alone. After taking it out for the night, it has to be thrown away. Some lenses though, are made to last for a week, a month, or even a year.
These are the common types of lenses, classified according to their functionality. If you are looking to wear contacts, it pays to know these things. You will not only be rightfully informed when you walk into the store. You'll be able to select the one most fitting you as well.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Your Eyes Beauty Depends On Tea
For women who suffer every morning from puffy eyes or have to cover the bags under their eyes, apart from purchasing expensive cosmetic creams to reduce the symptoms perhaps it is wise to try out one of the oldest natural remedies: a couple of tea bags. If you consider it, it is at least worth the try, as your eyes are, apart from the windows or your soul, also the focal point of your face. Thus, you should take good care of them and devote the necessary time to reveal their own special beauty. Having tired, baggy eyes can add years to your age, while sparkling ones can brighten your face and give you a more youthful appearance. Remember that it is vital to care for the delicate area around them and tea or tea bags can help you reveal the best set of eyes.
Just like when you are feeling tired you reach your kitchen's cabinet to grab some of your favorite tea brand and relax, the same should your reaction be in case you wake up in the morning and witness the symptom of puffy eyes in your bathroom's mirror. Chances are that if your body is tired your eyes will show it. Swollen, red or puffy eyes are indicators of fatigue and it is important to be aware of the fact that the black tea bags you place into your favorite mug can also offer your eyes immediate relief.
The restorative effect of black tea is so apparent that it will surprise you how quickly this simple process can reduce your problem and its occurrence. From the night before, you should boil water and put two tea bags in it like you would if you were going to make tea. After brewing for 5 minutes, take the tea bags out and ring out the liquid. Next, place both tea bags into your kitchen's freezer. You need to have them cool, but not frozen. Keep them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then take them out, lay down, relax and put the tea bags over the puffy ears over your eyes. Leave them there for approximately another 10-15 minutes, turning them over half way through. Afterwards, remove the tea bags and dispose of them. Then rinse your face with cool water to remove any tea stains. Make sure you rinse off any residue carefully with a cold damp tissue or face cloth.
In addition, warm tea bags might be more relaxing on a cold winter day, and it has been found to reduce under eye puffiness just as well as the cold tea bags. If you do drink tea often you can begin saving the two wet tea bags from your tea pot while they are still warm -careful, not hot! Then you should again select a comfortable spot in your home, be it the bed, the couch or the floor. Place a towel where your head will be resting to prevent leaking and staining. Lie down, place one black tea bag over each eye after closing your eyes first and relax for just five minutes. Deep breathing will increase your oxygen intake while you rest and promote increased energy levels.
You'll be amazed at how much wider open your eyes will feel and how quickly soreness will be reduced. This simple, old-fashioned home remedy is a true gift. There is always the option of buying special eyes tea bags from your local pharmacy or beauty store, but any black tea bag works just as well and is certainly more economical.
Just like when you are feeling tired you reach your kitchen's cabinet to grab some of your favorite tea brand and relax, the same should your reaction be in case you wake up in the morning and witness the symptom of puffy eyes in your bathroom's mirror. Chances are that if your body is tired your eyes will show it. Swollen, red or puffy eyes are indicators of fatigue and it is important to be aware of the fact that the black tea bags you place into your favorite mug can also offer your eyes immediate relief.
The restorative effect of black tea is so apparent that it will surprise you how quickly this simple process can reduce your problem and its occurrence. From the night before, you should boil water and put two tea bags in it like you would if you were going to make tea. After brewing for 5 minutes, take the tea bags out and ring out the liquid. Next, place both tea bags into your kitchen's freezer. You need to have them cool, but not frozen. Keep them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then take them out, lay down, relax and put the tea bags over the puffy ears over your eyes. Leave them there for approximately another 10-15 minutes, turning them over half way through. Afterwards, remove the tea bags and dispose of them. Then rinse your face with cool water to remove any tea stains. Make sure you rinse off any residue carefully with a cold damp tissue or face cloth.
In addition, warm tea bags might be more relaxing on a cold winter day, and it has been found to reduce under eye puffiness just as well as the cold tea bags. If you do drink tea often you can begin saving the two wet tea bags from your tea pot while they are still warm -careful, not hot! Then you should again select a comfortable spot in your home, be it the bed, the couch or the floor. Place a towel where your head will be resting to prevent leaking and staining. Lie down, place one black tea bag over each eye after closing your eyes first and relax for just five minutes. Deep breathing will increase your oxygen intake while you rest and promote increased energy levels.
You'll be amazed at how much wider open your eyes will feel and how quickly soreness will be reduced. This simple, old-fashioned home remedy is a true gift. There is always the option of buying special eyes tea bags from your local pharmacy or beauty store, but any black tea bag works just as well and is certainly more economical.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Kids' Kitchen Tools and Pint-Size Equipment
�Young chefs cook best with their own personal set of tools.
- Measuring spoon set
- Measuring cups: one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients
- Wooden spoon
- Apron or large t-shirt
- Potholders and/or oven mitts
- Small knife (plastic, paring, or as appropriate for your child)
- Vegetable peeler
- Safety scissors
- Rubber spatula
- Small cutting board
After your young chef has a personal set of equipment, think about providing a permanent place for all these great tools. It can be just about any type of container, as long as it's easily accessible to the child and not stuck away in a closet piled under stacks of linens or other things. Here's a few suggestions for places in which to store your kid's cookware:
- A large, lower kitchen drawer
- An industrial-sized lunchbox, the kind used by construction workers
- A portable tool kit
- A cardboard file box, known as a banker's box
- A plastic storage box, with handles and lid
Assemble the items first (before deciding on a container), adding any equipment from your own kitchen that you want your child to have (like a melon baller, rolling pin, whisk, or other tools). Then, make sure that the area for your child's tools is large enough to hold all of the tools comfortably. When in doubt, go for a larger space than a smaller one, so that items aren't cramped and difficult to find
(Source: cookingwithkids.com)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
What Are The Skin Types For Men?
Men's skin type describes and interprets how and why your skin looks, feels, and behaves as it does. Recognizing and identifying all the distinctions of skin type for men are very important because different skin types for men require different product combination. Although men do need basic products like a good, gentle cleanser, shaving product, state-of-the-art moisturizer and sunscreen to incorporate into their daily skin care routine, the composition of these products, whether they are lotion-, cream-, gel-, serum- or liquid-based, should compliment your skin type.
The four most common skin type groupings for men are categorizes as:
- Normal (no apparent signs of oily or dry areas)
- Oily (shine appears all over skin, no dry areas at all)
- Dry (flaking can appear, no oily areas at all, skin feels tight)
- Combination (oily, typically in the central part of the face, and dry or normal areas elsewhere)
Acne-prone skin is often classified under oily or combination skin types and sometimes registered as a skin type all by itself. Occasionally, sensitive skin may be listed as an individual skin type but I do feel strongly that all skin types, regardless for men or women, should be considered sensitive.
The truth is, understanding your skin type is far more complicated than those 4 or 6 categories mentioned. That is why men find identifying their skin type an indefinable challenge of changes that never settles down in one specific direction.
To begin this experiment, do not use products or highlight undesirable skin types. Refrain from using products, such as soaps and bar cleanser that are known to make skin dry and irritated. Avoid occlusive moisturizers as they can clog pores and worsen breakouts. Keep away from after-shave lotions, astringents, toners and any other skin care products that are laden with alcohol and other potentially irritating ingredients that cause redness, inflammation, and flaking on the skin. All of these can wreak havoc on the skin.
However, understanding your skin type is extremely important, just not in the way the skin care industry or companies see it or the way we've been taught to think about it, because skin type is never fixed. The variations of what is taking place on your skin can change from season to season, month to month and even week to week. In addition to the complexity is the strong possibility of skin disorders such as rosacea, eczema, skin discolorations, precancerous conditions, blackheads, sun damage and whiteheads.
When it comes to determining skin type for men, you need to forget what you've been taught by cosmetic salespeople, estheticians, fashion magazines and even dermatologists. The typical categories of normal, oily, dry, and combination, are a good basic, but they do not address every nuance, and they change and fluctuate with everything from the weather to your stress levels.
Once you have identified your skin type, you can begin your skin care routine. You need a gentle, water-soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product (gel, foam or cream), followed by a gentle, nonirritating post-shave or shaving lotion, which is actually just a masculine name for a gentle toner. The best after-shave product is an aspirin-based topical product that has additional potent anti-irritants. Aspirin is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent for irritated skin and is able to reduce the redness and razor bumps or burn. You can make your own by taking one or two aspirin tablets and dissolve it in about two tablespoons of water and then apply that to the face with a cotton pad.
When it comes to dealing with breakouts, preventing wrinkles, and addressing dry skin, the procedure is the same for men as it is for women. For blemishes, use a topical antibacterial product that contains benzoyl peroxide. It is very important to use sunscreen on a daily basis, rain or shine, 365 days a year. Suncare should be at least SPF 15 and loaded with effective UVA protection like avobenzone (which may also be listed as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide) and a state-of-the-art moisturizer laden with antioxidants and ingredients that replace vital substances to skin.
Any product containing antioxidants or other light- and air-sensitive ingredients should come in an opaque container whose contents receive minimal exposure to air. That automatically rules out products packaged in jars, because shortly after opening the antioxidants begin to lose potency and won't last for the lifespan of the product.
The four most common skin type groupings for men are categorizes as:
- Normal (no apparent signs of oily or dry areas)
- Oily (shine appears all over skin, no dry areas at all)
- Dry (flaking can appear, no oily areas at all, skin feels tight)
- Combination (oily, typically in the central part of the face, and dry or normal areas elsewhere)
Acne-prone skin is often classified under oily or combination skin types and sometimes registered as a skin type all by itself. Occasionally, sensitive skin may be listed as an individual skin type but I do feel strongly that all skin types, regardless for men or women, should be considered sensitive.
The truth is, understanding your skin type is far more complicated than those 4 or 6 categories mentioned. That is why men find identifying their skin type an indefinable challenge of changes that never settles down in one specific direction.
To begin this experiment, do not use products or highlight undesirable skin types. Refrain from using products, such as soaps and bar cleanser that are known to make skin dry and irritated. Avoid occlusive moisturizers as they can clog pores and worsen breakouts. Keep away from after-shave lotions, astringents, toners and any other skin care products that are laden with alcohol and other potentially irritating ingredients that cause redness, inflammation, and flaking on the skin. All of these can wreak havoc on the skin.
However, understanding your skin type is extremely important, just not in the way the skin care industry or companies see it or the way we've been taught to think about it, because skin type is never fixed. The variations of what is taking place on your skin can change from season to season, month to month and even week to week. In addition to the complexity is the strong possibility of skin disorders such as rosacea, eczema, skin discolorations, precancerous conditions, blackheads, sun damage and whiteheads.
When it comes to determining skin type for men, you need to forget what you've been taught by cosmetic salespeople, estheticians, fashion magazines and even dermatologists. The typical categories of normal, oily, dry, and combination, are a good basic, but they do not address every nuance, and they change and fluctuate with everything from the weather to your stress levels.
Once you have identified your skin type, you can begin your skin care routine. You need a gentle, water-soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product (gel, foam or cream), followed by a gentle, nonirritating post-shave or shaving lotion, which is actually just a masculine name for a gentle toner. The best after-shave product is an aspirin-based topical product that has additional potent anti-irritants. Aspirin is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent for irritated skin and is able to reduce the redness and razor bumps or burn. You can make your own by taking one or two aspirin tablets and dissolve it in about two tablespoons of water and then apply that to the face with a cotton pad.
When it comes to dealing with breakouts, preventing wrinkles, and addressing dry skin, the procedure is the same for men as it is for women. For blemishes, use a topical antibacterial product that contains benzoyl peroxide. It is very important to use sunscreen on a daily basis, rain or shine, 365 days a year. Suncare should be at least SPF 15 and loaded with effective UVA protection like avobenzone (which may also be listed as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide) and a state-of-the-art moisturizer laden with antioxidants and ingredients that replace vital substances to skin.
Any product containing antioxidants or other light- and air-sensitive ingredients should come in an opaque container whose contents receive minimal exposure to air. That automatically rules out products packaged in jars, because shortly after opening the antioxidants begin to lose potency and won't last for the lifespan of the product.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Microdermabrasion Crystals
If you already know a bit about microdermabrasion, you would know that the process involves the use of tiny crystals, most commonly composed of aluminium oxide. These crystals are blasted onto the stratum corneum (upper most layer of the skin) to rub away dead skin cells and reveal healthier, renewed skin cells beneath.
Many who consider the use of microdermabrasion crystals worry about the abrasive properties of these particles that are being used to clean their skin. But they (and you) should not worry; the commonly used aluminium oxide does not induce any harmful side-effects, for example, because of accidental ingestion or inhalation; it is also very rare to have allergic skin reactions or rash production because of this material. All microdermabrasion systems use clean aluminium oxide crystals that are cleared of impurities such as silica and zinc that are present in the raw material. This is done by repeated melting and cooling, and thus crystallization of the aluminium oxide for at least 8 cycles.
Despite the cleanliness of the crystals, it is very important that your family or personal doctor takes care to cover your nose and eyes before starting the microdermabrasion process. The introduction of any foreign body, into the lungs via the nose or mouth, can still, although not fatal, cause irritation, and either acute or chronic cough. At the same time, the crystals may irritate the mucous membranes around the eye bulb and result in severe irritation and swelling, especially if the client is wearing contact lenses. But do not be put off by these warnings, just simply make sure that you cover your eyes, nose and mouth well - and the microdermabrasion crystals will bring you enough benefit for you to want more and more of their beautifying properties!
Further, it should be noted that microdermabrasion is not only a one-way calibrated system. It can easily be modified and toggled with to adjust to your specific beauty and skincare needs. It is a painless process; and is more like a massage you get at the hair salon than anything else! Remember that you can either get a professionally trained microdermabrasion specialist to carry out the procedure for you, or you can get a home system with training manuals. It is generally recommended that you go to the professional first, and see how its done, and then try it out for yourself at home when you are comfortable with the whole process. If the use of microdermabrasion crystals still bothers you- ask around the neighborhood or friends or family if they have tried themselves. A friendly recommendation with real life results can really make a big difference to the surety of your decision.
So in conclusion, this is just background information for you to feel at ease with the ins and outs of microdermabrasion. To really confirm whether it will make a difference, go ahead and try it out, there are thousands of cleaner, more beautified faces out there because of it!
Many who consider the use of microdermabrasion crystals worry about the abrasive properties of these particles that are being used to clean their skin. But they (and you) should not worry; the commonly used aluminium oxide does not induce any harmful side-effects, for example, because of accidental ingestion or inhalation; it is also very rare to have allergic skin reactions or rash production because of this material. All microdermabrasion systems use clean aluminium oxide crystals that are cleared of impurities such as silica and zinc that are present in the raw material. This is done by repeated melting and cooling, and thus crystallization of the aluminium oxide for at least 8 cycles.
Despite the cleanliness of the crystals, it is very important that your family or personal doctor takes care to cover your nose and eyes before starting the microdermabrasion process. The introduction of any foreign body, into the lungs via the nose or mouth, can still, although not fatal, cause irritation, and either acute or chronic cough. At the same time, the crystals may irritate the mucous membranes around the eye bulb and result in severe irritation and swelling, especially if the client is wearing contact lenses. But do not be put off by these warnings, just simply make sure that you cover your eyes, nose and mouth well - and the microdermabrasion crystals will bring you enough benefit for you to want more and more of their beautifying properties!
Further, it should be noted that microdermabrasion is not only a one-way calibrated system. It can easily be modified and toggled with to adjust to your specific beauty and skincare needs. It is a painless process; and is more like a massage you get at the hair salon than anything else! Remember that you can either get a professionally trained microdermabrasion specialist to carry out the procedure for you, or you can get a home system with training manuals. It is generally recommended that you go to the professional first, and see how its done, and then try it out for yourself at home when you are comfortable with the whole process. If the use of microdermabrasion crystals still bothers you- ask around the neighborhood or friends or family if they have tried themselves. A friendly recommendation with real life results can really make a big difference to the surety of your decision.
So in conclusion, this is just background information for you to feel at ease with the ins and outs of microdermabrasion. To really confirm whether it will make a difference, go ahead and try it out, there are thousands of cleaner, more beautified faces out there because of it!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
D-Calcium Pantothenate for Acne Therapy - An Entirely New Category in Skin Care
Co-enzyme A is needed to break down fatty acids in the body. When, levels of co-enzyme A are low, the efficient breakdown of fatty acids is thus impaired which leads to excessive accumulation of fatty acids in the blood stream. The fatty acids are the deposited into the sebaceous glands (sweat glands) and secreted as oil, giving the skin an oily complexion.
Co-enzyme A is also needed for sex hormone synthesis. When the levels of sex hormone are low, the body has to make use of what co-enzyme A is available for sex hormone synthesis (as hormone synthesis is given priority; without it, sex organs to do not develop) and hence this causes the build-up of fatty acids.
This explains why teenagers are more prone to acne than adults; at that age, sex hormone synthesis is at its peak to allow development of sex organs and secondary characteristics such as pubic hair, muscle mass, voice change etc.
The human body can obtain co-enzyme A from 3 sources; adenosine (naturally produced), cysteine (naturally produced) and d-calcium pantothenate, which needs to be obtained from dietary intake. Although the naturally produced adenosine and cysteine are able to cope with supplying the adequate levels of co-enzyme A, at time of high demand dietary intakes of d-calcium pantothenate are needed to quench this demand.
Treatment Regime
1.For the first five days of treatment, 5 capsules are usually taken twice a day; this equates to 10 capsules per day.
2.After the first five days, 5 capsules are to be taken 4 times a day (equates to 20 capsules per day) for 3 months.
3.After three months, maintenance therapy can be started and this ranges from 4-15 capsules per day. Maintenance therapy can be titrated according to the appearance of your skin and how acne-free it is. Gradually reducing the dose from 20 a day down to 10 then eventually 4 capsules per day is quite a good method. If flare-ups are experienced, this means you have gone below your individual maintenance dosage; increase to the amount taken before the last reduction.
One may ask why, the doses of d-calcium pantothenate, are so high. Well, the purpose of taking 20 capsules per day is to kick-start the body to produce co-enzyme A. After the levels of co-enzyme A are high, (after about three months), they can then be reduced to a maintenance therapy levels; as explained above.
Efficacy
The use of d-calcium pantothenate has been shown to be over 90% effective in a medical study. But one thing to note is that efficacy comes with compliance!
In some people, improvements can be seen at 2 weeks of therapy whilst others this can take somewhat longer.
During the first week of treatment, some customers have noticed that their acne has increased. Although the reason for this is not entirely known, this should not act as a deterrent; this usually disappears after 1-2 weeks.
Safety
Being an all-natural water soluble vitamin, d-calcium pantothenate is safe to take in high quantities. The body will just excrete the surplus amounts through the urine. The only contra-indication worthy of note is that d-calcium pantothenate should not be taken when pregnant/ breast feeding.
Side Effects
1.Loosening of stool ( reported as the main side effect) The stool consistency is half way between normal and diarrhoea
2.Mild stomach irritation ( occasional)
3.Possible headaches. This may occur at the start of treatment and gradually subsides
4.Must not be taken when pregnant or when breast feeding!
If side effects do occur, then please reduce the number of capsules being taken or discontinue and consult your local doctor for advice.
Co-enzyme A is also needed for sex hormone synthesis. When the levels of sex hormone are low, the body has to make use of what co-enzyme A is available for sex hormone synthesis (as hormone synthesis is given priority; without it, sex organs to do not develop) and hence this causes the build-up of fatty acids.
This explains why teenagers are more prone to acne than adults; at that age, sex hormone synthesis is at its peak to allow development of sex organs and secondary characteristics such as pubic hair, muscle mass, voice change etc.
The human body can obtain co-enzyme A from 3 sources; adenosine (naturally produced), cysteine (naturally produced) and d-calcium pantothenate, which needs to be obtained from dietary intake. Although the naturally produced adenosine and cysteine are able to cope with supplying the adequate levels of co-enzyme A, at time of high demand dietary intakes of d-calcium pantothenate are needed to quench this demand.
Treatment Regime
1.For the first five days of treatment, 5 capsules are usually taken twice a day; this equates to 10 capsules per day.
2.After the first five days, 5 capsules are to be taken 4 times a day (equates to 20 capsules per day) for 3 months.
3.After three months, maintenance therapy can be started and this ranges from 4-15 capsules per day. Maintenance therapy can be titrated according to the appearance of your skin and how acne-free it is. Gradually reducing the dose from 20 a day down to 10 then eventually 4 capsules per day is quite a good method. If flare-ups are experienced, this means you have gone below your individual maintenance dosage; increase to the amount taken before the last reduction.
One may ask why, the doses of d-calcium pantothenate, are so high. Well, the purpose of taking 20 capsules per day is to kick-start the body to produce co-enzyme A. After the levels of co-enzyme A are high, (after about three months), they can then be reduced to a maintenance therapy levels; as explained above.
Efficacy
The use of d-calcium pantothenate has been shown to be over 90% effective in a medical study. But one thing to note is that efficacy comes with compliance!
In some people, improvements can be seen at 2 weeks of therapy whilst others this can take somewhat longer.
During the first week of treatment, some customers have noticed that their acne has increased. Although the reason for this is not entirely known, this should not act as a deterrent; this usually disappears after 1-2 weeks.
Safety
Being an all-natural water soluble vitamin, d-calcium pantothenate is safe to take in high quantities. The body will just excrete the surplus amounts through the urine. The only contra-indication worthy of note is that d-calcium pantothenate should not be taken when pregnant/ breast feeding.
Side Effects
1.Loosening of stool ( reported as the main side effect) The stool consistency is half way between normal and diarrhoea
2.Mild stomach irritation ( occasional)
3.Possible headaches. This may occur at the start of treatment and gradually subsides
4.Must not be taken when pregnant or when breast feeding!
If side effects do occur, then please reduce the number of capsules being taken or discontinue and consult your local doctor for advice.
Michael Jackson and his children's rare Photos
Over 20 never-before-seen pictures of Michael Jackson have emerged showing him as he lived his everyday life.
From birthday to costume parties, these pictures show a candid, unmasked, genuinely happy Michael as he interacts with his children, employees and friends.
(source:www.tmz.com)
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