Archive for February, 2009
February 27th, 2009 -- Posted in Skin Care |
If you suffer from regular acne breakouts, you know how frustrating and painful this skin condition can be. While there is no known cure for acne, there are acne treatments to keep your skin healthy and prevent as many breakouts as possible. One of the easiest is to simply incorporate four key anti-acne foods that keep your skin looking its best from the inside out.
Consider these four anti-acne selections to add to your daily menu to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many clinicians are now turning to flaxseed, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, as an acne treatment. Studies have also been done on the connection between fish oil and acne, with mostly favorable results.
In addition to acting as anti-acne foods, omega-3 fatty acids provide a host of other health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system. Common sources of omega-3’s include:
• Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and lake trout
• Nuts like walnuts, Brazil nuts and soy nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• Olive and soybean oil
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries all have one thing in common: they all pack a powerful antioxidant punch. Antioxidants fight free radicals found in our environment, which damage cells and lead to signs of aging and a higher risk of some diseases. Antioxidants also provide a boost to the immune system, keeping the entire body healthier from the inside out.
Since the skin is the largest organ of the body, it stands to reason that the health benefits of antioxidants will positively affect the skin as well. And healthier skin means a complexion that is less prone to acne breakouts.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which promote the growth of good bacteria in the body that effectively keep the bad bacteria at bay. What is at the root cause of acne breakouts? Those nasty bacteria known as p. acnes, of course!
Probiotics are only found in yogurt containing live cultures, so make sure the yogurt product you choose states that there are live cultures in the mix. In addition to clearer skin, these anti-acne foods will promote a healthier immune system and a more efficient digestive system.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Popeye ate his spinach to gain strength, but this popular green veggie is also an effective acne treatment. Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens pack a potent amount of vitamins and minerals that promote a healthier body overall.
Zinc, a common mineral found in greens, is another effective acne treatment because it regulates the production of sebum. An overabundance of sebum leads to acne breakouts, and therefore, reducing production is an essential step in cutting down on blemishes. These vegetables are also rich in antioxidant nutrients, which keep the skin supple, glowing and acne-free.
Eating right is the first step toward more beautiful, blemish-free skin. With these four anti-acne foods added to your diet daily, you will experience clearer skin and a host of other health benefits as well.
February 26th, 2009 -- Posted in Skin Care |
The actual truth that no one can run from is that for those who are afflicted with skin problems or are having a hard time facing the threat of growing old and getting wrinkles, there are actually products that can help them. There are lots of Anti acne/anti aging skin care products out there right now that help or at least claim to help people with these problems and they include acne problems and worrisome creases on the side of the eyes an or mouth. These anti acne anti aging skin care products are actually meant to treat skin problems, acne and wrinkles. Some are even advertised as multi-purpose in nature. That is they ca take care of a combination of these problems. The big question then is – How does one know the right products?
To set your mind totally at rest as to whether you are using the right anti acne anti aging skin care treatment, it might be your best option to seek the help of your Dermatologist. Aging skin and Acne are two different kinds of skin problems. So you might need if only to be sure, to consult with an expert to help you determine if really the treatment you are considering which claims to be able to deal with both problems is worth the effort.
There are a whole variations of these Anti acne anti aging skin care multi-purpose products in your local drug store and all over the internet. As is normal with advertising, we are constantly bombarded with their promotional claims leaving not a few of us in a state of serious confusion. They all claim a whole lot of things, but whatever these claims, you have to be able to read the “fine prints” and look out for the word “may”. Most of these products always after their claims, include this little disclaimer to state that the product may not have the desired effect. So if you are choosing a product, you would have to decide if the cost is worth it especially if you are paying more for the supposed extra service.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I would have to go back to my first advice about seeing a doctor who has a good knowledge of skin care and their associated products. It is true that there are some of these products that actually do what they claim. Having said that, it is good to add that the involvement of a qualified licensed skin doctor. Why, he knows what caused the breakout or the skin problem in the first place so he can recommend the actual treatment be it a multi-purpose treatment or individual treatments that would help solve both problems.
Here’s to an Acne free, younger looking skin.
February 25th, 2009 -- Posted in Skin Care |
Roaccutane is an anti-acne drug used to prevent, treat and stop acne.
Basically, acne is caused by Oils from the glands that combine with dead skin cells to block hair follicles. Under the blocked pore, oil builds up. Skin bacteria can then grow very quickly. This infection makes the skin become swollen and red, which becomes visible.
Acne is treated by killing the bacteria, removing the oil from the skin and removing the dead skin cells. Roaccutane has become one of the most famous anti-acne skin care treatment. It is a drug that contains a lot of vitamin A. Vitamin A considerably lessens the amount of oil produced in the oil glands and thereby effectively reduces bacterial infections as a result of oil combining with dead skin cells blocking hair follicles. It also helps in the fast renewal of skin cells, giving your skin that healthy glow and fresh feel.
Consult with your dermatologist and buy Roaccutane to get rid of acne now. It may be your last hope of finally putting a stop to acne but it is also important to be educated about all the possible side-effects that may be caused by this wonder drug. This is the list as indicated by the product insert:
*Fetal malformation and Risk of spontaneous abortion – that’s why this wonder drug is strictly not advisable to be taken by pregnant or expecting mothers. So if you are planning on this drug treatment, better be sure that you are not currently pregnant because this is very harmful for the baby or fetus.
*Liver toxicity – If you are already having problems with your liver, better find another solution for acne
*Psychiatric disorders including depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, seizures – there have been a lot of roaccutane related suicidal tendencies and attempts that were reported
*Benign intracranial hypertension which must be referred to a neurologist
*Corneal opacity
*Elevation of high density lipoproteins and elevation of cholesterol levels
*Diabetes
*Inflammatory bowel syndrome
*Hyper pigmentation
*Hair thinning and alopecia.
Apart from these, some other side effects have also been reported by people using Roaccutane:
*Dry skin – it’s suppose to rid the pores of oil but sometimes dryness is just too much as if the facial skin pores oil glands totally stops producing oil
*Eczema
*Photosensitivity
*Sweating
*Nail dystrophy
*Lethargy
*Back pain – and joint and bone problems as well
*Epilepsy
*Headaches – may be manageable unless you already have a history of headache related problems like migraine
*Skin fragility
*Liver dysfunction – though you may not have any history of any liver problems, continued unsupervised ise of the drug with the wrong dosage may cause your liver to malfunction
*Nosebleeds
*Dry mouth and nose
*Sore, cracked and sensitive lips – may be managed by using lip balms, petroleum jelly or chapstick
*Conjunctivitis
*Blurred vision
*Nausea
*Irritability
*Decreased concentration
This list of unwanted and some extreme side-effects may be enough to scare people off, but there are still others that would weather any possible roaccutane side effects just to finally get rid of acne.
February 22nd, 2009 -- Posted in Dental Care |
When you’re learning about teeth whitening bleach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This cosmetic teeth whitening article should help you focus on the central points of Teeth Whitening.
There are many teeth whitening products available to consumers both from your dentist, grocery stores, drug stores, online Websites. Educating yourself about teeth whiteners before buying is a very smart decision. There are two ways to whiten your teeth: over – the – counter and with a dentist. There are benefits and disadvantages to both ways.
Over – The – Counter
There are two ingredients used in whiteners. Some whiteners use 10 % Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is also used to bleach hair. Other whiteners use Carbamide Peroxide. This breaks up in your mouth into both carbamide peroxide besides urea. It is to your benefit to retain your teeth professionally cleaned and any cavities filled before starting to use teeth whitener. Most over- the – counter whiteners use either trays or strips. The cost of these products can perform anywhere from under $10 to $35 per container.
Problems with over – the – counter whiteners
Without a professional administering the whitener, there will be no help for you to adjust the amount and strength. If you encounter sensitivity of your gum, there is no way to adjust the strength for your needs. It can also be difficult to cover all the tooth surfaces with strips and trays.
Remedies
If you experience irritation, you can try to cut back on usage. Instead of daily, use the whitening every other day. You can also apply a product such as Orajel, to your irritated gum.
FDA
One thing you should know is that the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration does not categorize teeth whitening products as drugs and therefore does not regulate them. Because of this, the ADA ( American Dental Association ) has set guidelines for these dental products. These guidelines are standards for safety and effectiveness. They state that whiteners should not cause any harm to either the teeth or the soft tissues of the gum.
If your dental health facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your teeth whitening decisions? Make certain you don’t let important dental health information slip by you.
They state that the product should be effective in whitening teeth. As of January 2006, no teeth whitening products have met the ADA guidelines for safety or effectiveness.
At The Dentists
Your dentist clean your teeth, fill any cavities also check your gums to be sure they are healthy. The dentist will use between 15 to 35 % of either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide. Your dentist will adjust the amount based on how your gums adjust to the application process. Before applying the whitener, the dentist will clean your teeth with a pumice and then put a protective barrier on your gums.
The entire treatment generally takes about 40 minutes. The dentist apply a paste, take it off, and then reapply the paste. The dentist will repeat the process several times during the visit. Each application will result in your teeth being a shade lighter each time. Having your teeth whitened this way is faster than the over – the – counter products.
You can also opt for your dentist to make you a tray to take home that you wear over your teeth. The dentist will take a mold ( dogma of your teeth / gums ) so that the tray will fit properly. You will receive a gel to put into the tray. You then wear the tray for 2 hours during the day for 2 weeks and perhaps up to 6 weeks.
Using the professional services of your dentist to whiten your teeth can run anywhere from $300 to $1,000. You may also have to wait for an appointment, then go through the process of the examination. If the dentist finds cavities you will need to wait while the fillings are placed.
That’s the latest on teeth whitening methods. Now that you’re familiar with teeth whitening, you can make an informed decision, on how-to whiten your teeth.
February 18th, 2009 -- Posted in Dental Care |
With the myriad of teeth whitening options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which product is right for you. For the quickest and most dramatic results, dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry still offer the best solution with laser teeth whitening.
There are many other options available to people looking for a quick way to brighten their smile, but few methods produce the results seen in laser whitening. Over the counter teeth whitening kits are generally considered safe, although they can cause sensitivity. While in-office teeth whitening produces instant results, products you buy over the counter generally take longer and don’t produce the same level of whitening.
Why is My Smile Fading?
There are several factors that lead to yellowing or staining, including diet, medications and smoking. Coffee, soda, tea and red wine are major offenders. However, even if these items were cut out of your diet, ageing is a natural process that unfortunately leads to dull, stained teeth.
The surface of the tooth is porous, so even with vigilant brushing, your teeth will stain over time. Thankfully, this damage is reversible with the teeth whitening technology now available. A brighter, whiter smile instills confidence and improves your entire physical appearance.
What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?
Before using any product, consult with your dentist. The degree of staining and your desired results are deciding factors in which method you should choose to brighten your smile. While commercially available treatments may whiten your teeth three or four shades, cosmetic dentists can produce amazing results – up to 14 shades whiter.
Occasionally, teeth are too damaged and stained for even laser whitening to produce desirable results. In that case, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. A veneer may be applied on a few specific teeth, while the others undergo a whitening treatment. If most of your teeth are affected, you might opt for several veneers.
In-office Treatment is by far the quickest and most effective teeth whitening method. In 45 minutes, you can expect your teeth to become 8 to 10 shades whiter. The cosmetic dentist begins by gently cleaning your teeth and removing plaque along the gum line. Because the peroxide compound whitening solution is so much stronger than the type used in home treatments, the dentist uses a rubber gum guard or barrier to protect your soft tissues from damage. They will apply the whitening gel 3 times, 15 minutes apart, and activate its stain-removing power with a special lamp or laser.
Rembrandt®, BrightSmile® and Zoom!® are popular types of in-office treatments that produce similar results. This is a great option for people with highly sensitive teeth or those who expect instant results. While it is more expensive than home treatments, the cost varies depending on the dentist performing the treatment, what type of gel they use and whether or not your insurance company is footing a part of the bill (most insurance providers do not include cosmetic dentistry in their coverage).
At-home Treatments should still be supervised by your cosmetic dentist. These treatments come in the form of a professional grade whitening gel with teeth trays, usually custom fit to your mouth. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth before providing the whitening gel, to ensure that your mouth is free of cavities and decay. At-home whitening gel can actually cause damage to decayed teeth. They will also remove any excess plaque that could hinder the whitening process.
The gel-filled trays and worn overnight for two to three weeks, the time in which it takes to see maximum results.
Over the Counter Whitening Treatments are not as effective as teeth whitening treatments provided by or performed by your cosmetic dentist. Companies such as Colgate® and Crest® offer a wide variety of gels, strips, paint-on liquids and other solutions that are used for several weeks at a time. Many people find that the solutions cause excessive temperature sensitivity and prefer to use the stronger dentist’s office treatments for a shorter period.
These over the counter treatments do not produce the dramatic results that the in-office and at-home dentist’s solutions can and are therefore suitable for people looking to brighten their smile just a few shades.
Whitening Toothpastes work by removing surface stains from the tooth enamel. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits should produce the same results. Those with resistant tooth damage and staining from medications such as tetracycline will find that whitening toothpastes and over the counter treatments are ineffective.
How Long Will My Teeth Stay Whiter?
With proper care and regular touch-ups, your new bright smile should last for years. However, coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries and other foods can take their toll on your pearly whites. Avoid these foods and cigarettes to keep your smile looking its best.
After a professional in-office treatment, over the counter products can be used every few months to remove new surface stains.
How Much Will It Cost to Have My Teeth Whitened?
The cost varies according to which treatment you choose and your desired results. In-office laser whitening ranges from a couple of hundred to over a thousand pounds, while over the counter treatments are as low as £10. Porcelain veneers start around £350 per tooth and go up depending on the work needed to prepare the tooth and the cosmetic dentist applying it.
At-home or over the counter whitening is a good choice for those on a limited budget who don’t mind performing the whitening themselves each night. Visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning to remove excess plaque and check for tooth decay before applying any home treatment.
For those seeking instant results, those with sensitive teeth and those who are not concerned with the budget, in-office laser whitening is a quick, simple and painless way to a brighter smile. See your cosmetic dentist for a consultation.
February 16th, 2009 -- Posted in Dental Care |
Dentists have been using teeth whitening gels to whiten teeth for decades. These teeth whitening gels are also called carbamade peroxide gels. In the past time periods, lime chloride was the main source for teeth whitening. Nowadays, carbamide peroxide is the main source for teeth whitening. The new bleaching chemical, carbamide peroxide, removes the stains left on teeth within minutes after applied. Carbamide peroxide is used by dental professional and at home people all around the world. Another popular teeth whitening chemical is hydrogen peroxide, which is similar to carbamide peroxide but has been around for over a century. Teeth whiteners have been around for over a century but since the early 1990’s, teeth whitener kits have become a phenomenon. Carbamide peroxide has become more popular for at home use since the early 1990’s. There are many types of forms of carbamide peroxide. Concentration levels for the carbamide peroxide vary from 10% to 36%. The most popular of the concentration levels are the 22%. This teeth whitener provides little to no sensitivity to the teeth while whitening the teeth at a good pace. The teeth whitening process is called oxidation which eliminates the stains from the teeth without harming the enamel in the mouth. The teeth whitening process makes the teeth lighter by eliminating the colored tooth. The teeth whitening process is very simple to do at home. It involves placing the carbamide peroxide inside thermoforming mouth trays. Each thermoform mouth tray is placed inside the mouth for up to 30 minutes daily. The longer it is placed inside the mouth the better the teeth whitening results. Results can form as quick as 5 to 6 hours.
Nowadays, teeth whitening have become a great phenomenon to do at home. With prices at a fraction of the costs compared to dental offices, many have chosen to do it at home. Teeth whitening will continue to be the number one source to whiten teeth for the decades to come.
February 10th, 2009 -- Posted in Dental Care |
Talking about a personal makeover, whether it’s a new hairdo or having teeth whitening has upsides and downsides. On the upside, it adds value to your personality and character and you get the advantage of the fulfilled feeling that comes from doing something for yourself. On the other hand, the downside is the fact that makeovers cost money. But the good news is Bling Teeth can save you some significant bucks. The company has produced a teeth whitening gel which can help you save time and money.
Check the product and you will be amazed to know the dazzling results the teeth whitening gel has generated. The product consisted of professional pharmaceutical grade 22 percent Carbamide peroxide whitening gel. Touted to be the strongest do it yourself teeth whitening. So easy to use that you don’t need to go to your dentist. You are able to do with the entire process in just two steps. The gel comes with a thermoform custom tray where you squeeze the gel into. Then wear the tray for about an hour. You have pearly white teeth after that. The bottom line is you end up saving some money.
Teeth whitening can cost a great deal of money in dental clinics. Some whitening products do not result in even whitening to say the least. With teeth whitening gel from Bling Teeth, you get the desired results at cost effective prices. The extremely thick and sticky gel is formulated to ensure the even whitening of the teeth. It is also safe and FDA approved for at-home use. While the thermoform custom tray which is made from special polymer is designed to exactly fit your teeth.
You are probably better off using the teeth whitening gel from Bling Teeth than whitening toothpaste or strips that do not yield the best results. Most whitening agents do not result into teeth whitening evenly. They cut down efficiency for minimal pricing but Bling Teeth at minimal price provides whitening that is well-balanced and so handy it can be brought for any occasion. Be sure you don’t go anywhere without it.
All makeover projects go along a lot smoother when you have the right tools. And so does teeth whitening. The teeth whitening gel can make things easier at the same time giving you the necessary confidence to go through a day of celebration, meeting or any event that matters. It is always advisable to take along with you your whitening gel for more events down the road. Buying it at a reasonable price is the best option. As a bonus the handy tool for your teeth saves you high dentist costs.
Always consider that even of you pay a little more presently, but over time, you will save money as opposed to buying whitening strips or toothpaste that will require longer and frequent use. Teeth whitening need not be that agonizing. You can have it now and better with teeth whitening gel. So whether you are going to attend wedding, joining beauty pageants, singing audition and other activities turn to practical advice made to make the process easy, simple and glowing white teeth.
Giving your teeth the white it needs it is never too late for a teeth whitening gel for a make over. Fast and reliable the result is amazing and admirable.
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