Beauty Blog

When looking at hair products have you ever noticed that it may say it's for fine, medium, or coarse hair? Have you ever then thought which one is my hair? Even though you can say your hair is big and crazy, or flat and lifeless, it's the diameter of your hair that really matters when choosing a product for you. Don't confuse hair density with diameter; people with fine hair can still have a ton of it but still be considered fine. Hair Thickness Hair thickness actually refers to the width of one single strand of hair. You can have either thick, medium, or fine "“ or a mixture of all three types! To find out your hair type, all you need to do is a strand test! First start by taking a single hair in between your fingers, if you can't feel the hair between your fingers then you have fine hair. If you can feel the hair a little then you have medium hair. If you can feel a thick strand then your hair is considered coarse. If you're still struggling to determine your hair type, you can also do a thread test. Pull a single hair from your head and lay it next to a piece of sewing thread (putting it on a surface that's the opposite color of your hair will help). If it's the same width as the thread, your hair is medium, but if it's thinner or thicker, so is your hair. Hair Density Just because the diameter of your hair is fine doesn't mean you can't have a thick head of hair and vice versa. There is a simple test for eyeballing your strand density : Standing in front of a mirror, grab a handful of hair at the side of your head and notice the space around that 'clump.' Can you easily see your scalp? Your hair is likely thin. No scalp visible? Probably thick. If you're in the middle, you likely have hair of medium density. Determining both your diameter AND density will help narrow down the types of product you should use. Someone with dense, coarse hair will need smoothing products. While someone with less dense but still coarse hair will need a volumizing product. Once you have determined your hair type and density you'll be able to choose your hair products and know that they will work great in your hair. Most brands label there products with which hair type they are designed for, so you will be much more confident mixing and matching across systems to create your perfect routine.

Elastin is the very stretchy protein found in connective tissue of the skin dermis layer. This protein is a combination of peptides and amino acids made by fibroblasts. It's what keeps your skin bouncing back when stretched. It's also the second most common protein in your body (collagen being #1). As we age, elastin production diminishes. This causes the skin to sag. Elastosis is the term used to describe skin's loss of elastin. Beyond aging, it can also be caused by sun exposure, pollution, inadequate nutrition and smoking. Rapid and significant weight loss can also cause elastosis. Tropelastin is the building block for elastin. While we have many genes for collagen, there is only one gene for tropleastin. Elastin production is at its peak at birth, and is nearly gone by puberty and is non-existent by the time we reach adulthood. So, what will help skin retain it's elasticity? First, limit skin's exposure to the sun. Sun damages the normal function of elastin. Second, retinoids, a form of vitamin A, are the best for this as they help re-stimulate elastin production. They also amp up the production of collagen. They can, however, be irritating to the skin, especially prescription ones. Combine the retinol with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help the skin rebuild the collagen and retain elasticity. The bad news: damaged elastin is hard to restore. The ingredient molecules need to be small enough to pass through the skin's outer layer to reach the elastin in the dermis There is a great deal of research being done on how to successfully restore skin elasticity. One promising study is using a zinc complex to help restore functional elastin in sum damaged skin.

Carrier oils are made from plants. They are unscented or lightly scented and are used in beauty products to deliver the benefits of essential oils. Essential Oils are oil loving compounds that quickly evaporate and do not mix with water. Essential Oils are highly concentrated. They can often irritate the skin if applied without being diluted, and since they don't mix with water, they are mixed with a "carrier" oil in order to prevent quick evaporation and to help them penetrate the skin and hair. Beauty product formulas use many different carrier oils, sometimes as many as two or three, depending on what product they are making and for what purpose. Different carrier oils provide different benefits. Carrier oils can penetrate the skin or seal the skin. Combined with specific essential oils, they provide the benefits of the end product. The most common carrier oils include: Coconut oil. It contains nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols. Jojoba Oil. It is extremely moisturizing and closely mimics sebum, the skin's natural oil. It also absorbs easily in the skin without clogging pores. Apricot Kernel Oil. High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it can also calm irritate skin. Sweet Almond Oil. It's very lightweight and absorbs easily, while still being a great moisturizer. Olive Oil. It's full of fatty acids and plant sterols so you'll often find this as an ingredient in skin cleansers. Argan Oil. Very rich in Vitamins A and E as well a monounsaturated fatty acids, it is often used for both dry skin and dry hair and as an ingredient in anti-aging products. Rosehip Oil. High in Vitamins A and C, both of which help fight the signs of aging and to help reverse sun damage. Grape seed oil. High in Vitamin E, it helps heal skin and reduce wrinkles. Avocado Oil. Very high in oleic acid to help dry and damaged skin. It may increase sebum production, so should be avoided if your skin is acne prone.

What's that white stuff on your nose on a hot summer day? Zinc Oxide is a mineral. When zinc is heated with oxygen, the chemical reaction makes the zinc oxidize. As the elements vaporize, what's left is crystals of zinc oxide. It has many uses besides as a sunscreen in medicine (both internal and topical) as well as in rubber manufacturing, paints, ceramic glaze and as a food additive. When combined with the mineral hemimorphite, it is calamine. The fine particles in the oxide are both deodorizing and antibacterial. They are, however, not soluble in water, they must be mixed with an oil to work effectively. Zinc Oxide applied to the skin remains on the skin's surface, protecting the skin from UV exposure and environmental irritants which is why it is found in so many creams and ointments. As well, it works in products that soothe or prevent itching and infections. The coating properties of zinc oxide block the bacteria by reducing the skin's permeability. In cosmetics, zinc oxide helps keep the skin hydrated and slow the appearance of fine lines. It also helps keep the skin's oil production in balance and enhances collagen synthesis. You can even find zinc oxide in a rainbow of colors. Manufacturers created these to make them more fun to use and wear. Because zinc oxide doesn't mix with water, it lasts much longer as a sunscreen. Colors also make it more fun for children who sometimes balk at applying sunscreen but love getting their face "painted".

Whether you need your glasses or you're making a fashion statement by wearing them, your glasses can be a glam accessory. There's just one problem that many overlook. Lenses distort the look of our eyes, especially mature eyes. It's important to know this to create your best eye look. So, let's take a look at common distortions and what to do. You're farsighted ...you wear your glasses to see the close-up things. This means your glasses magnify your eyes so they look bigger (yeah!), but this magnifications extend to the crepe-y lid, circle, lines and make-up that is sloppy. Get yourself a 10X dual-sided magnification mirror. It will help with the make-up application skills and help you to keep things more precise...like your eyeliner, or gloppy mascara. Be sure you blend. You can do a great smoky eye with this type of glasses and even line your lower inner and outer rim You're nearsighted ...you wear your glasses to see in the distance. These glass lenses will make your eyes look smaller. If you have deep-set or hooded eyes, this makes this issue worse. . Black eyeliner is your best friend. Just be sure to do the right size line...thin line for thin frames, thick lines for thick frames. Get the liner as close to the lashes as possible, even lining under the upper rim. Shadows should be soft and shimmery in light tones like sand or peach. Dark shades or matte ones just close up the eyes. Line the lower waterline with a very light color, even ivory, to open your eyes even more. You need to wear progressive lenses or bi-focal ...you're lenses have two or three different prescriptions in the single lens. Your make-up has to be as multi-functional as your lenses. . Select a light and neutral contoured look for your eyes. Avoid a very dark smoky look. Blend a shimmery light shadow across the lids. You can use a medium brown or taupe in the crease. Select a gel liner in black, charcoal or dark brown to help shape the upper lash line. Finally, some general guidelines: Your frame color has an impact on your cosmetic looks. . Dark color frames (black, tortoise shell, navy, etc.) define and strengthen the eyes, almost like an instant eyeliner. Soft colored frames gently sculpt the eyes and can help better highlight the cheekbones and slim the face, so of like a contour make-up. Opaque or sheer fames in amber, pink or rose will brighten the complexion like an instant blush. Big frames = big bold make-up choices. Small frames = delicate, lighter make-up. Glasses means using a eyelash curler and using a volumizing mascara instead of a lengthening mascara. You don't need your eyelashes batting your lenses all day! Eyebrows a re important. They frame your frames. Be sure they are in good shape.

You Have Beauty Care Choices! L'ANZA bases all there products off of healing hair. While still being extremely light weight and easy for your hair to soak up, the Keratin Healing Oil Treatment is the perfect product to mend brittle and weak hair!

This high-performing make-up line has products for every beauty need that are free of harsh chemicals and non-nano SPF 50. They use only pure minerals from rocks that are beneficial to your skin. They don't dilute the ingredients, making sure your skin is getting the positive benefits of the minerals. It's clean beauty with no oils dyes or talc. The Loose Mineral Foundation contains only inorganic minerals from rock so they are not absorbed into the skin. Plus it provides full spectrum natural sunblock (UVA & UVB). It won't clog pores. The incredible staying power means it lasts all day, even after a workout or swim. The protection lasts until you wash it off. 10 shades means you be able to perfectly blend your foundation with your skin tones. The minerals used in La Bella Donna refract the light to help reduce the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles. Four ingredients work synergistically to balance the moisture content in skin so they work for every age and skin type. You'll find blushes, shadows, lipsticks and everything else you need to create that beautiful you without any ingredients that are harmful. It's a lifestyle choice to a cleaner, healthier skin.

We most often hear the term Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). So what is Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)? It is an exfoliating agent like alpha hydroxy, but its molecule is smaller. In the ingredients list on your skin care products and cosmetics it may be listed as salicylic acid, salicylate, sodium salicylate or willow extract. It may also be called tropic acid or trethocanic acid. BHA's are not as strong as AHA's. Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic acid) is most often used in skin creams to combat acne and help smooth signs of aging. BHA's weaken the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together and on your skin. Weakening this helps the skin discard these dead cells (exfoliation) so the newer skin underneath is revealed. BHA's are also oil-soluble so they are very effective on oily-skin types. It also has the ability to get deep into the skin's pores to unclog and clean them out. It can also help lighten dark spots. Is it safe? Willow bark is the most common extract for BHA's (is the same willow bark used to make aspirins). The FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) both find it to be safe when it is formulated and tested to make sure it does not cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. They recommend when using a product with a BHA to be sure to use sunscreen daily. Because your skin because more sensitive to UV light when using a BHA, you should also be careful to follow the directions for use. Products with BHA should not be used on infants and children.

Beauty Care Choices may sell products for the outside...hair, skin & nails, we also know that healthy beauty starts from the inside. Eating the right foods can make your hair shine and your face glow. So, why eat a rainbow? Purple & Blue The color in eggplant, plums and blueberries is due to their anthocyanin content which provide lots of antioxidants. They also give you Vitamin E, iodine and potassium to help keep the oxygen flowing. Green These veggies are rich in chlorophyll. They also contain isothiocyanates that help reduce carcinogens from the liver. Besides the antioxidants, the broccoli, cabbage, and other leafy greens are full of Vitamin K, folic acid and potassium. They also contain lost of micronutrients like iron, plus lots of B vitamins. Green/Yellow Things like avocado, kiwi, pistachio nuts are rich in lutein - very important for eye health. They are also rich in Vitamin C. Yellow/Orange They get their color from carotenoids or beta carotene. These are full of vitamin A which the body turns to retinol; exactly what your skin needs to help prevent acne and wrinkles. Eating mangos, apricots, carrots & squashes will also help build your immune systems. Red It's the lycopene that gives cranberries, tomatoes, watermelons & guava red. It's also what makes the pink grapefruit pink. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. Include pomegranates, radishes, red peppers in your diet extra Vitamin C, anthocyanins, and beta carotene.

You have Beauty Care Choices Live! Today CEO Jennifer Coy is joined by Healium founder Beth Di Maio. Join in as Jen and Beth go in depth with Healium products, and there benefits! Watch to the end to see a side by side style done by both of these lovely ladies.