Women
/Health
Health and Beauty Tip -- Use Sunscreen ...
... on your hands! Even when applying your own sunscreen or sunblock, it's important to apply it to your hands they way you would the rest of you. Too much exposure to sun can age them prematurely. You can use special products made for hands, or your regular sunscreen or subnblock.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Cut Back on Coffee
How much is too much? Any more than four cups of caffeinated coffee each day can lead to bladder irritation. The same amount of caffeine in chocolate, caffeinated tea, or cola can do the same thing, so watch your intake!
Health and Beauty Tip -- Milk Before Bed
Before bedtime, drink a glass of skim of 1% milk. It's a simple way to increase your calcium intake, and it helps some people get to sleep faster.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Avoiding Dye Stains
To make sure no dye gets on your skin after you color your hair, rub a little shampoo along the hairline and anywhere else the dye has touched your skin right before rinsing it out. This will lessen any staining without affecting the color of the dye.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Overnight Undereye Treatment
Dark circles under eyes can be caused by a lack of oxygen to your skin. To combat this, combine one teaspoon of whole, plain yogurt with half a teaspoon of fast-acting baker's yeast. Apply under your eyes with a clean eyeshadow brush right before bed, and make sure to rinse it off in the morning.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Lipstick on Chapped Lips
The sort of makeup you use can actually prevent chapped lips. Use or switch to glossy lipstick, as matte has no moisturizers (and can actually dry out your lips on its own).
Health and Beauty Tip -- Sensitive Teeth
Before bed, rub a tiny bit of toothpaste along the gumline near the sensitive teeth -- you shouldn't brush or rinse afterwards.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Discolored Nails
Stop discoloration on your fingernails and toenails before it happens -- always use a clear coat under your polish. It takes a little extra time, but your nails will be much better off!
Health and Beauty Tip -- Lower Sodium in Your Diet
There are plenty of simple ways to reduce your sodium intake in addition to foods marketed as "low-sodium." Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (canned and even frozen ones contain high amounts of sodium), switch to lowfat dairy products, and taste your food before you put salt on -- you may not need it!
Health and Beauty Tip -- What Causes Bad Breath?
You already know you need to brush, floss, and yes, even brush your tongue. But antihistamines, nasal sprays, and even antidepressants, all of which dry out your mouth, can give you bad breath, too.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Using Primers
Most cosmetic lines these days make "primers" to apply under your foundation. This makes your makeup last longer, and prevents oil from coming to the surface. A primer doesn't have to be expensive to work well, and it's likely your favorite brand makes it.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Are You Washing Your Face Too Much?
It's possible to "overwash" your face, especially if you have oily skin you're trying to dry out. Overwashing can actually cause, rather than prevent acne, as well as rashes and dermatitis. If you have any of these symptoms, consider switching products.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Long Nails
Not only are long nails "out," they're also inconvenient! If you're on a computer on a regular basis, you're likely to break your nails as you type. Short, rounded nails look best, and are much more comfortable when you work or type.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Moisturizer Before Bedtime
If your favorite moisturizer has SPF protection, buy a different kind to use at bedtime. Your skin doesn't need the extra ingredients at night.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Bob Haircuts Are "In"!
Bobs look great on just about anyone -- blunt, short ends at the chin complement the shape of most faces. If you have a round face, though, ask your stylist for other options; cuts that end at the chin can make your face appear rounder.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Two Conditioners
If you have curly hair and are prone to frizz, keep two conditioners on hand. Use a heavy one every time you wash your hair, and a deep one to use once a week. Frizzy hair can never be overconditioned!
Health and Beauty Tip -- Green Tea Tonic
For a refreshing trick that's also good for your skin, mix two tablespoons green tea with half a cup of water. Sweep the mixture over your face with a cotton ball and let it evaporate -- you don't need to wash it off.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Alternative to Toner
If you're not satisfied with your toner, or want to try something different, use lemon juice instead. Its natural disinfecting and cleaning properties are popular with models, and is a refreshing alternative to other toners. Make sure you don't have any lemon or citrus allergies first.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Stained Fingernails
If your fingers and nails are stained from nicotine or dark nail polish, use a toothbrush and whitening toothpaste to scrub the stains away.
Health and Beauty Tip -- Color or Highlight?
Women with shorter hair tend to look better with a full color job than with highlights. Medium to long hair looks wonderful with highlights, especially if your hair is also long around the face.