How to Find a Good Hair Moisturizer For Relaxed and Natural Black Hair

Moisturizing hair is as important as deep conditioning to any black person who wishes to have long hair. As washing and deep conditioning the hair every day is quite impractical, a hair moisturizer is required to avoid dryness until the next wash.

Relaxed and natural black hair tends to be quite porous so loses moisture quickly. The key to long beautiful locks is to keep replacing the moisture lost. The easiest way to do this between washes is to use a good moisturizer.

Moisturizer

First things first, let's deal with a common misconception about oil. Oil is not a moisturizer! Oil lubricates the hair and 'seals in' any moisture you already have in the hair. If your hair is dry and brittle and you apply oil to it then you are doing your hair more harm than good. The oil will coat the hair and prevent any further moisture from entering the hair which will lead to breakage.

The best moisturizers should always be water based i.e. the first ingredient should be water; water is in fact the best moisturizer! Good moisturizers should also contain humectants. These are ingredients which attract water from the atmosphere, glycerine being the most popular of these. Honey is also an excellent humectant but more commonly used in conditioners and not moisturizers.

Always avoid moisturizers that contain mineral oil or any other petroleum based product in the first few ingredients. Mineral oil does nothing but coat the hair leaving it shiny but dry.

You may find that the best conditioners are the ones that are marketed to 'wet type' styles (jheri curl or wave nouveau) as they contain mainly water and glycerine. S curl is particularly good.

How to use hair moisturizers is just as important as getting the right product. If you plan to blow dry or roller set your hair, after towel drying apply a dime sized amount of a water and glycerine based moisturizer before you apply the same amount of heat protectant and comb through hair to evenly distribute. After the blow dry or roller set your hair will be left soft and silky to the touch and will remain like this throughout the day. If you plan to flat iron it then only apply leave in conditioner and a silicone based heat protectant to the hair.

Moisturizers should then be applied daily or as needed. Only a dime sized amount is required for shoulder length hair. A touch more for longer hair. Always comb the moisturiser through the length of the hair with a wide tooth comb to make sure that every strand gets its share. You can apply a bit more to the ends if desired. There is no benefit in loading your hair with moisturizer as hair is only about 10-14% water and all you are trying to do is regain the moisture balance in your hair. You are more likely to ruin your style by leaving relaxed hair looking greasy or reverting natural hair altogether by applying too much moisturizer! When you use a moisturizer well, it should keep your hair from drying out without weighing the hair down or being sticky.

Oil free moisturizers are also good option. They contain silicones that help 'seal' the moisture into the hair but their first ingredient must also be water and hair should be washed every 3rd day to prevent build-up. Some good examples of natural oil that can be used to seal in moisture after a wash are coconut oil, avocado butter, mango butter or Shea butter. Remember that these are oils and will just lock in whatever moisture you already have in your hair. It is advisable to dampen the hair slightly before applying any hair oil to it.

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How to Find a Good Hair Moisturizer For Relaxed and Natural Black Hair

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Benefits of Coconut Oil - Homemade Skin Care and More

Coconuts are solid, oval shaped, fruits produced by the palm tree. Palm trees are found in more than eighty-six countries around the world, mostly located in the tropics. Some people refer to the coconut tree as the "tree of life" because of the rich vitamins and minerals found in coconuts. Coconut oil is extracted from coconuts. This natural oil is a solid fat, white in color, appears crystalline and offers a multitude of benefits. The benefits of coconut oil include:

Prevents pre-mature aging of skin
Repairs damaged skin tissue
Wards off sun damage
Helps bring back youthful appearance
Helps prevent yeast infection in skin
Aids in removing dead skin cells
Helps eliminate plantar warts / athlete's foot (when mixed with garlic)
Helps keep connective skin tissue strong and supple
Protects against liver spots on skin
Helps reduce chronic skin inflammation
Soothing for wounds
Combats wrinkles, skin discoloration, wrinkles
Assist in treating psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
Reduces roughness or dry skin scaling
Soothing for chapped or irritated lips
Firms, softens, smoothes and moisturizes skin
Helps prevent acne, herpes and warts
Softens hair
Conditions scalp
Helps get rid of dandruff
Has an antiseptic, antifungal and anti-bacterial property
High in anti-oxidants
Contains health promoting nutrients
Protects against arthritis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes
Aids in digestion
Strengthens immune system
Stimulates metabolism
Helps yield a fluffy lather in soap
Improves thyroid function
Escalates energy levels
Has an anti-viral property
Has stress relieving aroma

\"skin Dry\"

Many commercial skin care products such as soap, lotion, and cream, are made with cheap refined vegetable oils. Sometimes chemical solvents are used during this refining process. During this refining process, anti-oxidants are stripped away allowing skin to be vulnerable for free-radical generation, causing skin to age faster. Instead, coconut oil is high in anti-oxidants penetrating the underlying skin tissues preventing and protecting against the formation of free radicals. Virgin coconut oil is non-hydrogenated containing a lauric acid, a natural anti-microbial proven to fight viruses and bacteria.

Some commercial body care products tend not to, even, use cheap refined vegetable oils. Instead, they use something worse such as mineral oil and byproducts of refined oil. Also, foaming agents and surfactants are often added to commercial soap to generate lather. These chemicals are known to cause allergy and skin sensitization.

Many commercial soaps are now including chemically produced, unnatural, anti-bacterial agents, like Triclosan, in order to claim the soap has anti-bacterial properties. Triclosan is an environmental toxin in its own right and is still completely legal to add to commercial soap! Now that is a skin care concern!

How is coconut oil used? It is found in a variety of bath and body products. It is found in many foods and used for cooking or frying. It is used as massage oil for relieving stress, tension or anxiety. It is used in a variety of ways.

There is natural homemade goat milk lotion, handcrafted with virgin coconut oil and other natural ingredients. This homemade lotion comes in a variety of natural fragrances including: lavender, juicy orange and peppy citrus. It also comes, Au natural, unscented with no added fragrance. This natural homemade lotion is extremely mild and gentle. It soothes and moisturizes dry skin, dry itchy skin, sensitive skin, dry flaky skin and more.

Natural homemade goat milk soap, containing coconut oil, is available in bar and liquid varieties. This homemade soap comes in natural fragrances such as: orange tree, peppy citrus, peppermint coffee, lavender, aloe and oats and, even, a unique alpaca wool felted soap! It also comes au natural, unscented, with no added fragrance.

Natural goat milk soap is extremely healthful for many different skin types. People with psoriasis, eczema, dry flaky skin, acne and more notice the difference between using natural goat milk soap and regular commercial soap the very time they use it! Goat milk soap is extremely mild and gentle with healthful skin care properties. This natural homemade soap, made with coconut oil, offers nice bubbly lather compared to commercial soap using foaming agents and cheap mineral oil.

You do not need to use commercial skin products that use cheap refined vegetable oils, cheap mineral oils, foaming agents, surfactants, unnatural, chemically produced, anti-bacterial agents and more. Instead you can find homemade skin care products using natural coconut oil and other natural skin care ingredients. The coconut oil benefits are multiple and healthful!

Benefits of Coconut Oil - Homemade Skin Care and More

Find benefits of coconut oil and homemade skin care products at: http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

How to Look After Dry Skin

The medical term for dry skin is "xerosis" and it affects many of us when the air has less humidity, most often in winter when we also tend to operate in heated environments. Unfortunately, our habit of taking a shower at least once a day does not help either. There are several things we can do to help our dry skin.

First, we should keep our skin moist as much as we can by using as mild a soap as we can get. A couple of good brands are Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser and Dove. The best way to use these soaps is to apply them to wet skin with warm water and rub them into the skin with gentle circular motions. It is best to avoid using towels to apply the soap as also hard sponges like loofah sponges. Then rinse completely and pat dry, rather than scrub dry, with a soft towel. We can also refrain from washing too much, perhaps no more than twice a day.

Dryskin

We should regularly use moisturizers for our skin after we have found one that is right for our individual skin chemistry. Oil of Olay is a good choice for most people but there are many other good products. It is best to apply moisturizers while our skin is still damp because the skin pores are open and will allow deeper absorption. If you find yourself out in the sun a lot, it is OK to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. If you have acne along with dry skin, any acne treatments you use can make your dry skin worse. But using moisturizers over your acne medicine may actually help in this regard.

Some popular "common remedies" are in fact useless in helping dry skin. These include drinking large amounts of water to "keep the skin hydrated" and taking lots of vitamins to "keep the skin healthy". These remedies may not hurt you but they will certainly not help with your dry skin problem any better than simply treating your skin with a little care.

Other common sense things to do to help dry skin:

If we are in a dry, winter environment either at home or at work, we should attempt to use humidifiers whenever we can.

Sleep helps the skin repair itself so we should get enough of it.

Blood circulation helps the skin, so we should exercise regularly to boost skin repair from the inside out.

Avoid alcohol as it causes the body to lose fluids.

How to Look After Dry Skin

Jayan writes about health, food and yoga issues. If you like this article, please visit his latest diversions at Downdraft Gas Range and Downdraft Gas Cooktops.

Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin - 3 Simple Ingredients That Will Help You Look Younger

Finding the best moisturizer for aging skin is certainly not easy, but I think you know that already. If you're anything like me, then you've spent a lot of money and time on trying to find the best moisturizer for aging skin without much success.

Looking younger is what everyone desires. We all want to have fewer wrinkles, age spots and other aging signs. Looking good can mean getting the job you want or even meeting your soul mate. You never know what is behind the corner, so you always want to look your best.

Moisturizer

This can be done through natural treatments and a natural lifestyle that is both healthy and wholesome. I personally use a natural skin care product line that contains what I consider to be the best moisturizer for aging skin.

With all that said, here are the three simple ingredients that I use on a daily basis to keep my skin moisturized and young.

1. Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 is a nano-emulsion form of Coenzyme Q10, which I think you have heard about a lot. Many commercials talk about the beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 and they are true, but a nano-emulsion form like Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 penetrates more deeply into your skin and is many times more beneficial than the standard Coenzyme Q10.

2. Natural Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven by scientific studies to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other aging signs. Many have even said that it can reverse the effects of aging of human skin and there is evidence to back it up.

3. Jojoba oil is deeply moisturizing and helps your skin stay soft and smooth. It has also been shown to be extremely effective in reducing wrinkles, stretch marks and fine lines. I have very sensitive skin and it has worked very well for me.

Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin - 3 Simple Ingredients That Will Help You Look Younger

If you're interested in learning the secrets of finding the best natural moisturizer for aging skin, visit my website, where I share what products I use for fast, and effective results. Learn how to eliminate wrinkles and aging signs by clicking here: Skin Care Secrets Revealed

Make Your Open Pores Disappear

It is not only teenagers who suffer from oily skin and open pores. Men and women worldwide of all ages are plagued by the excess production of sebum in the skin, which causes this condition. The main reason people have this type of skin is genetics, so the problem is inherited from family members. Even movie stars suffer, and if you look closely on photos which have not been edited, you will see that their skin is far from perfect.

So what can be done? Are sufferers doomed to hide away as they feel self conscious about their looks? Not at all! The first thing to remember is that when you study your skin in the mirror, you are probably standing only 6 inches away and therefore any impurities seem to stand out. You rarely get so close to other people, so take some comfort in the thought that they may not even notice the flaws which you are worried about. There are many products available for the treatment of oily skin, including cleansers, toners, pore minimizers, skin refining serums, clay masks and concealers.

Moisturiser

When choosing a skin care product, look for one with ingredients which will help to control oil and exfoliate the skin, which will prevent pores from becoming blocked:

Tea Tree Oil has been used by Aboriginies for centuries as a potent antiseptic and antifungal treatment, and is produced from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca Alternifolia tree.

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid obtained from the bark of the Willow tree (Salix). It exfoliates the skin and is often used in the treatment of acne.

Glycolic Acid is a skin exfoliating treatment often used in chemical peels. It can penetrate into the skin and help to reduce lines and wrinkles, acne scars and hyper-pigmentation.

In order to control oily skin, you should cleanse at least twice daily. Firstly, remove make up and oil with a cleanser, and then apply a toning solution to a cotton pad and wipe over the face. Follow with a pore minimising serum, and then your daily moisturiser. You could then apply a concealer specifically designed for open pores. These work almost like a very fine filler to smooth the skin and instantly hide open pores. They may be tinted and can be used as a light foundation, or alternatively you may apply your usual make up on top of this.

Drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods can over stimulate your skin so that even more oil is produced. Follow a healthy diet, drink alcohol in moderation and get plenty of fresh air to encourage healthy skin.

Make Your Open Pores Disappear

Get more information on pore minimisers and treatments for oily skin.

Which is the Best Moisturizer For Very Dry Skin?

Dry skin is not uncommon. This problem appears during the winter, when your skin gets exposed to a certain environment or for no visible reason. Most people use skin creams because they want to stop dryness for appearing. However, you need to use the best moisturizer for very dry skin if you really want prevention.

Dryness can appear at any time, but you can live for months without having to face this problem. If you are using a cream which seems reliable, you will never know if you really are protected. People have been trying long treatments and thought that everything was going perfectly, but ended up with skin dryness.

Moisturizer

If you don't want to waste your time and money, you need to get the best moisturizer for very dry skin which will guarantee that you don't have to worry about this problem. The best cream is perfect for prevention, but it should also be purchased by anyone who is facing dry skin as we speak.

If you are currently suffering from discomfort because of very dry skin, only top of the line products will be able to help you. The good part is that you won't have to spend a large amount for a cream; there are a few amazing products which come at a reasonable price.

The best moisturizer for very dry skin should contain just a few natural ingredients. Tests have demonstrated that the right combination of substances will change your body forever. Obtaining attractive and moist skin is not that difficult if you use a natural cream.

Some of the ingredients are well known in the skincare industry: Nanobelle Coenzyme Q10, Wakame or Cynergy TK. However, you can also try some of the new proven to work ingredients, such as Manuka Honey. All of these substances are natural and they will work on any type of skin without risks.

The best moisturizer for very dry skin is the product which uses the right natural ingredients. These creams will offer you perfect skin without side effects, at an affordable price and in a reasonable amount of time.

Which is the Best Moisturizer For Very Dry Skin?

Click Here to Discover the Results of my Research on the Most Effective Skin Care health products. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit http://www.natural-skin-care-resource.com to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.

Winter Facial Skin Care Tips

Winter is here and the frost is not only nipping at your nose but the whole face. Fortunately, with a facial skin care routine that meets your exact skin care needs you can be on your way to healthy, radiant skin tone.

YOUR SKIN IS DRY OR SENSITIVE IF IT:

\"skin Dry\"

o Stings or burns when skin-care products are used

o Is easily irritated

o Sometimes appears red and inflamed

o Feels itchy, dry, rough and flaky

Facial skin care for dry skin:

Regular bath soaps clean well but are powerfully alkaline and irritating for both dry and sensitive skin. Clear soaps containing glycerin and alcohol may also be too drying. So, as an alternative of soap, dermatologists suggest a soap-free, sensitive skin cleansers. If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you may need to alternate a washable lotion with a sensitive-skin bar. After cleansing dry skin, apply a moisturizer that is light, hypoallergenic, preservative-free, all-purpose and water based. For extremely dry skin, moisturize with petroleum jelly or an oil-based lotion with 20 percent urea. After cleansing sensitive skin, apply a light, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer, like Eucerin. To check your tolerance of the product, dab the moisturizer behind your ears for the first few days.

YOUR SKIN IS NORMAL IF IT:

o Is usually smooth and supple

o Is generally clear/blemish-free

o Appears neither dry nor oily

Facial skin care for normal skin:

You're one of those lucky people whose face can take some abuse and still bounce back, looking fresher than ever. Almost any cleanser (from regular bath soap to sensitive-skin bars) will work for you. If you need a moisturizer -- some people with normal skin don't! -- choose a light, hypoallergenic, preservative free, all-purpose, water-based moisturizer after washing.

YOUR SKIN IS OILY IF IT:

o Has enlarged pores or blackheads

o Appears shiny and feels greasy

Facial skin care for oily skin:

Regular bath soap, morning and night, is fine for cleansing -- your skin actually benefits from the drying effect of strongly alkaline bath soaps. If necessary, use an astringent pad at midday. Because your skin is naturally oily, you may not need
a moisturizer. But if you do, choose one that's noncomedogenic (won't cause acne) and either oil-free or water-based --Neutrogena or Aveeno, for example.

YOUR SKIN IS COMBINATION IF IT:

o Is oily on your forehead, nose or chin

o Is dry on your cheeks and around your eyes

Facial skin care for combination skin:

Dermatologists recommend one of two cleansing routines for women with combination skin. You can wash with a gentle facial cleanser in the morning and use an alcohol-free astringent on oily areas later in the day. Or wash with a soap-free cleanser on dry areas and with regular bath soap on oily areas. Treat dry patches as dry skin, then apply a water-based or oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizer to your entire face.

Skin care tips for every type of skin:

No matter how oily, dry or sensitive your skin, always clean gently. Use warm (not hot) water and your fingertips (not a wash cloth). Rinse well. Then use a towel to pat (not rub) your face dry. Wash your face no more than once or twice a day. After patting skin dry, apply moisturizer to skin while it's still damp to ensure that it is absorbed. Unless your moisturizer provides protection from damaging sun rays, consider applying a light sunscreen as well.

Winter Facial Skin Care Tips

For further facial skin care tips, articles and information on acne and rosacea treatment, please, visit Facial Skin Care Guide and Skin Care Tips [http://www.e-facial-skin-care.com/tips/] Blog.

Oily Skin Care Tips - Get Rid Of Those Pimples And Greasy Spots On Your Face Forever

Oily skin is not a disease, its just a skin texture that makes you uncomfortable from which you want to get rid of. Due to lack of proper guidance and information on oily skin care available, it has turned into one of the major skin problems resulting into pimples, acne, blackheads and many more.

Several factors are said to be responsible for the aggravation of an oily skin:

Skincare

CAUSES OF AN OILY SKIN

1. Heredity is quite responsible for an oily skin, but so do hormones. Pregnant women sometimes notice an increase in skin oil with the changes in hormonal activity. So do women going for birth control pills.

2. Stress can also lead in the overdrive of the oil glands.

3. The wrong cosmetics can easily aggravate an otherwise mild case of oily skin.

Some of these causes are within your ability to control, but others you will have to learn to live with.

In most of the cases, oily skin can be treated at home. But sometimes, the situation demands more than just a home remedy. You need to call for a doctor if you develop sever acne or notice notice any sudden change in your skin. Otherwise, go for these tips and try them at home:

TIPS ON OILY SKIN CARE

1. Keep your skin absolutely clean - You might be quite aware of the fact, that oilier the skin, the dirtier it looks and feels. And to get rid of this, keep your skin clean by washing it at least twice a day.

Generally, some doctors recommend you to use detergent-type soaps on your face. As a substitute to it, you can add 1-2 drops of dish washing detergent to your regular soap.

While some doctors condemn the use of detergent-type soaps as they are too harsh for your oily facial skin. Instead they recommend glycerin soaps to be used to clean your face twice a day.

If using a detergent soap irritates your facial skin then try the glycerin soap,easily available over the counter.

2. Give Aloe-Vera a Try - This wonder plant of the household is the best at absorbing skin oils. Slice open a leaf and smear the gel on your face 3 times a day. Let it dry. Or you can also keep a small amount of gel in the refrigerator during the summers for a refreshing face-lift.

3. Wipe with Astringents - Wipe the oily spots on your face by rubbing alcohol or a combination of alcohol and acetone that helps degrease your oily skin. Many drugstores even sell pre-moistened, individually wrapped alcohol wipes that are really portable, you can carry them in your purse for quick touch-ups all day long.

4. Carry Tissue papers with you - Paper facial tissues are the best substitute of astringents as they help soak up excess oils in a pinch. Get those special oil-absorbing tissues from a cosmetic counter that are very in removing excessive oils between cleansings.

5. Rinse your face with cold water - Simply splashing your face with cold water and blotting it dry a couple of times a day is equivalent to applying chemicals to your skin. These cold water rinses remove excessive oils from your face.

6. Say NO to moisturizers - Do not ever go after those tempting advertisements compelling you to buy facial moisturizers for oily skin. These are the fatal temptations taking you to disastrous skin. Instead apply a sunscreen on your face before facing the sun or going outdoors. And yes, do not forget to check the labels for products especially designed for oily skin.

7. Make your own scrub - Make a paste of a small amount of ground almonds with honey and apply as a facial scrub for removing oils and dead skin cells. Now gently massage this paste on your face with a hot washcloth. Finally, rinse with cold water.

Another scrub from oatmeal mixed with aloe vera can prove to be very beneficial for you. Rub gently on your skin and leave on for 15 minutes, Then rinse thoroughly. And if suffering from acne on your face, then you should probably skip the scrub, as it can aggravate your already-irritated skin.

8. Apply Masques on your oily face - Masques prove to be very beneficial in reducing the oiliness. Either Clay masques or you can mix Fuller's Earth (easily available) with a little water and make a paste. Apply this paste to the face and leave on for about 20 minutes and then rinse off.

9. Go for water-based cosmetics only - Try to make your skin breathe by living without make-up, especially foundation. Using make-up or foundation that are oil-based blocks the pores of your skin thereby resulting in blemishes. And if necessary, then use water-based make-up only, especially spot concealers rather than coating your entire face. In general, prefer stick with powder or gel blushers, and avoid cream foundations as much as possible.

10. Tie up your hair properly - Keep your hair away from your face as oily hair accompanies an oily skin.

11. Do not touch your facial skin - Avoid touching your face throughout the day as your hands deliver excessive oils and dirt.

12. Choose a powder for you - For that extra shine-free protection, use simple products for your oily face such as Johnsons Baby Powder. This makes a superb face powder when fluffed lightly over your makeup.

13. Splash on the hot suds - Hot water is a great solvent. So, warm water should be used to wash an oily face and that with plenty of soap. Hot water plus soap dissolves skin oil better than cold water and soap.

So, what say now! You are just a few clicks away from getting a new fresh and non-oily skin! Go ahead and check out for the home remedies for oily skin care at my health blog.

Oily Skin Care Tips - Get Rid Of Those Pimples And Greasy Spots On Your Face Forever

Navneet Brar loves to share the natural home remedies for oily skin care through his articles. For much more reliable information on skin-care and health related problems, visit his website www.top54u.com.

Skin Care Tips for Black Men

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, more known to us brothas as, "razor bumps", arise on the faces of men with coarse, wiry, curly hair. Around fifty and eighty percent of Black men live with the issue of ingrown hairs and razor bumps, every day.

Razor bumps appear when beard hairs, more often around the neck area, curl as they grow and burrow into the skin adjacent to the hair follicle. Shaving sharpens the hair ends, making it easier for them to penetrate the skin.

Skincare

Razor bumps itch, burn, can cause scarring, and make shaving virtually impossible. Many Black men have resorted to depilatory creams which seem to work a great deal better than blades. But, some depilatories, if not used correctly, may irritate the skin.

Some creams are able to help for some time, but sooner or later side effects for long term use catch up.

How Ingrown hairs begin

Both sexes suffer from ingrown hairs. But men tend to undergo the most because of the coarseness, or thickness of the hair follicles on the face and neck. Ingrown hairs build after the hair has been cut or otherwise removed below the skin surface. As your hair grows, it curls over inside the follicle and doesn't make it to the surface. The result is an unsightly, "bump" on the skin.

A few razor bumps moreover form when a growing hair exits the follicle and bends back towards the skin surface. When these sharp, shaved edges of coarse hair reach the skin surface, they burrow back into the skin producing puffy, pimple like bumps to appear.

Solving Ingrown Hairs

A good number of men have found that the only solution to the dilema is tweezers. Most of us know it isn't the best sensation, but african american men haven't found a better solution.

Below are 8 shaving tips that may help ease some of the pain and more importantly, save your face:

Using a shaving lotion after shaving should lessen the appearance of redness. This goes for the ladies too. You can use this technique for legs, bikini lines and underarms.

Be sure to always use a clean blade when shaving with a razor. This can be properly achieved by only using new blades and throwing away ones that have been previously used three or more times.

For those of you who use electric shavers, remember to replace the rotary blades or foil after a couple of months. Of course if you're required to shave daily, you may have to replace them sooner. This can be a headache since many rotary blade components are priced more than half of what the whole razor is worth.

While shaving with a handheld razor, always shave in the direction of hair growth. The majority of men's face hair slant downward, so be sure to shave in that direction. This is also critical around the neck areas since shaving against the grain is one of the main causes of pointy, sharp hairs that can burrow back into the skin.

Never stretch your skin while shaving. Pulling your cheeks, chin or neck while shaving in order to get a closer shave, may cause darkness and discoloration of underlying skin tissue. This is very true for light and fair-skinned Black men who have dark, coarse hair.

Watch what you eat. Many skin irritations may subside if certain foods are avoided. Fatty foods, foods containing oils, cholesterol and sodium, can make your skin more propense to damage when shaving.

Depilatories got the work done fast, but its not a dream come true. Like razors, it can leave you redness and some irritation. Remember never to use an alcohol based cream after using a depilatory. Unless you want to feel like your face is on fire.

Grow a beard. This may not be the right solution for those required to shave daily, such as the military and other business professions. But if you can handle this style, go for it! You will totally eliminate the razor bump worries and ingrown hair issues. Even better, you can get rid of those sharp blades!

Read more of our articles on men skin care at

http://www.menskincaretips.com

Skin Care Tips for Black Men

Joqtan A. writes for TPI Co. Concentrating on men skin care tips, advice and product reviews for men. See more at Men Skin Care Tips

Itchy Scalp, Natural Scalp Treatments: Using A Natural Home Remedy For Itchy Scalp Conditions

Yes it can be extremely annoying and embarrassing having a scalp condition like dandruff, eczema, scalp infections or a nasty itchy red rash on your scalp.

If you are suffering from:

Moisturiser

itchy scalp, sore scalp or do you have a flaky dry scalp with redness and rashes that drive you crazy?

scalp picking - do you constantly find yourself picking at & scratching?

oily scalp and limp hair leaving you feeling less than your best

embarrassing dandruff falling on your clothes

or even a fungal infection of your scalp...that can lead to lesions or scalp sores.

Hair falling out & patches on your scalp

Your instinct might be to pick up a product from the store shelf or your doctor. Most of these scalp treatments that promise relief from dry scalp conditions sound very attractive until you start reading the fine print.

Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)? What's that? Why do you have to call a Poison Control Center if you accidentally swallow shampoo? And what are those warning labels on the back all about? What does it do to your head if it's that toxic?

Stop! What you must know is that several chemicals, especially SLS, strip the natural oils from the skin and even corrode it, along with your eye membranes. Have you also noticed that your hair has been thinning? Well hair follicle damage is another little known but very common symptom of these chemicals.

Actually, most commercial shampoos & scalp treatments are designed to meet people's "sensory" expectations...offering instant gratification and the illusion that they are doing their job. So therein lies the problem. For example adding silicone to conditioner induces an artificial shine but in truth can create problems long term including sensitivities.

Most people expect a shampoo to:

Foam up nicely

Smell good

Take all the so-called "nasty" oiliness out of their hair

Make their hair feel squeaky-clean

And that's a reasonable ask - think about it...if your shampoo didn't foam up, smell good, or leave your hair feeling squeaky-clean, would you trust it? Well, here's the thing: 90% of commercial shampoos achieve the foaming effect using the equivalent of engine degreasers to strip off not only dirt and grime but also valuable natural oils that your scalp needs.

Yes --your scalp needs natural oils. Without them, your body has no natural defence - those oils are there for a reason! Your scalp needs to maintain a natural PH balance that if disturbed - can develop into a dry, itchy irritated scalp. The good news is that there are many natural remedies you can use with moisturising oils and natural powerful alternatives to heal & reverse any scalp problem by restoring balance safely. You can easily repair follicle and damage - even boost hair growth and use your own home remedy for scalp cell regeneration. There are also the artificial aromas that are added - its alarming the huge percentage of people who are mildly to severely averse or allergic to artificial scents - resulting in itchy scalp, skin rashes etc and we don't even know it.

So what non toxic itchy scalp treatments and natural remedies can help? Well there are many non toxic shampoos which are nourishing and conditioning while still giving you're the "foam effect", they smell devine with the addition of the natural oils they contain. So you do have a choice and it does NOT have to cost you more - in fact most of them are less - you just have to know what to look for.

So lets have a look at natural oils for treating your scalp...

Here are some of my favorite natural oils you can use for hair & scalp treatments.

Zinc Pyrithione: Wonderful stuff for dandruff & itchy scalp conditions. First synthesized in the 1930's, this is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It's used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders. It has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Jojoba: Is excellent as a scalp moisturiser and helps to rebalance sebum.

Tea Tree: Oily hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands, enlivens the scalp and brings the cells & follicles to attention

Basil: Oily hair ... promotes growth

Chamomile: Fine to normal hair ... gives golden highlights

Clary sage: All types of hair ... dandruff treatment

Lavender: Normal hair ... Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!

Lemon: Oily hair ... Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Myrrh: Dry hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Patchouli: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment

Peppermint: Dry hair ... Promotes hair growth

Rose: Fine hair ... Soothes scalp

Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil: Itchy Scalp, Dry Scalp Excellent for itchy scalp, dry scalp and dandruff

Rosemary: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment; promotes hair growth

Tea tree: Oily hair ... Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Ylang-ylang: Oily hair ... Dandruff treatment

Neem: ... a wonder oil from India. Neem is amazing for all of the wonderful "stuff" it does. It's also derived from a type of tree bark. Neem is an effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils). In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis with none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone. Neem extracts and oil removes redness and itching when applied directly to your scalp...and it's a great skin conditioner. Best of all its excellent for relieving itching fast.

The best part of knowing that there are alternatives is that you can have mix these into super powerful blends like a super moisture boosting home remedy for dry scalp, or soothing itchy scalp treatments. Dry itchy scalp can be dealt with fast and permanently without spending a ton on traditional scalp med products.

Here's just one easy remedy you can make today:

Home remedy for dry itchy scalp Take ¼ c oatmeal and soak in water for 20 mins. Mix well and then strain the liquid adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Add 5 drops rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Allow to cool until tepid.

Mix the liquids together and dab on your scalp...leave in for 10 mins to soothe the itch. This a good temporary soother for itching. Chamomile tea is also soothing!

There are hundreds of ideas that are excellent scalp treatments from dandruff to scalp infections like scalp sores & psoriasis. These remedies combined with the knowledge of what causes itchy scalp and other scalp conditions will enable you to be free from itching, dryness and allow you to grow fabulously thick, shiny beautiful hair also.....so have fun experimenting and "luxuriating" by giving your hair a treat using the many natural gifts from nature that are right under our noses! There are also many natural shampoos that so not use these ingredients and do wonders for your hair such as Akin shampoo, and Thursday Plantation which is fantastic as an effective anti-dandruff shampoo.

I have included a few more remedies and uses for oils below. There are many many more in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies " and a list of shampoos that are not toxic. They are nourishing & repairing for your scalp & hair.

SOOTHING & HEALING ANTIFLAMMATORY REMEDY: Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of Neem oil (antifungal & antiitching) 1 teaspoon Teatree or Manuka (also antifungal) which much stronger than teatree, one teaspoon of Rosemary oil and one teaspoon of Lavender oil together in 3 tablespoons of carrier oils such as Olive or Almond oil (Wheatgerm and Macadamia carrier oils closely match your natural sebum) and apply to your scalp daily.

Alternatively add the oils together minus the olive/almond oil to one cup if water in spray bottle and shake vigorously then spray on your roots. If you can get a teaspoon of hemp oil add that to the mix as well.

GARDEN REMEDY: Go to your garden and get 3 sprigs of Rosemary, and chop up and add to 3 tea bags of Chamomile tea. Boil gently, let cool, strain and rinse your hair with this liquid for a calming antiflammatory effect.

As with all remedies please patch test first and use at your own risk. And but only non toxic shampoos without ingredients that cause your head to react, flake itch and burn....plus more remedies in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies "

Heres a little about the oils above which can be mixed to create various formulas to treat different conditions and add condition to your hair found in my eBook "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies ".

Neem Oil: Derived from a type of tree bark it is an effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils). It has a very strong odor which can overpower other fragrances but its effectiveness is proven:

In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis with none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone.

When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removes redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin while being treated. In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema with the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients.

Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation caused by acne and other bacterial infections.

Its also good for other skin conditions such as Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts which can be effectively remedied with soaps and other products containing Neem oil.

Lavender Oil: Lavender is known for its calming properties both emotional and physical. There are different varieties of lavender and certain ones are favored more than others for medicinal treatments. Lavender is effective to soothe itching from skin and sore scalp inflammations such as burning red itchy scalp, and dandruff to insect bites as well as having a powerful calming effect to treat scalp itching and irritated scalp as well as relax you and help you nod off to sleep.

In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from this study whether lavender (or a combination of lavender and other essential oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects. Scalp massage is also highly beneficial to stimulate follicles and blood supply to the skin's surface.

Aromatherapists also use lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), dandruff, eczema of the scalp, wounds, scalp acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints).

Tea Tree Oil: One of the strongest known natural antiseptics. Also has punative skin penetrating capacity as an anti-inflamatory, anti-bacterial, germicide and fungicide. The scientific name for it is Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain and the central nervous system and is wonderful for clearing the mind and mental awareness, while having excellent brain stimulant properties, as well as improving memory.

It helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion and the antiseptic action of rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhea, easing colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice and relieving pain associated with itchy flaky scalp, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout. It also helps for arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins.

The diuretic properties of rosemary oil are useful with reducing water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite.

On the respiratory system, it is effective for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinus and whooping cough. Because of its astringent action, it is also effective for countering sagging skin. Its stimulating action benefits scalp disorders and encourages hair growth.

On the skin, it helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and can also be used for acne, dry inflamed scalp, dermatitis and eczema, but a very popular use of this oil is the use in hair care products, as it has a pronounced positive effect on the health of the hair and scalp. It increases the circulation to the scalpand is therefore also effective for promoting hair growth after having conditions such as dandruff or scalp sores causing hair loss, scalp itching and scratching.

Rosemary oil is effective for mental fatigue, circulation problems, pain relief for the muscular system, decongests the respiratory tract and is a skin and hair booster.

Itchy Scalp, Natural Scalp Treatments: Using A Natural Home Remedy For Itchy Scalp Conditions

Mia Wadsworth who founded http://www.DryItchyScalpRemedies.com to help hundreds of sufferers of Itchy Scalp, Dry scalp, Dandruff, & Sore scalp, relieve & eliminate their condition fast & permanently. After curing her own painful condition, Mia now helps sufferers learn what causes itchy scalp, dandruff & other scalp infections. She also explains how to use powerful home remedies & scalp treatments to eliminate scalp conditions permanently to regain confidence, a healthy scalp & beautiful hair!

Using Facial Masks and Scrubs

Even though a facial mask or facial scrub isn't completely necessary for beautiful skin, it can help it to be extra soft and clean. You can use these daily or once in a while, it all depends on what you want to get out of them. Follow the following steps to learn how to effectively take advantage of the benefits of facial masks and scrubs.

Facial scrubs remove dead skin cells. Scrubs have tiny beads within the wash that smooth your skin. They slough off dead skin cells to reveal a new layer of skin. If you have a problem with buildup on your skin such as makeup or excessive oil, a scrub is perfect.

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When you want to use a scrub, you can use it instead of a regular cleanser. Apply a small amount to your face. Now you need to spend at least 30 seconds gently scrubbing your face. Be sure to scrub it well or it won't work. When you use a facial scrub, you might notice your skin looks red. This is because you have removed the old skin to show the younger, new skin underneath.

The benefits of a facial mask are a bit different. Some masks are used to clear acne. They dry the skin drying out the acne you already have. The benefit of most masks is to tighten your skin. It tightens the skin by shrinking your pores. This makes your pores less visible and your skin tighter. As we all know, saggy skin is not pretty! Facial masks can also make your skin very soft and touchable.

You can include this step immediately after washing. Pat your skin dry or leave it slightly damp. The more moisture you have on your skin, the longer it will take the mask to dry. Apply the mask to your fingertips and massage it into your skin. Avoid your eyes and mouth. Put it anywhere you want tighter and cleaner skin. Let it dry on your face. This might take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, so make sure you have time set aside to do this.

Applying chamomile tea bags to your eyes can help relieve puffiness. Be careful not to move your face. It will start to feel tight and your face may feel so tight that you can't move it. If you move it, you will break it up and not give it enough chance to tighten your skin. When it is completely dry, wipe it off with a wash cloth and wash again if necessary.

These are two great treatments for your face. You can include them in your daily routine, or you can use them as a special treat once a week or every so often. Use these methods to help your skin stay young and look beautiful.

Using Facial Masks and Scrubs

Samantha loves to read and write and is constantly looking for ways to improve her skin and health. To learn more about your skin and how to take care of it, go to Beautifulsoftskin.com.