Protect Your Skin

1. Consider Your Water

And tailor your skin-care products accordingly. “Soft water doesn’t remove soap well, so it can leave a residue on your skin,” says Susan H. Weinkle, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, in Tampa. If your water is soft, use face and body cleansers sparingly (no more than a nickel- or quarter-size amount, respectively). Hard water, on the other hand, doesn’t allow washes to lather easily, prompting you to use even more cleanser, which can cause dryness. Gentle, nonsoap formulas, which aren’t meant to lather, can minimize this, says Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in Chicago. Experts suggest trying Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser ($23,). To check the water quality in your area, log on to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website (epa.gov).

2. Drink Green Tea

“If your complexion is red or blotchy, this tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing,” says Andrea Cambio, a dermatologist in Cape Coral, Florida. “Iced is best because hot beverages can worsen redness and other symptoms of rosacea.” Another benefit: The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea may help prevent the collagen destruction that leads to wrinkles as well as sun-induced DNA damage in the skin (think lines and discoloration), according to some experts. Consider subbing tea for your morning mug of coffee.

3. Keep Stress in Check

It takes a toll on nearly every part of your body, including your skin. In a study conducted at Stanford University, researchers found that during exam time, students who felt stressed had more severe acne breakouts than did those under less pressure. That’s because stress increases the body’s production of hormones such as cortisol, which can make skin oilier and decrease its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria, says Lisa Donofrio, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine. To keep that frazzled feeling under control, regularly practice stress-management techniques, like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. This “can help conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrhea,” Donofrio says

4. Improve Your Air Quality

Avoiding smoky environments is smart, since “just being around smoke can lead to the release of free radicals that damage skin and hasten aging,” says Diane S. Berson, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in New York City. Other indoor pollutants can adversely affect skin, too. Change the air filter in your furnace regularly, and if you cook with oil, use the fan over your range. Also keep in mind that dry indoor air can dehydrate skin and make fine lines more noticeable. Run a humidifier in your bedroom to minimize these problems.

5. Switch to Plain Toothpaste

Those with tartar-control ingredients or added flavors, like cinnamon, may contribute to a common skin condition called perioral dermatitis. It looks like pimples, redness, and scaling around the mouth, says Donofrio. Use a basic paste instead, like Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste ($4 at drugstores). Note: If you suffer from this problem, see a dermatologist for antibiotics to clear it up.

6. Watch Sun Exposure Indoors

Yes, you read it right: UV rays (in particular UVA rays) can penetrate the windows in your home and office and cause wrinkling and brown spots. The same goes for car windows: Studies have found higher rates of skin cancers on the left side of the face and upper body than on the right, since that side is more exposed when you’re driving. Cancers aside, “many people have more wrinkles and sun damage on the left side of their faces, too,” notes Donofrio. Make protection a no-brainer by always wearing a moisturizer with SPF. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream With Mexoryl ($34).

7. Monitor Your Dairy Intake (If You Have Acne)

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health found that teenage girls who consume a lot of milk are almost 30 percent more likely to have acne than those who drink less, and experts believe the same holds true for adult women prone to serious breakouts. Surprisingly, skim milk seems to be a worse offender than whole milk. Scientists don’t understand exactly why milk products can lead to acne, but some surmise that the natural hormones present in dairy may be to blame, says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami Beach, Florida, who notes that even organic milk can cause breakouts. Cottage cheese, instant breakfast drinks, and sherbet are also linked to acne. While cutting back on dairy won’t solve a pimple problem single-handedly, it may make a difference for those who suffer severe breakouts, say experts. (If you go this route, be sure you’re getting enough calcium from other food sources, such as leafy greens, or consider taking a supplement.)

8. Pay Attention to Your Cleanser

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you have dry skin, your choice of face wash may be even more important than your moisturizer. “A nonsoap cleanser is ideal because it helps replace the moisture barrier in the skin,” Donofrio says. “Consider it a preventive approach,” adds Berson. “You can use your cleanser to avoid dryness, eczema, and psoriasis rather than just treating these issues when they flare up.” A good, inexpensive, and natural one that Donofrio likes: Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser ($8,). That said, applying a moisturizer after you cleanse is still smart. And if you’re using an acne medication, wait 10 minutes after you wash to minimize irritation.

9. Choose Water-Based Hair Products

Some conditioners, as well as pomades, volumizers, and styling creams, contain oils or waxes that can clog pores and create acne, especially on the forehead, the back, and the hairline. Even if you’re careful to avoid getting them on your skin, they can run down your face and body as you shower and when you sweat, or be transferred by your pillowcase while you sleep. Instead, look for water-based formulas and avoid those containing mineral oil, beeswax, or microcrystalline wax. Or consider Kairos hair products, a new line of water-based shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids created to help minimize breakouts (log on to kairosclear. for information).

10. Check Your Medicine Cabinet

Some oral contraceptives, antibiotics, fertility drugs, and antiseizure medications can bring on breakouts, says Jerome Litt, a dermatologist in Beachwood, Ohio. Antihistamines, diuretics, and some antidepressants can cause dry skin. And certain antibiotics, diuretics, and diabetes treatments can make you vulnerable to sun damage. “If you find your skin is reacting more while you’re taking a particular drug, talk to your physician,” says Litt. “He or she may be able to either lower the dosage or switch you to a different medication.”

11. Sleep a Full Night

While you’re snoozing, the skin’s repair mechanisms swing into action, says McBurney. Being sleep-deprived, by contrast, puts stress on the body, causing it to release more adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger breakouts and other skin problems, says Barbara R. Reed, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Colorado, Denver. (And research from China found that insufficient sleep was a significant risk factor for acne among adolescents.) Make getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye your last good-skin move of each day

7 Quick Fixes to Look More Attractive

1.Large Eyes

One look at the billion dollar anti-aging industry and it's no surprise we find youth beautiful above all else. But skin isn't the only indicator of it — the size of your eyes is, too. "Women with baby-like features such as large, widely-spaced eyes are typically judged to be most attractive," says Viren Swami, PhD, author of The Psychology of Physical Attraction,who cites cross-cultural study data from African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Taiwanese participants.

The quickest and easiest way to maximize your eyes is to sketch a line on the top lash line using a smoky shade, and then smudge the shadow with a brush or your fingertip to soften and blend, says Tina Turnbow, a celebrity makeup aritst.

2.Clear Skin

Our disdain for blemishes isn't just superficial — it's a way we subconsciously assess how skin clarity reflects underlying health. "They (pimples) are signs of infection — even acne is caused by bacteria — and can signal more dire diseases like measles or skin parasites," says Nancy Etcoff, PhD, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and the author of Survival of the Prettiest.

If you're acne-prone, try a product containing two percent salicylic acid. If your skin doesn't clear up, consider a trip to the derm to get a more comprehensive regimen that may include prescription retinoid use, says Doris Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.

3.Clean Hair

Shampoo commercials have long shown the lure of glossy, smooth strands that bounce weightlessly, though it's something else that we tend to find sexy. "Freud believed that we fetishize hair not only because of the way it looks and feels, but because of the way it smells," says Etcoff. "Hair stirs sight, touch, and scent sensations and memories — it's arousing and primal in its appeal."

While sudsing up daily will keep hair smelling clean, such frequent washings can strip strands of moisture. To stay fresh on days you don't shampoo, take a cue from Franco Wright, founder of LA's Scent Bar. "A great trick is to spritz a brush with your favorite fragrance and then comb through your hair to distribute the scent," he says.

4.Long Lashes

While lashes are supposed to keep debris out of your eyes, batting them is also one of the most popular ways to flirt. Since the tip swoops in an arch and human sight is drawn to motion, fluttering the fringe can capture eye contact. "Women around the world, in modern and ancient cultures, have taken advantage of eyelashes by making them longer and more visible," says David Givens, PhD, an anthropologist and the author of Love Signals.

The best way to enhance your lashes is by using a curler. "A curler opens your eyes to look larger and more awake, makes lashes look longer, and helps you look better even if you're not wearing any makeup at all," says Andrew Sotomayor, a celebrity makeup artist.

5.A Feminine Flush

There's a reason why Marilyn Monroe always wore red on her lips. Estrogen levels rise when women are in the most fertile span of the monthly cycle known as ovulation, increasing blood flow under the skin's surface. This surge flushes cheeks and lips a pink or red tone that behavioral studies show evokes attraction response in men.

Turnbow suggests using a soft stain, like Burt's Bee's Lip Shimmer in Cherry, since it'll give you a natural-looking flush. "Apply the color to lips, and then gently blur the lipline with your finger tip so it looks feminine and natural," she explains. Go back and tap extra color on the center of your lips for an extra juicy pout.

6.Thick Hair

Hair naturally thins as we grow older, though strands are directly influenced by health, diet, and hormones at any age. Each strand has its own blood flow, so thick and flowing locks instantly communicate a sense of wellness. And since hair grows fastest and thickest for women between the ages of 16 and 24, it's yet another indicator of youth, says Etcoff.

"To add thickness to hair, work at the root on the crown," says celebrity stylist Oribe. Polymer-containing aerosols like Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray absorb oils that kill volume, and add body-building structure to each strand. Spray volumizer in sections at the root, and massage it in with your fingers.

7.Balanced Brows

Symmetry has been considered a mark of facial beauty since the ancient Greeks, and experts say it's because these features form during our crucial developmental years. "Departures from perfect symmetry are assumed to be the result of factors such as stress, nutrition, disease, and infections," explains Swami.

One feature that enhances the perception of facial symmetry is the eyebrow. "Brush brows up and use a powder one shade lighter than your brow color for the most natural look," advises brow guru Anastasia Soare. If you're a blonde, go one shade darker than your hair.

How to Get Beautiful, Glowing Skin

Do you long for a naturally gorgeous complexion? Do you wish that you had absolutely beautiful, glowing skin? Follow along after the jump to learn how to nurture and protect your skin so that it looks amazing as soon as you wake up in the morning.

1. Wash your face at night

1. .. Over the course of the day, makeup, dirt, and oil build up on your face. Make cleansing your skin part of your bedtime routine.
2. Use makeup remover. Not only does this prevent it from clogging up your pores and causing breakouts while you sleep, it also stops you from smearing bacteria on your pillow — where it can get into your skin night after night.
3. Use a gentle soap. Remember that you want to clean your skin, not completely strip it of all oils — if it feels tight and dry after washing, you're using something too strong.
4. Avoid the eye area; the skin around the eye can be too delicate for most cleansers.
5. Rinse off by splashing water on your face. Using a washcloth or rag to roughly wipe your skin clean can irritate it more. Instead, bend your face over the sink, cup your hands together, and bring up small amounts of water to splash over your face. About 10 splashes should do it.
6. Pat dry. Don't roughly rub your skin dry with a towel. Instead, dry it with small, gentle pats or let it air dry.

2. Apply toner

1. . A toner removes excess oil and dirt from your skin that the soap missed, in addition to closing your pores. Not everyone needs to use a toner, but some people find it helpful.
2. Put a few drops onto a cotton ball or pad. Swipe it lightly over your skin.
3. Only use astringent if your skin is exceptionally oily. Astringent is a stronger type of toner that can be up to 60% alcohol. If your skin tends to be dry, using astringent could actually cause acne by driving your oil glands to overcompensate.
4. Witch hazel is a natural alternative to buying synthetic toner/astringent.
5. Consider applying toner to only the areas of your skin that tend to break out. For instance, you might only use it on your nose or forehead.

3. Smooth on some moisturizer

1. . Using lotion in the morning acts as a primer for your makeup, helping it "stick" to your face throughout the day. Moisturizing at night helps your skin repair itself and stave off wrinkles. Bottom line, it's one of the best things you can do for glowing skin over the long term.
2. Consider using a lighter moisturizer during the day. If you're prone to breakouts, save the heavy cream moisturizer for nighttime and use a light or gel moisturizer during the day.
3. Don't forget your neck and décolletage. These areas can get super dry and irritated if you never moisturize them.

4. Exfoliate once a week

1. . If your skin tends to be dry and flaky, a weekly exfoliation can clear out dead skin cells. Find an exfoliant that has a super fine grain, and don't rub it roughly into your skin — use light pressure and gentle motions.
2. A simple scrub of sugar mixed with honey makes a great exfoliator. Rinse it off with warm water.
3. You could also exfoliate with a dry brush made for the face. Brush your face using small, circular motions.

5. Protect your skin from the sun

1. . Avoid leathery, tough skin by applying a light sunscreen every time you plan to be outside. The lack of sun damage will keep your skin dewy and supple for years to come. Remember, it only takes 15 minutes to get a sunburn, so be prepared.
2. Stick to SPF 30 — anything higher doesn't have much more benefit.
3. Search the makeup aisle for spray-on sunscreens that are light and dry.
4. Use a foundation or tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, so your face is already covered.

How to Avoid Winter Dry Skin

Have trouble with dry itchy “winter skin”? Itchy dry skin is a very common skin problem that tends to give some people more trouble in colder weather months, when humidity is low.

There are many easy, efficient home remedies for dry skin that can help this common skin problem that affects almost everyone at some time or another.

When skin becomes dehydrated, it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly, and sometimes itchy.

Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple. You can effectively address dry skin concerns with a few easy strategies.

Steps

1

Look for face cleaners or super-fatted soaps that have extra amounts of fatty substances or oil such as lanolin, cocoa butter, or coconut oil added. Harsh soaps can quickly strip away your skin's protective oils. One of the biggest problems people have with dry type skin stems from harsh soap especially deodorant soaps, and antibacterial soaps. Most soaps have lye in them which are very irritating to dry sensitive skin types.

2

Moisturize your skin. Dry skin problems result when there is not enough water in the skin and the moisture is allowed to escape. An effective dry skin remedies simple use of moisturizers for dry skin will usually take care of most problems. A wide variety of dry skin lotion and creams are available to smooth out our skin and provide a seal over your skin to keep water from escaping, adding moisture and keeping it moist and dewy.

3

Don't overheat your house, and use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate. Central heating and air conditioning, even climate controlled environments can play a part in drying your skin. Central heating often compounds the problem and can actually cause humidity levels to drop inside the living space. Air conditioning removes water from indoor air and has a drying effect on skin.

4

Limit your bath and shower time and use warm, rather than hot, water. Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin.

5

Protect yourself from the harsh winds, and cold temperatures. The cold, harsh dry air of winter is one of the most common causes of dry facial skin. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet.

6 Ways to Burn Your Belly Fat Fast

One of the most common questions I get is how to lose belly fat. Belly fat is actually the most dangerous type of fat – besides aesthetics, large waist lines are indicators of –disease-disease-disease.

It takes more than just crunches! We start to gain weight in our midsection when our cortisol levels spike. Stress is one of the primary culprits for high levels of cortisol secretion. When this happens cortisol breaks downs lean muscle (the type of tissue that burns calories most efficiently) and also holds on to fat storage in the abdominal region. That stress can even get WORSE with bad dieting; studies show that the stress caused by dieting can increase cortisol levels, making no change in belly fat even with calorie restriction. So how do you shape up? Incorporate these 6 things below and you will be on your way to a flatter belly in no time flat!

1. Sleep

If you want to work late at night, think again. When your biorhythms are off, you end up eating more. When you’re tired you produce more ghrelin, which triggers cravings for sugar and other fat-building foods. Losing sleep can also alter your hormone production, affecting your cortisol levels that cause insulin sensitivity, prime reasons for belly fat! Getting about 7 hours of sleep a night is one of the best things you can do for your body shaping goals.

2. Short bursts of exercises

1000 crunches a night may get you strong abdominal muscles, but with a full layer of fat on top, you will not get the results you really want. Instead of all those crunches, do exercises that engage multiple muscle groups and work your cardiovascular system. Try planking, where you hold yourself in a push-up position, resting your forearms on the ground. Try 3 or 4 sets of holding for 30 seconds each. Getting up and moving throughout the day by going for walks will also help.

3. Sugar is your Enemy

Fighting belly fat is 80% healthy diet. Reduce calories by filling yourself up with protein, vegetables, whole grains, and replacing bad habit snacks with good ones. For example, if you have a sugar craving, replace your calorie laden latte with a Muscle Milk lite, one of my favorites, because it has zero sugar and a ton of protein that will satiate while also torching my sugar craving! Another great trick is a sprinkle of cinnamon in your morning coffee or oatmeal- the spice has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar. It also slows the rate at which food exits the stomach, which helps you feel fuller longer.

4. Vitamin C

When you’re under extreme stress, you secret more cortisol hormone. Vitamin C helps balance the cortisol spikes that happen to you under this stress. Besides being a good way to counteract a cold, Vitamin C is also essential for making carnitine, a compound used by the body to turn fat into fuel, making this vitamin your fat burning friend.


If you’re going through an emotional crisis, stress from work, or a bad eating splurge, increase your vitamin C – it’ll help counteract the negative side effects. Try bell peppers, kale or kiwi fruits. These have even more Vitamin C than the famous Orange!

5. Eat Fat

Yup, you heard me! It takes fat to burn fat. Like I said above, it’s sugar that gets you fat, not fat. Good fats include foods rich in Omega 3′s, like salmon, avocados & walnuts. These foods are full of nutrients that help keep you satiated throughout the day.


6. Slowing down your breath

This is a very simple method that you can use even when you’re in the midst of doing something else. Whenever you notice you’re feeling tense and uptight check and see how you’re breathing. Most people under stress either alternate holding their breath with short breaths, or take rapid shallow breaths. After you become aware of your own breathing, consciously relax your belly and slow down the breathing. This works best if you focus on slowing down the exhalation rather than your inhalation. With each exhalation you can say to yourself “slow down”. That is all there is to it- Simple but surprisingly effective!!!

12 No-Cook Breakfasts

In the sweltering days of summer, the last thing I want to do is cook anything over a hot stove. It’s the perfect time for those easy breakfasts where no heat is required.

Smoothies

It’s as simple as placing your ingredients in a blender and pushing a button. The only caveat is to watch portions so you don’t go overboard on calories.

Mixed Berries and Banana Smoothies

Peach Pie Smoothie

Honeydew Smoothie (above)

Green Morning Smoothie

Tropical Smoothie

Parfaits

Yogurt layered with your favorite healthy ingredients (including nuts, seeds, granola, whole-grain cereal and fruit) makes a light and cool breakfast.

Fresh Fruit Parfait with Lemon-Poppy Seed Yogurt

Tropical Breakfast Parfait

Yogurt and Fruits Parfait

Citrus Yogurt

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Vanilla Yogurt

Sandwiches

Simple ingredients stacked between bread can form a deliciously healthy morning meal.

New York Breakfast
Peanut Butter & Green Apple Toast