During the winter seasons the humidity is very low and because of this your skin may become dehydrated. It is extremly important to keep not only your face hydrated but your body as well in this cold season. Your skin may dramatically change during the winter but it will normalize itself when the seasons change. The skin become dries due to the dehydration, more sensitive, the skin loses its elasticity and the signs of aging become alot more noticable. Alot of women/men don’t know how to keep their skin looking great within the winter seasons and here i will tell you what you will need to do to keep your skin looking beautiful and hydrated.

1. Moisturize your skin

Alot of people believe that hydrating creams, and thermal sprays are only supposed to be used in Summer, but they are wrong. You must always use a nourishing cream not matter what season it is. I suggest to buy moisture serums, hydrating masks and hydrating sprays in these cold seasons. Avoid using facial soaps or lotions containing alcohol as they may make your face even drier. Even if you have oily skin you must always cleanse your skin with a cleansing milk or lotion which are alcohol free during winter. If you find that your skin becomes ultra-sensitive then choose a cleansing products with a neutral pH level.

2. Change your face cream or moisturizer

In these winter months your skin type can actually change! For example if you have oily skin it may become normal; the normal skin can become dry and the dry skin can turn out to be hypersensitive. But these changes will only happen during the winter seasons. During the winter there is less moisture in ther air which can make your skin appear dull and dehydrated. The best type of products to buy in winter are the ones that include Aloe Vera, Chamomile Extract, Honey and Olive Oil. If your skin is oily it is best to use a usual facial cream and add a moisturizing serum or fluid to your typical skin care routine. If your skin is dry look for a product that contains lipids, fatty acids, essential oils, glycerin or wax. If your skin becomes reddish due to the cold your should use specially designed products for a senstive skin.

3. Moisturize the entire body

You must always exfoliate your body at least once a week to remove the dead skin cells and to improve your blood circulation. Use a moisturizer after every shower. Select an oiler hydrating body milk or body lotion to hydrate, soften and nourish the skin.

4. Take care of your hands

Make sure you are also taking care of your hands! Choose a hand cream that contains vitamins and other nourishing ingredients. Use these creams at least twice a day to keep your hands nourished and soft.

5. Protect your skin from the sun

You not only use sunscreen for hot months, but you need to use them in winter months also. The winters UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful and the summer’s. Select a sunscreen that offers SPF 15 or higher and apply it over your moisturizers or over your face cream to prevent brown spots, redness and skin discolourations.

6. Protect your lips

Chapped lips are something that will appear in these winter months. The skin on your lips is very delicate and sensitive and become dehydrated very easily. Use an oiler lip balm is the best way to prevent chapped and sore lips. Vaseline is one of the best things out to keep your lips nourished apply before you go to bed so it sinks into your lips, or just use it throughout the day.

This article will help you identify your body shape and how you can sculpt it with different exercises.

Pear Shape

This shape is noticeable by slightly wider hips then shoulders, a slim upper body but fuller in the hip and thigh area. You will need to work on your upper body in order to balance your lower areas.

Exercise for Pear Shape

You can try push ups, chin ups, and shoulder presses. Avoid doing spinning and training activites because these have a big impact on your legs and bottom.Pear Shapes need to balance the upper and lower halves and accentuate their waist.

Apple Shape

You will find that you will hold most of your body weight in the upper body, tummy area and bust and you will have slim thighs and upper legs.

Exercise for Apple Shape

Use the gym to do a range of exercises that include cycling, leg squats, leg presses and dead lifts.Try sports such as tennis as this will tone your waist.

Hour Glass Shape

People say that this is the ideal body shape because it has a balance between the upper and lower body. The bust and hips are about the same size, but the waist is about 10 inches smaller.

Exercise for the Hour Glass Shape

Exercise with cardio, running, swimming, stationary biking (light resistance) and bicep curls, shoulder presses and squats.

Rectangle Shape

The upper and lower body are the same proportion to each other with a smaller bust, there are not many curves. You will find that you will put weight on in the stomach and backside area, while maintaining slender arms and legs.

Exercise for Rectangle Shape

Try endurance exercies, cardio and do step classes, bench presses and shoulder presses.

Looking and feeling great is the most important thing for most women. Commercial products can do much to treat beauty emergencies, but the only effective, long—term solution is optimum health in body and mind.

Beautiful Skin

Women want to look good and by having a great complexion it is a huge beauty asset which will boost your morale. The skin is always on display to the world and is worth taking care of. Skin has a little acid mantle, which keeps out harmful bacteria, and it is not a good idea to use excessively alkaline cleansers, such as soap, to wash the skin, as these destroy the necessary acid balance. The condition of the skin is a good indicator of general health within the body.

Lifestyle

The condition of our skin is affected by our lifestyle and general well-being, including our diet, how much exercise we take, our work, our family and our mental attitude. In some way we are what we eat. The circulatory system carries the nutrients from our food around the body. Without some sort of a healthy diet the body’s cells receive insufficient nutrition.

Regular exercise is also another very important factor in your lifestyle. Without sufficient exercise it means that food nutrients are not transported around the body properly, and toxins in the lymphatic system are not completely eliminated. This can lead to cellulite and other problems in the body and with the skin. A diet which includes plenty of water, fresh fruit and vegetables will help to keep our bodies free from toxins and promote a clear, blooming complexion.

Environment can also affect our bodies. Most homes and offices are centrally heated, and this has a drying effect on the skin and hair. Keeping a bowl of water beside each radiator will help to increase humidity. Women who spend a lot of time outdoors should take care of their skin from excessive exposure to the sun, rain and wind. These are all equally damaging to the skin, and will promote wrinkles and early aging. Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet rays! Make sure you apply sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and especially relax in the shade instead of in the sun.

Feeling happy with what you do is also extremely important. This is also effects your skin, hair and nails. When we are unhappy, e tend to feel negative about ourselves and are more likely to focus on our tiny imperfections. This can leave us feeling even worse and creates a horrible cycle which may lead to depression. With a positive mental attitude, on the other hand, we feel happier and more calm, our stress levels will decrease and we will look and feel healthier.

The Aging Process

Like all other organs, the skin deteriorates with age. Typically this is a characterized by the slowing down of cell regeneration, and the fact that dead skin cells gradually take longer to be discarded. As we grow older, our skin becomes less moist and loses elasticity. We are also more likely to develop more wrinkle lines in our face. As oestrogen production decreases during the menopause years your skin will start to thin out and dehydrate within the epidermis.

Many factors play a part in skin aging such as heredity, menopause, occupation, exposure to the sun and wind, poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, prolonged stress, insufficient sleep, even crash diets and excessive washing.

Aging is beyond our control, but we can help to minimize its effects by giving our bodies the best attention possible. Lifestyle factors need to be addressed and then backed up by a daily skin care regime with suitable lotions and creams, which can help to improve elasticity and the appearance of the skin, hair and nails.

Essential oils can be used successfully to combat the effects of aging. Research studies have shown that many essential oils have cell regenerative properties and essential oil products help to promote a much healthier, younger looking skin.

When your skin is oily on your back, little pimples and pustules may form. It is very important to regularly cleanse and exfoliate the back. You must exfoliate your back atleast once a week to get rid of any dead skin cells and also any impurities embedded in your pores. You can also do a back mask and apply hydrating body milk once a week, this will also help nourish your skin and make it clearer.

Other ways to treat back pimples

• Apply an ice cube to the pimple and hold it for a few minutes as this will reduce the swelling, redness and shrinks enlarged pores making the pimple less visible
• Applying a dab of toothpaste on the pimple before going to bed will help sooth the irritation and reduce redness. It will also dry out the pimple.
• Rub your skin with lemon juice which is the best and most effective way to treat pimples. Lemon juice will lighten red scars and blemishes and will maintain the pH balance of the skin.
• Use special pimple cream. Make sure it contain benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water EVERY DAY to help detox your body from the inside and out.
• Avoid squeezing pimples as this may cause infection and scarring
• Avoid eating oily foods

Having a regular treatment will help you to take care for your feet and keep them healthy and appealing all year round. Setting aside time to do a treatment on your feet once a month will not only greatly improve their appearance but will also soften the skin and help boost circulation.

You will need at least an hour to do the treatment properly - or if you really want to treat yourself set aside two hours. Use this pamper time to relax and you will find that your day-to-day worries will be gone.

Foot Pamper Routine

This routine uses the luxury foot scrub which will be found at the bottom of the page. If you don’t have time to make this particular foot scrub then you can just buy one from the shops. Make sure you buy one that includes essential oils so that you can benefit from their soothing properties. You will also need a foaming bath or foot gel, a large foot bowl, one large towel and two smaller ones, two plastic bags that are larger enough to slip your feet into, a pumice stone and pedicure tools.

Step 1

Half fill a large bowl with warm water. Place the bowl on a large towl on the floor. Add a little foaming fel, and perhaps a couple of drops of essential oils which will need to be diluted first in a carrier oil. Swish the water around with your hand to create plenty of bubbles and to release the aroma of the essential oil. Put both of your feet into the water, then sit back and relax as you soak them for a good five minutes. Remove your feet from the bowl and rub on the floor towel to remove most of the excess water.

Step 2

Put a towel on your right knee and rest the left foot on top. You will need to massage the foot scrub over the sole, paying alot of attention to any rough areas, also rub the scrub into the cuticles. Then you will need to place your feet into a plastic bag and leave for a while.

Step 3

Repeat the same step for your right foot. Wait ten minutes and then remove the bag from the left foot, sliding it firmly down the foot to remove the foot scrub. Put both feet into the water. The water would have cooled down which will stimulate the circulation.

Step 4

Remove your feet from the bowl and then place your left foot on the right knee. Get the pumice stone and rub it over the sole. Use firm pressure on the heel and ball, and light pressure on the arch. Now rub the pumice over the top of the foot, using light pressure. This well help improve your skins texture and bring nutrient rich blood to the surface, which will help improve the overall appearance of the foot. Repeat this action on the right foot. If you have callouses then you will need a peddi paddle which you can buy from any chemist. Make sure your foot is damp and then start rubbing where the hard skin is.

Step 5

Trim your nails straight across and then smooth the edges with an emery board. Use a cotton bud (swab) to apply cuticle remover, wait a few minutes, then gently push the cuticle back with a hoof stick (cuticle pusher). You will then need to soak your feet again, carefully clean under the nail. Then dry the feet, apply a clear base coat, polish and top coast, using cotton wool to separate the toes and allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

Luxury Foot Scrub

This is an excellent recipe that will cleanse and soften the feet. You can use this whenever you feel that your foot needs it. For best results, though, set aside enough time for a long pamper session.

Ingredients

1 Teaspoon each almond oil, jojoba oil and glycerine

1 teaspoon each fullers earth and rock salt

2 teaspoon foaming foot or bath wash

3 drops of essential oil (choose whatever oil you like - lavender is great)

In a small clean bottle, mix the foaming wash, essential oil and glycerine. Shake and set aside while you prepare the other ingrediants. Put the Fullers earth and rock salt into a medium sized dish and mix together. Mix in the almond and jojoba oils. Add the glycerine mixture to the bowl , and mix all the ingrediants together with a metal spoon. You should now have a runny paste.

Lemon verbena and lavender foot bath

Ingredients

15 grams dried lemon verbena

2 tablespoons of dried lavender

5 drops lavender essential oil

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Put the lemon verbena and lavender into a basin and pour in enough hot water to cover the feet. When it has cooled add the lavender oil and cider vinegar. Sit down and immerse your feet in the bath for 15 minutes. Dry your feet properly afterwards.

To make a pedicure kit you will need:

Nail-polish remover - try and buy a conditioning one

Cotton wool - great for removing nail polish and also useful for separating toes

Nail brush or orange stick - (tip covered with cotton wool) Great for cleaning under the nail

Hoof stick or cotton buds - Vital for pushing back cuticles

Toenail Clippers - These are often easier than using scissors

Emery Board - Toenails are harder than fingernails so you’ll need a strong one

Nail polish and a clear top coat - great for sealing the polish and preventing chipping

This post was requested by Debbie R.

Bath and shower time is the perfect opportunity to pamper and polish your skin, and indulge in some refreshing and energizing beauty treats.

Bathing Beauty

The time of day and even the time of year will affect what you like using and doing. Try using different products, adding any you particularly like to those you already know well.

Shower gels and bubble baths

These are mild detergents that will help cleanse you body whilst you soak under the water. There are thousands of different gels and bubble baths you can choose from, including those that contain a host of additives, ranging from different herbs to essential oils. If you find these way to harsh for your skin then try using other products that have a 2 in 1 which can contain moisturizer which wont be so harsh.

Bath Oils

These are great for people with dry skin. They float on top of the water, and your entire body becomes covered with a fine film when you get out of the bath. If you aren’t concerned about the smell of these oils you can also add a few drops of any vegetable oil, such as olive, corn or peanut.

Bath Salts

These are made from sodium carbonate, these a particularly useful for preventing your skin from becoming way too dry. Combine these salts with warm water and they are great for soothing aches and pains!

Bath-time Treats

Sleepy Night Time Bath

The combination of hot and cold temperatures is a great way to help you get to sleep at night. Try a “Sleepy Night Time Bath”which will help you relax by drawing energy away from your head and stopping your mind from racing

Instructions on how to do this:

Make sure bathroom is warm, then run approximately 7.5-10cm of cold water in the bath

Wrap the top half of your body in a warm sweater or towel, then immerse your hips and bottom in the cold water for 30 seconds

Now get out of the bath, dry yourself down, put your pajamas on and snuggle up into bed and go to sleep

Learning to Relax

Turn your bathtime into an aromatherapy treat by adding relaxing essential oils such as lavender to the water. Only add 2-4 drops once you have run your bath. Then lie back, inhale the vapours and relax completly. Salts and bubble baths that contain sea minerals and kelp also have a relaxing effect, and will also purify your skin too. You can also light some candles and play some relaxing music, which will make your relaxing bath even more enjoyable.

Natural Beauty

You don’t always have to spend money to really get the results you want. You can also use ingrediants from home such as vinegar. Try adding some simple natural remedies:

To soothe irritated skin add a cup of cider vinegar to running water

Powdered milk will sooth rough skin

To cleanse, whiten and soothe your skin add a cup of oatmeal or bran.

Smooth Skin

Apply oil to your body before you get into the bath. After soaking in the bath for 10 minutes get a face cloth and start rubbing your skin. Its amazing how much dead skin you remove!

Shower Time Treats

Showers are a great, quick and cheap way of cleansing your body. Here are some other benefits:

Circulation Booster

Have a hot shower and then before you finish your shower turn on the cold water. This will help boost your circulation and it will also make you warmer once you get out of the shower! This method also works well if you concentrate the cold water on cellulite prone areas, because it stimulates the circulation in these areas.

Boosting benefits

If you pat yourself dry after a shower it will help you unwind but if you briskly rub yourself dry with a towel will help invigorate you.

Shower Sensation

If you add a few drops of essential oils on the floor of the shower it will evaporate around you and then you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sensuous smelling mist whilst you wash your body.

A welcoming, well-stocked bathroom can make all the difference at the start of a busy day and can be transformed into a sensual haven to help you unwind at the end of it.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and forms a protective barrier against bacteria and other invaders. The skin continually sheds and renews itself, the skin has a lot to cope with and it deserves special attention.

Scrubbing our skin removes the dead skin cells and stimulates blood supply, leaving the skin silky and smooth. So keeping your bathroom and yourself clean is vital for the overall health of the skin and body.

Sponges and Face clothes

These come in handy for lathering soaps and gels on your skin and also dislodging dirt and grime from your body. Wash your facecloth regularly, and allow it to dry between uses. Natural sponges are a more expensive but long-lasting alternative. Squeeze out afterwards in warm clear water and allow to dry naturally.

Pumice Stone

Pumice Stones are made from very porous volcanic rock, and work best if you lather it up with soap before rubbing at hardened areas of skin in a circular motion. Make sure you do not rub too fiercely or you will make the skin sore. Little and often is the best method.

Loofah or back brush

Using a loofah as an exfoliator makes it easier to get to those hard to reach areas such as the back. You will need to rinse and drain them thoroughly after each use to prevent them going black and mouldy. Do not rinse them with vinegar and lemon juice as this can be too harsh for these once-living things. Loofahs are actually the pod of an Egyptian plant and need a lot of care if you want them to last.

Back brushes are also useful for areas of skin that are hard to reach, and are easier to care for. To take care of these you just need to simply rinse them in cool water after use and leave them to dry.

Soaps and Cleansing bars

These are a cheap but effective way of cleansing your body. If you find them too drying, choose ones that contain moisturizing ingredients to minimize these effects. Most people can use ordinary soaps and cleanser without any problem. But if you have dry skin then it would be best not to use these.