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Monday, August 31, 2009

Kulit Sehat vs Awet Muda

Produk Anti Aging mungkin salah satu produk kosmetik yang dalam dekade terakhir mendapat perhatian luar biasa besar. Tengok saja iklan perawatan kulit yang banyak muncul di media termasuk televisi, sebagian besar menjanjikan kembalinya kondisi kulit seperti saat muda dulu. Dan bisa diduga, banyak wanita tergoda untuk menggunakan produk tersebut.

Sejujurnya, istilah anti aging tidak dapat dikatakan tepat. Pasalnya, adakah yang bisa menghentikan penuaan? Penuaan merupakan suatu proses alamiah yang akan terjadi dan dialami setiap orang sejalan dengan pertambahan usianya. Seperti apa pun usaha Anda, tak ada yang bisa menghentikan proses ini. Yang bisa kita lakukan hanyalah menjaga kondisi fisik- dalam hal ini kulit-untuk memperlambat efek perubahan yang berlangsung sejalan pertambahan usia. Secara singkat, selama kondisi kulit Anda sehat, maka tanda-tanda penuaan pun bisa ditunda datangnya.

Biasanya tanda penuaan pada kulit ditandai dengan penipisan dan munculnya kerutan yang disebabkan melambatnya produksi sel, pengenduran yang disebabkan makin sedikitnya produksi elastin dan kolagen yang berfunsi menjaga kelenturan dan kekuatan kulit, serta kekeringan yang diakibatkan makin berkurangnya kelenjar minyak dan kelenjar keringat seiring dengan pertumbuhan umur.

Selain faktor genetik, faktor eksternal juga berperan besar dalam menentukan kondisi dan kesehatan kulit. Sinar matahari dituding banyak ahli sebagai penyebab dari 90% masalah kulit yang berkaitan dengan penuaan. Sinar matahari yang mengenai kulit memicu produksi radikal bebas, yang menghancurkan kolagen dan elastin. Selain itu sinar matahari juga memperbesar produksi melanin yang menyebabkan munculnya bercak-bercak hitam pada kulit. Selain sinar matahari, polusi serta gaya hidup seperti terus-menerus berada dalam ruangan berpendingin udara juga berpengaruh pada kondisi kulit.

Untuk menjaga kesehatan kulit, yang pada akhirnya memperlambat tanda penuaan, para ahli menyarankan beberapa langkah mudah berikut.

1. Lindungi kulit dari sinar matahari dengan menggunakan sunblock dengan sun
protection
factor minimum 15 (SPF 15). Tidak hanya saat beraktivitas di luar ruangan,
tapi setiap hari, karena sinar UVA bisa menembus kaca jendela maupun mobil.

2. Jaga kelembaban kulit agar tak kekeringan dengan selalu mengulaskan pelembab kulit,
baik untuk kulit wajah maupun kulit tubuh. Kulit kering akan merusak penampilan Anda.

3. Hindari dehidrasi yang dapat menyebabkan kulit kering dengan minum cukup banyak air
putih. Air juga punya peran penting dalam regenerasi sel, pembuangan toksin dan
mengedarkan zat gizi ke seluruh tubuh.

4. Olahraga secara teratur akan memperbaiki sirkulasi darah dalam tubuh. Pasokan oksigen
yang cukup akan membuat kulit dalam kondisi sehat dan terlihat lebih sehat.

5. Pola makan yang baik juga diperlukan untuk menjaga kesehatan kulit. Banyak vitamin
yang diperlukan kulit terdapat dalam makanan yang kita konsumsi sehari-hari.

Jadi sebelum Anda merogoh kocek terlalu dalam untuk membeli produk-produk berharga mahal, coba dulu beberapa tips tadi. Berapa pun suia Anda, bila kulit Anda terjaga kesehatannya, maka penampilan Anda pun akan terlihat segar!

Disalin kembali dari www.sahabatnestle.co.id

Understanding Skin Care Ingredients: Vitamins C, A, K and E

By Leanna Kelly

The ingredient lists of skin care products are usually long and filled with words that feature the letter Y more than necessary. If you’re like me, knowing what’s in your skin care treatments and what those ingredients actually do is very important to you. Unfortunately, most ingredients are never explained very well, leaving you to simply rely on the information given to you by the manufacturer or distributor. Here, I will reveal to you the amazing benefits vitamins C, A, K and E have to offer your skin.

Vitamins C, A, K and E (or CAKE) are featured in most of the best beauty products. They are high in antioxidants, which are essential in anti aging skin care due to their ability to neutralize the free radicals that damage skin cells and lead to wrinkles, sagging skin and discoloration. In addition to these shared qualities, each vitamin features many unique abilities that makes it suited for different skin conditions.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for many of the body’s functions. Foods high in vitamin C are known to boost iron absorption, regenerate the body’s vitamin E and even reduce the risk of cancer. When used topically on the skin, vitamin C offers incredible antioxidant and UV protection, repairs sun damage, encourages collagen production, and reduces skin discoloration. There is also scientific evidence that shows vitamin C to be an effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great ingredient to see in your anti aging skin care products. It is important that you confirm your vitamin C product uses a stabilized form of vitamin C. Although these products are pricier, it is well worth it. If the vitamin C being used has not been stabilized, the product actually has the potential to cause free radicals and other forms of damage and irritation.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is used in anti aging products and acne products to refine the look of the complexion, leading to a clearer and more youthful appearance. Vitamin A can improve the density of dermal collagen and the thickness of the skin, thereby smoothing away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting elasticity. It also helps heal and prevent sun damage, cigarette-related damage, keratosis pilaris, stretch marks, eczema and more.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is the best friend of those with rosacea, dark under eye circles, broken capillaries (also known as spider veins), bruising, and other forms of skin discoloration. These types of discoloration are caused by blood leakage from damaged capillaries or arteries. Vitamin K works by entering the pores and clotting the blood of the damaged capillary or artery, thereby stopping the seepage. The tissue is then able to heal itself, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone. Vitamin K is found in many eye creams for dark circles, as well as rosacea care products.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is used in anti aging moisturizers and other skin care products to condition and smooth the skin while protecting with antioxidants. Although each of the vitamins offers multiple benefits, vitamin E surpasses them all with its wide range of abilities. It moisturizes and softens the skin, making it an essential ingredient for dry skin care. It supplies incredible protection against free radical and UV damage, which in turn prevents sun burn, age spots and even skin cancer. It reduces transepidermal water loss, strengthens the skin’s barrier function, smoothes away fine lines and wrinkles, increases circulation, balances oil, and boosts the growth of new skin cells. It’s also an effective treatment for cigarette-related damage, keratosis pilaris, acne, stretch marks, eczema and more.

Now that you know just how important CAKE can be, make sure to review your skin care products for these amazing ingredients before you buy. Your skin will thank you

Monday, August 24, 2009

Anti-Aging - Using Lemon For Beautiful Skin and Hair

By Victoria Stewart

Did you know that lemon is so much more than adding flavor to our food? In order to achieve youthfulness, try antiaging using lemon for beautiful skin and hair. Lemon is full of nutrients, namely vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a key role in healthy, glowing skin.

Of course, you must know that our skin is directly affected by what we ingest, by what we don't ingest and by our environment. If we eat a lot of junk food, processed food, and the like, it will show on our skin. The same is true for what we don't ingest: not eating the right foods, and/or lack of vitamins. Lemon can help in both ways. Internally, mixing the juice of one lemon in a glass of warm water will help to detoxify your body. This in turn will improve your skin. Therefore, you should drink this lemon juice first thing every morning.

With regards to using lemon as an anti-wrinkling agent, apply lemon directly on the skin by rubbing it for about an hour. It will also which treat blemishes. Prior to rinsing, rubbed with extra virgin olive oil, for maximum results. Take note, however, that it is a bleaching agent, therefore it is best to do this at night and avoid going into the Sun.

For the hair, lemon will make it shiny. Above and beyond that, it also removes dandruff. Massage lemon juice onto the scalp. This will stimulate the blood, the glands that helped produce oil and result in hair growth and shiny beautiful hair. It will also remove grime and buildup of products that make the hair limp and dull.

But don't stop there! Often, as we age, our nails are affected as well. Soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes or rub them with a slice of lemon daily. Doing so will render your nails stronger and healthier.

Is age catching up with you? Do you see the onset of wrinkles, drooping and sagging skin, and other signs that show your age? Anti-AgingMatters provides you with tips about anti-aging health, diet and beauty tips that will make you look and feel great. Don't delay...time is the only thing you can't get back.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

You're Never Too Old (Sex for Seniors)

Beverly Whipple, PhD, RN, FAAN
Rutgers University

Special from Bottom Line's Daily Health News.

A lthough many seniors still believe that sex is mainly the province of the young, a recent American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) survey indicates that for older adults, sexual health is considered an essential part of a good quality of life. Here's why...

SURVEY FINDINGS

In 2004, AARP surveyed almost 1,700 adults age 45 and up about the factors affecting their health, sexuality and general quality of life. Then, they compared the results with a similar study they ran in 1999. Now, it turns out, older folks are more open and involved in their sexuality than ever before...

  • 60% now believe that sex is a critical part of a good relationship, compared with 55% who thought so in the 1999 survey.
  • More than twice the number of men (22%, up from 10% in 1999) reported using drugs or other treatments to improve sexual performance.
  • More people are willing to consult health professionals about their sexual health (37%, up from 26% in 1999).

There is much scientific evidence to back up respondent's attitudes about the importance of sex to quality of life. Positive health benefits of regular, satisfying sex for both body and mind include...

  • Immune system enhancement: A 1999 study found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had stronger immune systems than their celibate peers.
  • Natural pain relief: A 2001 study found that orgasms can ease migraine pain faster than any medicine.
  • Tension release: Orgasms relieve stress and also can help combat insomnia.
  • Preventing depression and boosting self-esteem: Studies have shown that people with active sex lives report a higher quality of life and less depression. A study of women showed that those who masturbate have higher self-esteem than those who don't.
  • Longer life: Research indicates that an active sex life is one of the predictors of long life for both men and women.
  • Aerobic benefits: Sex is a great workout, burning about 150 calories an hour.

An impressive list of potential benefits!

MEDICATION MALAISE

Sadly, nearly one-third of the AARP respondents ranked their sex life somewhere between the survey categories of "yawn" and "bloody awful." One reason may be that many middle-aged and older adults are taking medications whose side effects negatively impact sexual performance or enjoyment.

I asked Beverly Whipple, PhD, sex researcher, professor and current secretary general of the World Association for Sexual Health, which medications are known to affect sexual health. "Selective serotonon reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken for depression/anxiety certainly can affect both men's and women's abilities to experience orgasm," Dr. Whipple said. Some widely used brands of SSRIs are Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.

In addition, she said, it's long been well known that high blood pressure and cardiac medications can affect men's ability to achieve or maintain erections. Dr. Whipple advises middle-aged and older persons to report to their physicians any changes in their sexual responses, especially if medications have changed. Also, make sure to bring a complete list of current prescribed medications as well as any over-the-counter remedies when you discuss your situation with your doctor.

How to overcome the challenges? Read on below...

Stoking the Fires of Intimacy

Given the results from the AARP survey, what can older adults do to improve their sex lives? It all depends on what's causing the sexual problem.

If you take medications...

As mentioned above, certain medications (most notably, blood pressure drugs and antidepressants) can negatively affect libido and sexual response. But not all medications affect everyone the same way. Dr. Whipple suggests trying different ones, under your physician's direction, of course. Simply changing your "brand" of high blood pressure medication, for example, may help preserve your sex life.

Daily Health News contributing editor, Andrew L. Rubman, ND, tells me also that for certain conditions there may be natural treatment options that can replace medication -- which would in turn ease the libido problems. Talk to your doctor or a naturopathic physician about whether medication is required or simply the convenient fix to your symptoms.

A note for women who take SSRI antidepressants: Zestra for Women, a massage oil that has been found to aid sexual interest and satisfaction (described below), has been proven effective in women taking SSRI antidepressants.

If you have a medical condition...

Medical conditions that inhibit movement, such as arthritis, may make certain sexual positions and practices awkward or downright painful. Discover through trial and error which positions are most comfortable for you.

To deal with the fatigue that accompanies many illnesses, try to determine when your energy or your partner's energy waxes and wanes during the day. Perhaps there's a time other than bedtime that fits your energy cycles.

If you lack desire, arousal and/or satisfaction...

Dr. Whipple recommends three over-the-counter products for sexual desire and response problems -- ArginMax for Men, ArginMax for Women and Zestra for Women. Each product is all natural, and double-blind placebo-controlled studies show promising results. Although there are no significant side effects for any of the products, if you're on medication, it's always best to check with your doctor first.

ArginMax for Men: This nutritional supplement consists of a standardized combination of ginkgo biloba, Korean ginseng, American ginseng, vitamins A, C, E, B-6, B-12, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, zinc, selenium and L-arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid.

Is ArginMax for Men an alternative to Viagra? Dr. Whipple thinks so. It certainly should be considered by men for whom Viagra is contraindicated, for example, those who are taking nitroglycerin for heart conditions, she said. And because ArginMax for Men is a natural supplement, and not a drug like Viagra, it is more gradual in its effects, gentler to the body and, most importantly, has no significant side effects.

ArginMax for Women: This nutritional supplement contains a combination of L-arginine, korean ginseng, ginkgo biloba, the herb damiana, and vitamins A, C, E, B-6, B-12 as well as folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, zinc, calcium and iron. Again, no significant side effects were reported in this study, but it is wise to check with your health-care provider about possible medication interactions. If you are already supplementing with some of the ingredients in ArginMax, check to make sure that you are not overdosing on these.

Zestra for Women: Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid is a topical massage oil that is applied manually to the genitalia prior to intimacy to increase arousal and sensation. Zestra works by increasing genital sensory nerve conduction and genital blood flow, which in turn increases sensitivity. The effects generally begin three to five minutes after application and typically last about 45 minutes for most women. Zestra is a blend of pure botanical oils including borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica extract, coleus extract, vitamins C and E and natural fragrances.

In this study, reported in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy in 2003, three out of 20 subjects did report mild genital burning sensations lasting five to 30 minutes after application.

Dr. Whipple adds one caveat: Because Zestra is an oil-based product, it is not recomended for use with condoms or dental dams.

I asked Dr. Rubman to also review these three products. Both ArginMax and Zestra contain active ingredients at very low doses, which may impact their effectiveness for some. A naturopathic physician may be able to prescribe different or stronger natural products based on your needs. Of course, starting out with the lowest strength of any product -- whether natural or pharmaceutical -- is always a safe strategy.

What if you're just in a rut?

Dr. Whipple acknowledges that even in the absence of medical conditions or medications that inhibit sexual interest or performance, many couples in long-term relationships have unsatisfactory sex lives simply because they are bored. How to get out of that sexual rut?

Communicate! It is vitally important to communicate your sexual preferences to your partner, says Dr. Whipple. Communicating specific sexual and sensual likes and fantasies often is difficult for people in long-term relationships who may never have talked about sex, Dr. Whipple concedes.

"An interesting communication problem we're finding now in middle-aged and older couples is that men, unbeknownst to their wives, are getting prescriptions for Viagra and then expecting their partners (some of whom have been vaginally inactive for years) to respond all of a sudden," Dr. Whipple said. "It doesn't work that way. I encourage older couples to go together to their health-care provider and select a treatment, if one is necessary, that will be comfortable for both of them."

Do try this at home!

Dr. Whipple recommends that her patients "play" with each other. Intimacy isn't just about a single sex act, it's about being relaxed and free to enjoy. Watch erotic movies together... read to each other (erotic or non-erotic literature)... light aromatic candles or incense... play sexy music... give massages to each other... try a new perfume... feed your partner grapes. The key, says Dr. Whipple, is to engage all your senses in foreplay -- sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Be creative!

Realize it's more than okay to have sex at any age!

In her practice as an AASECT-certified sexuality counselor and educator, Dr. Whipple found that older couples become inhibited about having sex "at my age" or guilty about even having sexual desires as they get older. Here's where health-care providers can help -- by inquiring about their patients' sexual health, practitioners can, in effect, give those older people who need it "permission" to be sexually active. That encouragement may be all that's needed for a better sex life, Dr. Whipple says.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Muka Terlihat Tua

Mukamu kok kelihatan lebih tua. Kulitnya pucat banget sih.
Wah kalau kita disebut lebih tua sama teman-teman apa jadinya yach.
Pastinya kecewa, jengkel pengen menjauh dari mereka saja. Lalu kita cari cermin dan melihat apa benar omongan mereka muka kita lebih tua.

Buanyak sekali cara-cara yang diberikan untuk menjaga supaya muka dan badan kita tetap awet muda dan segar. Tapiiiiiiiiiiiii
Bila salah menggunakan. Berbahayaaaaa sekali. Maksud hati ingin tampil menawan, malah terkapar ditempat tidur karena keracunan.

Salah satunya zat mercury (Hg/air raksa) sering ditambahkan didalam cream atau kosmetik. Produk dari negeri bambu kuning perlu diwaspadai. Pakailah produk yang sudah ada izin edar DEPKES. Ok gitu dulu yach teman-teman.

Produk-produk Oriflame sudah melewati uji klinis dan aman bagi kulit serta tubuh kita.
d'BC Network adalah salah satu dari grup yang mempromosikan produk ini.