Lifestyle Choices

If the acne is so severe that it cannot be effectively prevented or treated using topical medications, oral medications are often necessary. These are reserved for the tougher, more resistant cases of acne.

The most commonly used oral medications are antibiotics, the most widely prescribed of which is tetracycline. Tetracycline not only kills the bacteria but also reduces sebum secretion. It must be taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal). Tetracycline binds to calcium, so it is not absorbed if taken with dairy products. Tetracycline should not be taken by children under ten or by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, since it can stain a child’s developing teeth. (more…)

The word eczema is derived from a Greek word meaning “to boil out”, a description of the family of itchy skin conditions which begin with redness and swelling, often followed by blisters and oozing, then scaling, and finally thick, leathery, frequently painfully cracked skin. Several categories of eczema exist, the most common of which are atopic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. (more…)

Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, good quality fats and oils, and plenty of pure water are the basics for good skin health. These foods promote the healthy functioning of the internal organs, which is reflected in the condition of the skin. High- fiber foods move wastes quickly through the large intestine, plenty of water flushes toxins out of the body through the kidneys, and an abundance of fresh, leafy green vegetables keeps the liver working efficiently to detoxify the bloodstream. Glowing, smooth, and blemish-free skin is an indication that all is well internally. (more…)

While drinking plenty of pure water will help to keep your skin hydrated and facilitate the release of toxins, you can also take advantage of the purifying benefits of water externally through the use of saunas, steams, and special cleansing baths. A daily bath or shower removes surface perspiration and toxins. But you don’t want to dry out your skin or upset the natural protective acid mantle. Use gentle vegetable oil soaps and lather up only where you absolutely need to. A thorough scrubbing with warm water and a loofah or rough washcloth is all you need over most of your body to remove dry skin cells and refresh your skin. Be sure to install a water filter on your shower if your tap water is chlorinated. Your skin and your hair will be much softer and you won’t be absorbing chlorine, which is a potent toxin. (more…)

Given these changes, sex may become impossible when you are under certain stresses that relate to past sexual abuse, such as being in the place where the abuse occurred, having contact with the offender, encountering problems in an intimate relationship, or feeling exploited in a work situation. Be .aware you will have times like this: Don’t be surprised when they occur. Reduce pressure. These times are inevitable and temporary. To help you through them, rely on the skills you learned for creating safety and moving forward in small steps. (more…)

Sexual healing brings changes in how you experience sex that may take some getting used to. Sex isn’t the same for you now as it was before you began healing. While many survivors feel happy about the differences, as with any major change in life, they often experience some disappointments and sadness as well.

Sexual healing can bring with it the loss of some things we enjoyed, even if they were bad for us. If we used to passively withdraw from sex, we may miss how easy it was to avoid sexual situations. It may seem a burden to have to tell a partner directly that we don’t want sex. Similarly, if we used to become overexcited by sex and engaged in it compulsively, we may miss the “high” we used to get. (more…)

As a result of sexual healing, each survivor creates a comfort zone for sexual activity. Within this zone certain behaviors feel okay, while others do not. A survivor might feel fine having sexual relations, but only under the condition that sexual contact is made in the same position every time. Another survivor might feel comfortable with fingers touching genitals but not want oral sex at all.

While establishing limits to sexual behavior and activity is crucial to being able to sexually heal, as time goes on survivors often feel limited by their own restrictions. Then the task becomes one of expanding the outer limits of the comfort zone to make room for new experiences. (more…)

GARBO: . . . Wait, wait . . . what’s the hurry? Let us be happy . . . give us our moment … we are happy, aren’t we, Leon?

LEON: (adoringly) Yes, sweetheart. (He folds her in his arms)

GARBO: So happy .. .

WILL YOU MARRY ME?’ — ‘YES!’ In this simple question and answer lies the highest expression of human love. This is the moment when the deepest feelings are declared, and lovers claim their full rights in one another. It’s the moment when you roll up the map of your future and send it back to be redrawn, the moment of piercing joy when you know that your dearest friend wants to go forward with you and be at your side always. (more…)

Recently I received a call’ rom Marla, a former client whom I had last seen for sex therapy with her husband, Rhett, two years before. Marla had been sexually abused by her father and had suffered sexual problems in her marriage as a result. On the phone Marla said she was feeling depressed and needed to come back into counseling again. I wondered what was causing her problems. My last contact with her had been several months ago on the phone when she told me things were going well, she and Rhett were having sexual relations about once a week, she enjoyed the experiences and had even felt strong urges that led to her initiating sex with Rhett on several occasions. (more…)

These are the basic rules that really do help to protect you:

1 Don’t roast yourself

However tempting it might be, don’t ever lie in the sun. And always stay near trees for shade or an umbrella (preferably dark and tightly woven). Do remember that indoor “palefaces” who quick-roast themselves in the sun on a two-week vacation can measurably increase their risk of skin cancer.. (more…)

These localized swellings (urticaria or wheals) of the skin or mucous membranes are usually very itchy. They can occur suddenly, last a few hours and then disappear, leaving no trace. No single hive lasts more than 36 hours. By circling the irregular, red swelling with a pen, you will see that it fades, even as new ones form. Each hive can be as small as a pea to larger than 30 cm (12in). When a hive forms near the eyes, lips, or genitals, there can be a frightening swelling called angioedema which lasts 12-24 hours (if the throat swells, seek urgent medical attention). (more…)

Almost everything can cause an allergy in someone, somewhere! The medical literature is full of reports of strange skin allergies: clarinet players with lip blisters from an allergy to the bamboo reed; drivers with allergic reactions to steering wheels; chefs with allergies to pineapple juice, corn and other moist foods. (more…)

Step 3: Powder

A complete dusting of translucent powder (avoid the eyes) is now necessary to `set’ the foundation so that it will last all day. Never apply powder blusher directly on to a cream foundation because it will not blend in softly; your skin will ‘grab’ it and look blotchy and harsh.

• Choose a translucent powder that is ‘colourless’ or neutral in shade, so that it blends with your skintone.
• Apply powder all over the face with a large, fluffy brush, dusting across the forehead and down over the cheeks, nose and across the mouth, chin and jawline.

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When relaxing at home, at weekends or on holiday, it’s great to give the skin and yourself a break from wearing make-up. But otherwise, all women look and feel better with a little colour, ‘their’ colours, to enhance their skintone, eyes and hair. (more…)

Facial Hair

I know, life isn’t fair. Some of us are darker and fuzzier in places we wish we weren’t, and during our period a female ‘moustache’ can become darker and more noticeable.

If you have noticeable hairs on your face you have three options:

• Bleaching them monthly. This is fine if the hairs aren’t coarse or too long. Apply a special facial hair bleach to lighten the hair. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always test a patch of hair on your arm first. Some women’s hair turns red, which can be worse than the natural shade.

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Regardless of income, background or lifestyle, modern women have no excuse for being badly groomed. We can all transform our appearance simply by bothering to attend to details — and a little regular care and attention doesn’t take as much time as you might think. Here are some guidelines.

Hair

Clean, conditioned and well-cut. Individual needs obviously vary but, at minimum, have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. (more…)

Proper cleansing can be the most important part of your skincare routine! Not only is it absolutely necessary to get your face clean without irritating your skin (often a delicate balance), but you can also treat your skin by the way you wash and the soap or cleanser you use. Your bath or shower can be your best friend, your greatest indulgence and your most important key to excellent health and a great, young appearance.

Getting the product right!

Your skin is by nature slightly acidic (with a pH of about 5.5). Until recently, most soaps and cleansers were the opposite — slightly alkaline. The result was dry skin! With advances in cosmetic chemistry, no longer do you have to choose from only harsh, alkaline products. (more…)

In the busy lives we lead today, people often shower rapidly. We can benefit greatly, however, from the luxury of relaxing in a bath. This time can be a real beauty treatment — for your face, your body, and your soul! To get the most out of your bath or shower and to appreciate these relaxing minutes of your day, here are some suggestions:

1 The ideal temperature for showering or relaxing in your bath without becoming drowsy is about 95°F (35°C). The steam is very good to open the pores of your face for a thorough Cleaning. (It’s also therapeutic if you have a cold with congestion.) (more…)

No matter what we stay, car always provides us high performance 4 wheels. It is fast and convenient. But finding a car parking place always limits our driving desire. I remember one of my friend ask me “can you make sure we will also have available parking space before we drive?” (more…)

When you refinish a piece of fine furniture, you often sweep off the old surface to reveal the quality of the fresh wood below. Similarly, one of the simplest and most effective methods of eliminating tiny wrinkles is to “sand” the surface of the skin mildly with a gently abrasive sponge or product. Particularly likely to respond to such treatment are the tiny wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. This mild abrasion mechanically removes some of the dead outer layers of skin cells so the skin does appear smoother. (more…)