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FAQ's :
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.
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!
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!
A: 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!
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 plenty of pure water. 3. Using good products
products in the right 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 and chicken and 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 and promoting 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 result in less than glowing skin. Water, and plenty of it, is a must! Drinking at least 8 glasses of pure water (or herb tea) 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 cool 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!
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!
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.
Beautiful!
Note: The FAQ page is updated frequently. Have a question you don't see answered? Go ahead...ASK WENDY!
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