Skin, Hair and Nail Care for Everyone

Japanese facial massage developed to improve one’s health and longevity, emphasizing the prevention of problems rather than the curing of existing ones. When properly administered, it improves one’s beauty, removes toxins from the face, and balances ki, or life force, to improve overall health. Japanese facial massage is a profound combination of traditional Japanese medial concepts and distinct hand manipulation techniques. It is a branch of Japanese medicine, and is built from the long tradition of diagnostic medicine in the traditions such as Anma and acupuncture. From its technical origins in Anma, the procedure has reached its present refinement in the last 200 to 300 years within the beauty and cosmetology industry. Today, Japanese facial massage is an independent modality, standing on its own as an area of specialized therapeutic care. Japanese Facial Massage Compared to Western Techniques The aim of Japanese facial massage is unique. While Western facial massage addresses t...

Variations on the Classic European Facial Variations on the classic European facial include the "mini-facial" (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials.  Add vitamin C, and you have an "age defense" facial.  It's an "oxygen facial" when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a "collagen facial" when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin.  Acne facial will pay special attention to extractions and a  LED Light Therapy facial is a separate light treatment to achieve specific results like boosting collagen or treating acne. How to Find a Great Aesthetician  (They Need Experience, Good Hands and Sanitary Habits) Facials are given by an aesthetician (a skin care specialist who has gone through a professional training program in the field of skin care). Not all aestheticians are the same, you want someone who is skilled, has good "hands" and is a stickler for sanitation. To find a ...

What Is A Facial? A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is the second most popular spa treatment after massage. It is sometimes called a "deep-cleansing facial" or "deep-pore cleansing" facial because of extractions. The Basic Steps of a Facial • Cleansing A facial begins with a cleansing with cotton pads or sponges and a product chosen for your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.) • Skin Analysis The esthetician covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp that reveal various skin conditions. • Exfoliation using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant Mechanical exfoliation has a gritty texture and usually happens while a steam vapor is directed at your face. A chemical peel can be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. It is generally an "upgrade" and done in a series. • Extraction of blackheads or whiteheads if you wa...

Facial Massage Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine | 2005 | Tran, Mai | 700+ words | Copyright  Definition Facial massage is a very popular Western beauty treatment to slow down the aging process and achieve younger looking and healthier skin. It is also used to relieve stress, migraine headache, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and sinus congestion. It may involve a whole massage session, a portion of a whole-body massage or a part of a facial treatment. Facial massage can be done by a professional massage therapist, an esthetician, or a cosmetologist. Simple massage can also be done at home. Massage of the face is usually done with the hands; however, mechanical massaging devices are also used in beauty salons or spas. A small amount of oil or lotion is often applied to facilitate movement over the delicate facial areas. In Eastern therapies, facial massage is part of a full-body treatment in which pressure points on the face and neck are stimulated in order to release b...

Natural Nail Care Strong, healthy nails reflect a strong, healthy you. Keep your nails in shape with 3 good habits: • Keep them neat with frequent trims, and don’t forget to clean under the tips. • Moisturize your nails and cuticles daily. • Don’t bite hangnails; clip them. Nutritional Deficiencies You are what you eat: Beauty on the inside will reflect beauty on the outside. Healthy nutritional choices including omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins and iron help support healthy hair, skin and nails. Nails can reflect some nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of iron, biotin and protein (although protein deficiencies are rare in the United States) [source: Mayo Clinic]. Most nail problems aren’t associated with your nutrition, but if you have an iron deficiency, your nails may disclose it. Pale, whitish nail beds are a common symptom of anemia. With more severe deficiencies, the fingernail may change shape (a condition called koilonychia where the nails are thin and...

Items You Should Have in Your Medicine Chest First things first: You've got to take stock of what's in there already - and then clean and restock it annually. Toss out old supplies and anything that's damaged (damaged container, unreadable or missing labels, broken or discolored pills) or past its expiration date. This is also the time to get your prescription and over-the-counter ( OTC ) medicines out of there, and not just because your guests might snoop. A "medicine" chest isn't actually for storing your medicines, however convoluted that may sound. The humidity in your bathroom isn't good for medicine, most of which can deteriorate quickly in moisture -- you may like a steamy shower, but your pills don't. Store them instead in a cool, dark and dry place in another room. Kid-friendly Medicine Chest If you have small kids in the house, you'll need a few additional items in your arsenal: Topical protectant creams (for diaper-rash...