COMBINATION HAIR? HERE'S HELP
Q: I have thin, rough hair. How can I take care of my hair considering
that my scalp is oily but my hair is dry? I would also like to know
how to strengthen my hair, increase its growing rate, and make it
look glowing and healthy. I heard about a hair product that is used
during styling and can make hair look shiny (glowing), is this true?
A: The first thing to do is to make sure your diet is healthy, and that you are getting plenty of protein and B-vitamins. Supplements such as C, E, and zinc can also be beneficial. Our skin and hair reflect what's going on inside, so eating well is key. To keep hair soft and shiny, use a good conditioner and apply starting about 3 inches from the scalp. An herbal based, rosemary shampoo may help combat an oily scalp without drying the rest of your hair. Massaging the scalp every evening before bed is also a good idea, as this boosts circulation which helps hair to grow healthy and strong. Lastly, I believe the products you mention are those that are silicone based. Any silicone based styling creme will indeed add shine, but do be careful not to use too much, which can exacerbate oiliness.
FADE AGE SPOTS AND SKIN DISCOLORATIONS
Q:I would like to know if you know of any effective fading products that
help to remove skin discolorations?
A: You can remove or lighten skin discoloration several ways. Retin-A is
effective, but you need to be VERY careful about going in the sun while
using it. Sunglight exposure (without a good s.p.f.) while using any kind of
retinol can cause pigmentation to worsen.
Hydroquinone is a skin bleach that is available by prescription. I works
effectively, often best in conjunction with alpha hydroxy acids. Kojic acid
is a non-prescription lightener that appears to work as well as
Hydroquinone, but is not necessarily less costly. It's found in products
such as emergenC spot lightening gel ($48) and Peter Thomas Roth Botanical
Skin Brightening Gel Complex ($50).
Lastly, a dermatologist can laser the spots, and the results are near
immediate. However, costs begin at about $300 for this type of procedure.
STRONGER, HEALTHIER NAILS? YOU BET!
Q: My nails seem to be weak and lack color. Could this be related to a vitamin deficiency of some kind?
A: Your weakened nails could indeed be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Try
incorporating greater amounts of protein, calcium, and b-vitamins into your
diet. Flax oil, about two tablespoons a day, is also wonderful for the skin, hair, and nails.
Additionally, you may want to massage the nails daily, which will increase
circulation and improve nail health. If you don't see any improvement in a few weeks, do see your physician to make sure there isn't something more serious going on. Hope this helps!
Wendy
CLEAR PROBLEM SKIN, WITH DILIGENT REGIMEN
Q: Dear Wendy,
I would really like your help. Over the past two years, my skin has gone from occasional breakouts on one cheek to acne on my entire face. And I don't know what to do to control it. This problem has really affected me socially and emotionally because it seems to be the first thing everybody notices. Family and friends are always making comments about my skin. That I should use this soap, or that I should take these pills, or etc. At this moment, I am using a product that I saw on tv and I really haven't seen any improvement except that it has made my skin feel softer. And I was wondering if you have any suggestions. But suggestions that are reasonable in price because I don't have much money. I would really appreciate any of your suggestions. Thanks!
Christine
A: Hello Christine,
Please know you are not the only one that has "faced" this sort of skin crisis! Sometimes people who are extremely healthy in every other way develop serious skin problems, with out apparent reason. Oftentimes there literally does seem to be no relief in sight, as one tries every product/diet imaginable. As frustrating as problem skin can be, I do have some suggestions.
Our skin does reflect what's going on "inside." Food allergies, improper nutrition, lack of water, stress, and even the air we breathe can all affect the look of our skin. I would begin by paying close attention to your diet. Try a very simple, healthy diet and see if this helps. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein such as fish are all good bets. I would also suggest "fasting" one day a week and consuming nothing but fruit and vegetable juices — many people see huge improvements simply by doing this. (DO check with your doctor first though before doing any type of fasting.) Start the day with a large glass of pure water with some fresh lemon. This is great for cleansing and skin tone. Continue to drink plenty of water or herb tea throughout the day. I have found dandelion and parsley teas to be wonderful for the skin.
Next, skip caffeine, alcohol, sodas, and high sodium foods. It sounds drastic, but ONE or more of these substances could be causing you trouble. Eliminate for several weeks and see if you notice a difference.
As for skin care, I feel that simple is best. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer should be all you need. Cucumbers make an excellent "toner" and are very inexpensive! Wear as little makeup as possible, as even those that are labeled "for sensitive skin" can cause irritation. I would also suggest skipping drying over the counter acne treatments, as these can sometimes make the problem worse by causing further irritation. Wash your face with tepid water, and rinse with distilled water, if at all possible. Don't cleanse the skin more than twice a day, as again, irritation can result.
Lastly, vitamins C, E, and Zinc can help improve skin condition. I would take them every single day for optimum benefits.
I know this sounds like an awful lot, but I think you'll find the results worth it! If after two weeks you don't see an improvement, I would suggest seeing a physician. The problem could be hormone related and easily treated by your doctor. Please let me know how you do!
Take care,
Wendy
CONDITION DRY HAIR, WITH HOMEMADE RECIPES
Q: My hair is very dry, no matter what types of conditioner I use. What can I do to get soft, shiny hair?
A: Severly dry hair responds well to at-home deep conditioning treatments. Olive oil is especially effective. Massage 1/3 cup of olive oil in to dry hair and let sit for up to an hour. Shampoo as usual. Done weekly, this should help restore hair's shine and texture.
Leave in conditioners can also rescue hair that's abused or prone to dryness, as can cutting back on heat styling such as blowdrying. If you can't eliminate blow drying completely, try to let hair air dry, using the dryer only to finish your style or create volume.
Many people have reported that flax oil (found any health food stores), when supplemented in the diet, improves the condition of hair and skin. For best results, take a tablespoon or two capsules of flax oil daily.
GET RID OF UNDER EYE CIRCLES, FOR GOOD!
Q: I have under eye circles that won't go away, no matter how much rest I get. Do you know what I could do, besides using makeup to cover them, to solve this?
A: Under eye circles can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes toxins in the body end up as under eye circles, allergies, or acne. You may want to try juice fasting one day a week, as well as taking vitamins C, E, and Zinc in supplement form. Eating very healthily (plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and drinking at least eight glasses of pure water every day can also help.
It may also be that you are suffering from allergies and don't even know it. I would suggest seeing your physician, as allergies are an extremely frequent cause of chronic circles and are fairly easily treated in this case.
Lastly, to cover circles without a heavy makeup look, try applying a bit of flesh colored eye shadow. This will make circles disappear and still look very natural.
LOSE WEIGHT AND KEEP IT OFF!
Q: I want to lose weight, though I've tried every diet and can't seem to keep the weight off. Any suggestions?
A: I really believe that changing our actual lifestyle is key to permanent weight loss. The goal is optimal health, not starvation or punishment. I've found the hardest part to be the initial decision - deciding that you truly WANT to be fit and healthy is half the battle! Here are some simple and effective tips for losing weight and KEEPING it off:
1. Do something active every single day. Even if it's just for 20 minutes, aerobic activity boosts our metabolism and keeps fat burning for the rest of the day. (I like to walk or hike.)
2. Put on your exercise clothes first thing in the morning, right when you get out of bed. The clothes you wear really put you in the right frame of mind to exercise! By getting it over and done with, you'll feel you've accomplished something and will start the day off right.
3.Juice fasting is a wonderful way to jump start any diet and to help keep weight off permanently. Try drinking only fruit and vegetable juices for one day a week to flush out toxins and boost energy levels. (Do check with your doctor first.)
4. Pay attention to what you are putting in your body. By consuming more healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins, you will lose weight naturally.
5. Drink plenty of water! We've all heard this before, but water flushes the body of toxins, and helps to regulate your entire system. If you don't like water, try adding some lemon or drinking herb tea throughout the day.
By making basic lifestyle changes, weight loss will never be an issue. Of course, don't forget to indulge in the occasional treat - life is too short not to! :)
STOP BREAKOUTS PERMANENTLY
Q: I get breakouts regularly, and no matter what I use, I can't seem to get them under control. How can I prevent this?
A: I have found over the years that there are several things that contribute to consistently beautiful skin: 1. A healthy diet. 2. Drinking LOTS of pure water. 3. Using great products in the right way. Here's what you can do to get gorgeous skin and keep it that way:
A healthy diet can't be stressed enough. I have found that eating mainly fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and tofu really do the trick. Natural and organic is best, as even foods that have been washed well can contain toxins that harm our skin. Taking Vitamins C, E, and Zinc can also be beneficial, as these vitamins are helpful in maintaining healthy, supple skin.
I've mentioned juicing before, and I do feel that taking one day a week to consume nothing but fruit and vegetable juices can also help those that suffer from chronic skin problems. Juices are very cleansing, and can help rid the body of toxins that would show up in our skin.
Water, and plenty of it, is a must! Drinking at least 8 glasses of pure water every day will leave your skin soft and smooth, as well as helping to prevent blemishes. Water is really my favorite all- around beauty trick, and it's importance in skin care cannot be overstated!
Now on to maintenance...How you care for your skin and what you care for it with are both very important in achieving great skin. Here are the basics:
*Cleanse, tone, and , moisturize twice daily.
*Exfoliate GENTLY a few times a week. I like to use a little raw sugar. Cheap and effective!
*Always rinse face with cold water to leave skin radiant. This step can also replace using a separate toner.
*Never "scrub" the face with anything overly abrasive. This can actually create more acne.
By keeping these ideas in mind, you'll be on your way to a glowing, radiant complexion!
SO YOU WANT TO BE A MODEL?
Q: I really want to be a model. Can you help me or give me some advice?
A: First, check out the tips found on the Beauty & Soul Modeling page. But to summarize: the best thing to do is to go see an agent in a city near you. (NOT a school.) Find a reputable agency and call and ask them when they have open auditions. They will give you a scheduled time to meet with the booking agent and give you honest feedback. You don't need to bring any pictures, just show up with your hair pulled back off your face and very little makeup...The agent will want to see what YOU look like, as they know exactly what hair and makeup can do to enhance your looks. Good luck!
OILY SKIN BLUES
Q: What can I do to improve my oily skin? I've tried all kinds of products but nothing seems to help.
A: Oily skin can sometimes be made worse by over-cleansing or using too many drying agents. I would suggest keeping foundation use to a minimum, and instead try using a wet/dry powder. Also, after cleansing rinse face with ice-cold water, which helps to tighten pores and reduce oiliness. Misting face with mineral water throughout the day can also help to combat shine.
You may also want to try using balancing products such as "Moisture Balance" and the vitamin C serum from Royal Botanica. Both of these products work at a deep level and can actually affect how much oil your skin produces. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and taking vitamins C, E, and Zinc are also key to continuously beautiful skin...
ADD SOFT HIGHLIGHTS, NATURALLY
Q: I'm looking for a way to highlight my dark blonde/light brown hair naturally. Any suggestions?
A: While there is really no way to get drastic highlights without visiting a salon, you CAN lighten hair a bit by mixing some strong chamomile tea and lemon juice. (Two parts tea to one part juice.) For best results, use a spray bottle to spritz on hair, especially around the face on the top of head, where highlights naturally occur. Sit in the sun for 30 minutes or so (of course wear a GOOD spf on entire body) then shampoo and deep condition to re-hydrate hair.
You may also want to talk to your stylist about the new color "brighteners", which add shine and subtle highlights but without the drying or chemical effects of regular hair colors. Hope this helps!
GARLIC AND PAPAYA...THE SKINNY
Q: I've read about the Garlic and Papaya tablets on the site. Can you tell me how they work and if they are safe? Also, do you purchase them separately or as one tablet?
A: Garlic and Papaya work as a mild natural diuretic. Yes, they are safe, but I do recommend consulting with your physician if you have any concerns. Women under 18 should not be dieting in any way, so these tablets are meant for those over 18.Also, the garlic and papaya should not be continued for longer that a few days - they are a means to "jump start" a healthy lifestyle, not eliminate the need for consuming healthy foods and exercising. They will also lose their effectiveness if taken continuously. (Though not harmful - papaya is just a digestive enzyme and garlic is wonderful for maintaining good health.)
Many health food stores carry garlic and papaya as a formula, though you can purchase them separately with the same effect. An average dose would be one tablet of each before meals.
MAKE EYES POP, WITH THE RIGHT MAKEUP
Q: How can I make my small eyes look larger?
A: Eye makeup is like clothing...the darker the makeup, the "smaller" the effect. To really make eyes pop, use a light shade like vanilla over the entire lid, and if you choose to use liner, don't go too dark - stick with colors like taupe. Also, be sure to curl lashes, which really opens up the whole eye area.
GET GLOWING!
Q: How can I get that "natural" look without looking exhausted? Earth tones just don't seem to work for me.
A: I would suggest using a "brigtening" moisturizer all over face, such as "Glowtion" by Ultima II. This gives the whole complexion a nice glow. Finish by curling lashes and adding a dab of lip color or gloss. The result is a healthy, beautiful look!
EXFOLIATE YOUR WAY TO CLEAR SKIN
Q: How can I get rid of blackheads? The rest of my skin is clear, but no matter what I do, this problem continues.
A: Be sure you are exfoliating at least three times weekly, which will help keep pores clear and healthy. Also, using a retinol and/or an alpha hydroxy product on the affected area has been shown to help tremendously with blackheads. Apply every evening before bed, and you should see results in as little as a week.
EYELINER MADE EASY
Q: How do you correctly use eyeliner? It never looks quite right when I apply it.
A: The key to good eye makeup is to BLEND! You want people to notice you, not your makeup. I like earth tones like taupe. Pencil eyeliners are generally the easiest to work with, and the ones that come with a sponge tip are especially convenient.
Begin by lining the upper lid first, starting at the inner corner. Hold the eye a bit taught so you can get as close to the lash line as possible. Make a series of short, quick strokes, working outward. Do the same thing with the lower lash line. Then, using the sponge tip, blend gently outward for a "smudged" effect. To soften the look even further, apply a bit of powder over the lines. (This will also help makeup last longer.)
It will take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it you'll have great looking eyes in no time flat!
END RAZOR BURN PERMANENTLY
Q: I have bad shaving rashes on my legs. How can I get rid of them?
A: Redness generally comes from any process that increases blood flow. Typically on the legs this occurs from inflammation due to an irritation. The inflammation can occur from allergic processes which are mediated by chemicals called histamines or by a reaction to a mechanical irritation. Try to figure out whether this is from a mechanical irritation such as shaving. If it is, the redness is from a low grade infection around the hair follicle. If the redness is surrounding the hair follicle then I suggest the following:
1. Shave at the end of a bath and shower when the skin is well hydrated
2. Experiment with new razors to find one that doesn't irritate your skin...typically the multiple blade razors create less irritation, i.e. Mach III
3. Minimize the number of passes you make with the razor
4. Initially shave in the direction of the hair growth until the blotches have disappeared
5. Use a good lubricating shaving cream, e.g. Edge Gel
6. Initially use a topical antiseptic immediately after shaving. This will control low grade infections. Use something such as Neosporin ointment. If the redness is not related to the location of the hair follicle, you may just be predisposed to this process and may have to learn to live with it or place topical agents to cover up the discoloration such as make ups, topical astringents that close blood vessels such as which hazel. Or an alternative would be to take a mild non sedating antihistamine, though this would not be advised on a regular basis. Finally make sure that you are not on any vitamins, particularly niacin or stimulant containing products and/or medications that dilate blood vessels.
Check back weekly for more questions and answers!
Wendy
