So prom is looming in, huh? It’s high time to prepare your checklist. Before you get hooked into prom dresses and prom shoes exploration, take into consideration your face first. Get the lowdown on facials for clearer, radiant skin!

Finding the right facial for a certain skin type has been such a constant battle, and you’ll now this if you’ve been burdened with problem skin. There are tons of facial salons today that it’s difficult to decide which one will suit you best. Here are some guidelines (or pre-prom advice) that will help you choose the right place, the right people, and the right facials just for you.

1. Skin Analysis – Your dermatologist or, in some cases, a “facial therapist”, will examine your skin under a lit magnifying glass to diagnose any existing skin problems like acne, clogged pores, discoloration, broken capillaries, fine lines, and so on. Only then ill she know the treatment suitable for your skin type.

2. Cleansing and Massage – After securing your hair away from your face, all traces of dirt, oil and makeup will be removed with a hypo-allergenic soap or cleanser. Then she will use a light scrub to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells no matter what skin type you are. Massage stimulates the circulation and brings oxygen to the skin cells and gives you that glow after a facial. It also releases tension and relaxes the facial muscles.

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What better way to vege out and save than to have your spa treatment in the comfort of your home.

Throw out those cardigans and let your shoulders feel the warm sun. The chilly holiday months usually leave skin dry and dull so best to head to the spa and enjoy some exfoliating treatments. If going to the spa is beyond your budget, however, at-home treatments you can do yourself will work just as well. Try these simple spa-inspired concoctions that will leave your skin looking fresh and glowing.

At-home spa treatments:

1. Salt Scrub

You will need: 3 cups fine sea salt, 3/4 cup olive oil and 3/4 cup sweet almond oil.

How to make: In a bowl, stir olive oil and salt using an egg beater. Add 3-4 drops of sweet almond oil to the mixture. You may also choose the essential oil you want to use. Peppermint, for instance, helps perk up your mood. This mixture is good for 15 applications. Simply place in a sealed jar to keep it fresh.

How to use: A salt scrub is good for exfoliating dry skin. This recipe is especially effective on areas like your elbows, knees and feet. After a warm shower, don’t dry off completely as this works best when you’re a bit moist. Using circular motions, rub the mixture throughout your skin starting with your extremities and working your way to the heart. This is also good for your blood circulation. Wash off mixture.

Remember not to use salt scrub if you just shaved your legs or have minor cuts in your skin. If you’re pregnant or have medical problems, consult your doctor first before using essential oils.

2. Sugar Body Scrub

You will need:

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups fresh milk

How to make: Mix sugar, milk and canola oil in a bowl. Place in a clean jar. Good for 15 applications.

How to use: Same procedure as the salt scrub. This mixture though is much milder on the skin.

3. Sweet Facial Scrub

You will need:

1 tsp brewer’s yeast (stimulates blood circulation)
2 1/4 tsp yogurt (good for balancing ph of your skin)
1 1/2 tsp sugar (for exfoliating)

How to make: Mix the ingredients quickly and use right away before sugar dissolves.

How to use: Apply mixture on face. Stay away from the eyes. Wash off after 5 minutes.

Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Yes, you can look 10 years younger. You’re 30 but feel and look like you’re 10 years older. No amount of vitamins will make you look younger if you don’t take the effort to update your look. Sure, you’re already a mom but you don’t have to stick to that blah mommy look. Here are some look 10 years younger:

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Breaking the Therapy

According to one doctor, sweat mixed with alum chloride, the active ingredient in most deodorants, can stain skin and your clothes. Using deodorants will prevent body odor all right, but the flipside is that it can also cause darkening of the skin.

Wondering which is a good antiperspirant ingredient? The newest ingredient, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, is better tolerated by the skin and is less likely to cause irritation or acne. Furthermore, applying these antiperspirants before bedtime reduces the risk of their mixing with sweat, and eventually lessens incidence of stains.

Hair Begone

Whether you’re shaving, waxing, using depilatory creams or getting laser treatment, all may cause inflammation that breeds chicken skin and dark underarms. Shaving means hair is not pulled out completely from the roots, so it is often visible especially if you’re light-skinned. This leaves a “shadow” on your armpits, making them appear dark. Waxing on the other hand removes hair from the roots, which eventually becomes less traumatic for armpits. Also, waxing exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells, which gives your armpit a spa-treatment feel. Most dermatologists recommend waxing for at-home hair removal.

Permanent hair removal or “lasering,” although a bit pricey, is the safest way to hair removal. It is done once a month (but you have to undergo five sessions). Another way to remove unwanted hair is by using depilatory creams or hair removal creams. The only downside to this is that creams often contain harsh chemicals that are strong enough to literally melt the hair away. The use of these creams is okay once in a while, but don’t make it a habit, as prolonged use can darken skin.

To help counteract irritation and trauma to the skin, some experts recommend rubbing an ice dub over the area to reduce redness, inflammation, discomfort and the flare-up of unwanted, unsightly hair bumps. You may also consider taking a Tylenol or Advil before you remove hair to reduce the amount of inflammation that may arise. (more…)

There’s no avoiding the fact that teenagers are in the media spotlight. Adults have noticed it, and so have kids. With what seems to be the ever-increasing peer pressure to look good on the outside, many parents are concerned that their teenagers are being held to ever-higher physical standards.

Adding to that, the media image of young girls molding themselves in the image of their favorite celebrities is prevalent. Television and magazines frequently feature young girls getting liposuction, facial surgery, breast enhancement, and other procedures as casually as they buy new shoes. Certainly, such as epidemic is enough to scare off any parent.

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Tired, swollen aching legs are all possible signs of pending varicose veins. This problem affects nearly 50% of middle-aged adults; women are affected about four times as frequently as men. Preventing varicose veins isn’t always possible, but you should do everything you can to avoid the hassle of treating them. Here’s a list of things to do to prevent onset of varicose veins:

Exercise Regularly

Take 30-minute or longer walks several times a week or participate in other exercises, such as bicycling or jogging, to strengthen leg muscles and improve blood circulation. Before beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor, especially if you have health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, or breathing difficulties.

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