The Secrets of Thai Herbs in Cosmetics

For hundreds of years Thai herbs have constituted a great part of Thai traditional medicine a natural means of health and beauty care. This knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation so that now, in our modern times, everyone can benefit from the wisdom of Thai herbs in today's natural cosmetics and beauty care.

In the next few paragraphs, you will discover the benefits of some of the more common Thai herbs currently being used in cosmetics and beauty care products.

Tamarind
Tamarind seed extract contains high levels of AHA which is of great benefit in skin care. Studies have shown that tamarind seed extract significantly improves skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness.

This extract is water soluble and is recommended for facial toners, moisturizers, serums, gels, masks. It is particularly useful in anti-aging formulas.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass has been traditionally used in Thai cooking, but has been more recently discovered that the essential oils found in this fragrant herb can be used in cosmetics and beauty products. Lemongrass essential oil has antibacterial properties and can also be rubbed on the hands to kill everyday bacteria or used under the armpits as a deodorant. In addition, lemongrass oil has great astringent properties, which helps clear up excessive oily skin that can cause acne outbreaks. Furthermore, lemongrass is effective as a skin toner because it naturally dilates the blood vessels, tightening pores and minimizing wrinkles. Lemongrass oils have also been used for many years in Thailand as a natural way to repel insects such as fleas, lice, ticks and mosquitoes and offer an added benefit of relieving muscle pain.

Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Thailand as a natural cleanser and is a wonderful body scrub. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Turmeric in cosmetics has also been found to help remove blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. This Thai herb is also wonderful in reducing fats, thus purifying the blood and improving blood circulation in the body. One other great property of turmeric is that it can slow down the growth of body hair, essential for that nice, glowing skin women like.

Kaffir Lime
Kaffir Lime is a well known herbal remedy in Thailand used to help with hair and scalp problems. Its mild acidic property reduces oiliness in the hair while moisturizing the scalp. After rinsing with clean water, the hair will be shiny with the great smell of citrus. Kaffir lime is also a popular ingredient used in herbal compresses and is excellent for aromatherapy.

Southern Marine Seaweed
Southern Marine Seaweed has long been used by the Thai's for food and healing and becoming increasingly popular in spas and cosmetic use. Southern Marine Seaweed provides numerous vitamins and minerals including, vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, niacin, iodine, iron, zinc calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and trace amounts of B12. This seaweed also helps promote healthy skin and hair.  Tests have shown Southern Marine Seaweed can control excess sebum and is excellent in delivering essential moisture to areas most needed - balancing the skin. Southern Marine Seaweed can also be found in many forms of Thai acne care creams as it has great detoxifying properties.
So now you can see that Thailand is ready to bring the ancient wisdoms of Thai herbs to the global market so they can share their traditions with you

A Unique Beauty of the Changbai Mountain

The combination of Korean pine trees, broadleaf trees and other trees shows us a unique beauty of the Changbai Mountain. Along the JingJiang Valley on the western side of the Changbai Mountain, there is a wide variety of plant species. Besides the native Korean pine,there are also the Amur linden, Mongolian oak, Japanese elm, maple, birch and more. Thanks to a favorable growing environment, the forests are dense, full of primeval views. The seasonal changes to the thriving mixed forest adds enchantment to the mountains.

In China, there are only two well preserved primeval forests of Korean pine; one is on the Lesser Xing'an Mountains, the other here on Changbai. The Korean pine's favored medium is black humus earth, and habitats such as gentle slopes, steep peaks, or fiat gullies and valleys are all suitable. Its bark is reddish brown with some grayish black texture. The timber has a close-grained, light and soft texture, with a slightly red tinge. The Korean pine gets its Chinese name hongsong(red pine)because of its reddish timber. Its best feature is its stable and straight grain SO that it won't change shape, regardless of humidity or dryness.

Korean pine is native to northeast China. It is a member of the white pine group, which is characterized by leaves (needles) in fascicles of five. It is an old subgenus of pine. In the primeval forest of Changbai, the Korean pine stands tall, together with other species such as little seed spruce, Korean spruce, Amur linden, birch, and Manchurian ash. Below these trees, there are over 20 underbrush species such as corylus mandshurica. At ground level the herbaceous species are even more diverse.

Every year, in late June a yellow smoke spreads over the whole primeval pine forest like a vast yellow umbrella. This yellow smoke is the pollen of thousands of tall Korean pines, bearing countless male and female flowers, the male flowers lower down and the female higher up. In early summer, when the flowers open, yellow pollen from the male flowers flies skyward, each tiny pollen grain equipped with two small air cells that make it lighter than air. Thus it can fly up to the female flower, and to the sky above the forest, drifting with the airflow. This is the yellow smoke we see.

To enjoy and savor the group beauty, the individual beauty and the primeval beauty of Korean pine here you must go to Lushui River. There, in a forest by the river, stands "the King of Korean Pines' 0ver 480 years old. The tree is 35.5 meters tall and has a l.24-meter-diameter trunk. According to historical materials, the Changbai volcano erupted in l597, 1668 and 1702. This tenacious "King of Korean Pines" is not far away from the Tianchi Lake but has survived all these disasters.

The Lushui River seed stand of Korean pine?programmed by the government in l 964, has all area of 11,764 hectares and is the largest in China. It is a natural excellent gene bank

Fitness For Men Over 40

Men over 40 required to take extra care of their fitness of the body to avoid muscle tissue loss and to maintain healthy activities. Weakness and also fatigue typically occur with aging. To enjoy fulfilling and healthy lifestyle, physical fitness is very important. Your body's endurance and strength depends on your physical fitness. In this stressful world, fitness plays a significant role during their 40s. It helps them to lead a happy and healthy life.

In men during their 40s, there are various changes occur in the body's appearance, and levels of the stamina may decrease. And also your skin starts sagging, develops cellulite, and seems darker. Maintaining good physical fitness may help you to hold back the time. The regeneration of stamina and strength can be done with the help of regular workouts and physical training.

By getting older, many diseases will come along with the age such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, and cardio problems. To stay healthy and in good shape, it is advisable to start workouts. Usually men over 40s have greater levels of stress that may lead to blood pressure and cardio diseases. High blood pressure is the cause for heart diseases and diabetes. High cholesterol can also be controlled by physical workouts.

There are so many tips to ensure the fitness for men over 40. But all these tips on fitness for men are not suitable for everyone. They may vary from person to person. They include:

•    Diet: During 40s, it is better to take balanced diet which contains all the essential nutrients. These include: minerals, vitamins and fibers. It is important to have meal on time. Don't avoid breakfast at anymore. Add a lot of fruits, raw vegetables and nuts into your diet. Even though you are having a balanced diet, taking mineral and multivitamin supplements can help in developing healthy body. Men over 40 must have to concentrate on their weight. Avoid smoking and limit the intake of alcohol.

•    Exercise: it is a good thing to develop regular routine for fitness for men. There are many types of exercises

Such as: Leg curls, Back squats, Bicep curls, Leg press, Chest press, Sit ups, Power snatch and Lower back extension

•    Seek some guidance from professionals instead of doing on yourself. Do not stop the workout after some days, repeat the diet and exercise with periodic timings.

•    Do not make hard exercises at the initial stages. First start with normal intensity level exercises and then slowly shift to high intensity level exercises.

•    Technology makes our life easy and simple, but it is also increasing laziness, so avoid luxuries and do all of your works manually. Start walking instead of using alternatives. These can help to keep a good fitness for men over 40.

Fitness for men over 40 is essential to reduce the incidence of various diseases, illnesses and to stay fit and healthy. You can visit here to know more about mens fitness ideas.

The Power of Beauty

Have you ever wondered why women are so concerned about how they look? Why they aim to look like the beautiful women they see on the television and in magazines? That's because beauty is power!

Even way back into ancient times women were concerned about their looks. Think of Cleopatra or Nefertiti who were beautiful women of their times.

The cosmetic industy is well aware of this and that women will go to great lengths to look beautiful. That's why the cosmetic industry is a multi billion dollar industry.

When you think of beauty you think of what you see on the outside. But beauty is more than skin deep. And beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder! What one may find beautiful another may not. Even though there is no such thing as a definition for universal beauty all women know how to use their beauty to their advantage.

Men fall for this manipulation constantly. In fact they seldom know they've been snared into the web with a woman's beauty. Of course the know when exterior beauty is mesmerizing them but it's the internal beauty that they have not idea is working. That pouty mouth, those sparkling eyes, that gentle laugh. The power play of the boardroom and the bedroom share many similarities.

It's a proven fact men are unable to release themselves from the beauty of women. A quick look, a wink, a big inviting smile, a relaxed posture are all indications that a man has succumbed to beauty. Studies have shown even the smartest men go stupid when entranced by the beauty of a woman.

Remember Sophia Loren, Jane Collins, or Jaqueline Bisset. Think about Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Madona, Marilyn Monroe. There beauty had an instant effect on the male population. Not only their exterior beauty but the deeper inner beauty of confidence and mystique that surrounded them.

These women were all show stoppers without even trying. In fact when asked they felt their features were flawed, but men didn't see it that way. And yet each of these women were totally different in looks and personality. But each brought a certain group of men to their feet. Each had the ability to take the smartest man and turn him into a walking talking zombie stuttering, and staring.

Remember a beautiful woman is more than the exterior shell. Beauty is the whole woman. Personality, charm charisma, seductive sexuality, a smile, or a stance. There are many elements to a womens beauty than capture a mans attention and lock him into a world of bliss.

There is no cure for the poor male population, no pill to pop, no treatment to make them free of the power of a beautiful women. There are no magic bullets to stop the bite of beauty from turning the male population into a drooling idiot or a walking talking zombie. And until there is women will continue to use their beauty as a weapon on the opposite sex. Sorry guys!

Facial Exercise Keeps Men Handsome

Men of the twenty first century have certainly transformed their regard for personal upkeep. Gone is the Neanderthal thinking as most of them have no problem having their hair and nails professionally cared for and a lot of them have discovered facials, waxing and more that add to their good looks.

Yes, men of this new millennium have decided that they, too, want to keep Father Time at a distance. Just as women have proclaimed that 60 is the new 40, it hasn't taken long for men to adopt that same proclamation for themselves.

After all, looking as young as you feel is a very nice place to be.

Beauty is Everywhere

As I look out into the world, I see so much to be grateful for. Surrounded by beauty, I am left in no doubt that we live in a spirit filled world that is becoming more authentic in the beauty that it is able to appreciate. For so long we have come to define beauty on a superficial level, but as we grow, so will our ability to appreciate beauty grow within us.

With this, understand that only can we recognize and appreciate what is truly beautiful when we have unified with the essence of our own beauty within ourselves. So many struggle to find the beauty in the world when they look outside. Fearful of what they will encounter, they see a world filled with anger, hostility and ugliness, and because this is what they see, this is what becomes real for them, and they continue to live as their self fulfilling prophecy would have it be.

Neglecting their own beauty, they have swallowed a nightmare pill which alters dramatically the world in which they see. Turning away from the spirit, they have chosen to embrace the ego, which sees things always in a distorted light. With power and strength to gain for itself, the ego is devoted not to searching for beauty, but to finding that which can build it up in the eyes of the world. Concerned with the physical world and pleasing those within it, it is not at all interested in the wisdom of the spirit.

Not wanting to be the protagonist in its own demise, the ego has a vested interest in keeping the true source of beauty from your eyes. Not wanting you to experience the awe that beauty inspires, it seeks to keep you in a state of boredom where you ask no questions of life. Asking no questions, you cease to interact with life, and you deprive yourself of the answers that God wants to give to you. This is what it means to be reactive to life, and to suffer in the process.

Called to be proactive, we do not grow in our experience of life, if we have closed ourselves off to what it seeks to teach us. Wanting to show us the beauty in the world and in ourselves, it is a willing teacher, but a teacher has no role to occupy without a student in attendance. This is why we must be open-minded in beauty's presence. With much to give, there is much to learn about the beauty of God which manifests itself in all things.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What this means to me is that each of us has the capacity to find beauty in different things. What some label beautiful, others might label ugly, and vice versa. But does it really matter what verdict is passed on whether something is pleasing to the eye or not? What matters absolutely is the seed of beauty to be found in all things that God has created. With the beauty of the creator pervading each of his creations, that beauty is definitely there to see. The question then becomes what is the quality of the vision of the observer?

Many are capable of seeing the beauty in all that surrounds them, but even more are not. Selective in what they ascribe the label 'beautiful' to, these people have chosen to honour the mind above the heart, which is all to discriminating. Seeing more than the mind is capable of seeing, the heart knows that it is futile to judge, because it realizes that judgment passed on that which appears in a diminished light is falsely condemned. Seeing only a portion of the whole, much is misunderstood; and embracing only a part, much is rejected as irrelevant. See in this, the dangerous game that we play when we choose to have the ego's eyes be the filter with which we view the world.

Seeing only fragments of beauty that it has contaminated through its own judgment, much is discarded, and even less honoured, for God cannot be seen by that which despises his presence. Wanting you not to see him, the ego will lead you to label as ugly, much that is beautiful in appearance and substance.

Intense in its loathing, the ego is not always rational in its judgment, and even in its certainty, it misses much to be appreciated. See in this how the ego's arrogance often leads it to abandon that which could otherwise serve it. Cursed in its blindness, it makes not for wise counsel to the one who searches for a deeper experience of life.

Wanting to experience love, one must consult the heart, being the centre of beauty inside the self. Being not separate from God, it is the gift that God has given us to enjoy the world. Blessed with much, we can find much joy when we look upon the world with spiritual eyes. Hindered not by that which are the ego's shortcomings, we can see the love behind the barriers, and the distinctions which make the miraculous commonplace.

Blessed in spirit, we must not take for granted that which is capable of teaching us who we truly are. Endowed with wisdom, all of God's creations are capable teachers, and assuming not a separate identity from him, they are models to be emulated. With this, learn that beauty is distorted as the separation is affected. So as you travel far from him, so will your ability to experience beauty diminish in strength.

Concerned primarily with attaching labels in the moment, what eludes you is the beauty inherent in entering the moment. To enter the moment, is to join with God in your heart, and see what he sees in the physical world. With all that he created being good, you are then able to see the love that pervades everything in the light of the spirit. Appreciating everything just as it is, you understand that it is enough and that the ego does not have to be invited to enhance what is complete in itself.

Complete, the gifts of God are holy in what they hold and what they deliver. Endowed with beauty, they bring to the lost man, much that is invaluable. Longing for God, those who are lost, suffer in their desperation. Convinced of their own ugliness, the memories of their eternal beauty slip into the past. But the past is not lost forever, for every illusion stands to be corrected, and as a partner with eternity, it will not fail to reveal itself in a touch that the moment has in store, for the child who sees clearly now, not yearning for more.

One of the most memorable times that I recall beauty touching me deeply was in Florence when I went to see Michelangelo's David. I had heard from many people how wonderful this classical piece of sculpture was, but hearing a second hand account doesn't really prepare you for the effect that it has on the soul, when you see it in person. To say that I was taken aback by its beauty would be an understatement. I was left absolutely speechless! To think that one man saw this masterpiece in that block of marble and saw it as his purpose to bring it to life for all to enjoy is awe inspiring to me.

But as I was standing there, just gazing up at the masterwork, I knew not the distraction of thought that attempted to persuade my mind to intellectualize how the work was brought to life. This allowed me to centre myself and let the profound beauty that emanated from the shiny white surface, move my spirit powerfully in the moment. And as I just allowed the moment to touch me, I felt for a moment just how Michelangelo must have felt with the chisel in his hand and the spirit in his heart, for as I am not alone with my pen, he was not alone with his tools, for with every incision had God's hand revealed itself so gently and lovingly.

All in all, I spent about an hour in the company of David, listening only to the silence which was my teacher. And as I meditated on what had greeted my senses, I felt a deep sense of appreciation begin to emerge, and as my eyes began to well up with tears, my constant companion placated my fears that I would miss something, a moment, which taught me who I am, not alone in war, but beautiful and fair.

To know Michelangelo must have been to be in the company of a great lover. Here was a man who made it his life's purpose to serve the world by making manifest in physical form, the love that he carried inside. How else can you explain it? To look into the eyes of David is to know without a shadow of a doubt that he was conceived in love, and because it was this love that filled Michelangelo's heart, the conception was inevitable.

With this, understand that love never leaves beauty unexpressed, for that is not love's way. And in the same way that love will never leave beauty unexpressed, so will it never leave the witnesses to that beauty untouched, for the heart that was inspired to bring the beauty to life, is in no way separate from the heart of the witness who has seen in that beauty a clear image of themself revealed.

Feathered Permanent Eyebrow Technique

Feathered Permanent Eyebrows

So what is the difference between 3D, 6D, Feathered, Solid, Powered, Hair Stroke permanent eyebrows??

Well, these names are all different techniques used by permanent makeup artists to describe the application of pigments to shape the eyebrow using either a manual blade or machine. This article will focus on the feathered or feathering name and technique.

Feathering vs Solid or Powdered Permanent Eyebrow technique

The solid or powered technique is, or was, the standard of applying pigment to the eyebrow which would completely fill in the brows. The permanent makeup artist uses a machine, either a traditional coil tattoo machine or a Rotary pen, with a sharp needle on the end that constantly moves up and down, piercing the skin and applying the pigment of choice in the high dermal layer of the skin. This method uses one solid color to fill in or shade the brow to give it shape and thickness to the brows.

The feathering or feathered eyebrows technique uses a the same machines, and is application of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin as above, however, the artist creates very fine hair strokes, one by one, to give the client the appearance of real, natural looking feathered hair stroked eyebrows.

Feathered Eyebrows

Although this technique has been around for many years, especially in Asia, it is just starting to get big recognition North America. Permanent makeup artists are now starting to learn the techniques from their Asian counterparts and learning to complete this technique using a hand held blade, this technique is call micro blading or microblading. Micro blading uses a hand held pen with a very sharp blade at the tip. The artist dips the blade in the chosen color and proceeds to make incisions into the skin and creating hair strokes that look natural and realistic.

This technique can be used for clients that have thinning eyebrows, scarce eyebrows or no eyebrows at all. The permanent makeup artist can create the feathered eyebrow look from scratch and create realistic, natural looking, hair stroke eyebrows.

Feathering Technique

As mentioned above, permanent makeup is the application of pigment into the top dermal layer of the skin. The feathering technique creates natural looking, hair stroked eyebrows. This technique utilizes a machine or more commonly a hand held pen or hand tool that uses a blade for more realistic hair stroked eyebrows. The technique of feathering utilizes the same process and procedures as other application methods. Firstly, you should have a consultation with the artist to ensure a color match is completed and that you are happy with the shape of the eyebrows to be completed. The artist will shape your eyebrows using an eyebrow pencil to allow you to see the shape and look of the brows before starting the procedure. Numbing cream is applied to the area to make the procedure more comfortable. The artist will then begin the treatment to apply the pigment to the skin and create the hair strokes. The treatment should only take 20-40 min to complete, depending on the complexity of the eyebrows and the experience of the artist. After the treatment your eyebrows may be red and swollen and it is important to listen to the artist regarding after care of your eyebrows to ensure the best results possible. Usually and after care sheet and kit are given to the client with steps to follow up to 7-10 days after your initial treatment.

More often than not, a touch up may be required for your brows to correct shape, or add a few more hair strokes to ensure proper shape of the brows. This is normal and follows proper protocols. Sometimes, even a third touch up may be needed to get the perfect shape and dimension of the brows.

Second Skin Medsp

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9010157

Shopping for Shampoo? Make Sure You Stay Away From These Six Harmful Ingredients

Here, I present to you the shortlist of six harmful ingredients commonly found in shampoos that supposedly make your hair look "good" but in actuality harm it for the long term:

1. SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Do you love foamy shampoo? It's the SLS that is responsible for all those suds. It might seem cool or even helpful, but the lather it produces is actually chemical-based. It can strip the essential oils from your hair and in turn makes hair unhealthy.

Enhance Your Natural Beauty With Eyebrow and Eyelash Tinting

If you are fed up with having to apply make-up every single day to your eyelashes or eyebrows, then eyebrow and eyelash tinting using cosmetically tested tints and dyes may be one of the solutions to your problem. Professional tinting is quick, safe and effective, and is now one of the most popular permanent beauty treatments available. Eyebrow and eyelash tinting is a great way to enhance your natural beauty, without having to spend a fortune on cosmetic treatments.