Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for wellness, clean beauty & eco lifestyle Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

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Top Benefits Of Omegas 3, 6 & 9 For Beautiful, Healthy Skin

Guest post contributed by Emily Woodman of Arya Derm

Omega fatty acids have numerous health benefits, many of which are yet to be unraveled. What we know so far is that they have tremendously positive effects on the heart, bones and skin, They also support mental health, reduce weight, help fight inflammation and decrease liver fat. Some studies suggest omegas prevent dementia, bipolar disorder and asthma.

How Do Omegas Work?

Some 90 percent of dietary fats come in the shape of triglycerides, which are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are components of cell membranes that help fight inflammations and regulate blood pressure.

Our bodies can produce most of the fatty acids, with the exception of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because they need to be consumed through the diet, they are called “essential fatty acids.”

Recommended daily intake for LA and ALA stands at 4 percent and 0.5 percent of the total energy, respectively. EPA and DHA, recommended daily intake is 250 mg a day. Dietary sources of Omega-3s include fish, fish oils and plants rich in a-linolenic acid (grains and oils). 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are numerous types of omega-3s, with the three most common ones being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 

EPA produces eicosanoids, which are the chemicals responsible for reducing inflammation and fighting depression.

DHA makes up ca. 8 percent of brain weight and is, hence, of extreme importance when it comes to normal brain development.

ALA is used as an energy source and can be converted into EPA and DHA, to a degree.

 Foods with Omegas are healthy but do you find it challenging planning ahead & eating healthy when you have a hectic schedule? It’s overwhelming!

Click here for a free Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips & habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab & go making it easy to eat healthy even when you are pressed for time.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s serve primarily as an energy source. The most common one is linoleic acid, which can be converted into arachidonic acid (ARA). ARA produces eicosanoids, which fight inflammation.

However, the production of too many eicosanoids may increase the risk of inflammation diseases, hence omega-6s should be taken in moderation. The modern Western diet contains more omega-6s than the body needs.

Other notable omega-6s include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). 

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

Omega-9 fats can be produced by the body, but consuming foods rich in them has numerous beneficial health effects, nevertheless. For one thing, they reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

The most common omega-9 is oleic acid, a major energy source for cells that regulates the biosynthesis of numerous essential metabolites.

Omegas and the Skin

As stated above, omegas are anti-inflammatories, which means that they protect the skin from inflammation and the UV rays. Thus, they keep the skin hydrated, fighting the appearance of wrinkles. 

Omega-3s prevent and treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. The latter is normally treated by dietary and supplemental Omega-3s. Omega-3s decrease the risk of skin cancer, photo-aging, atopic skin conditions and sunburn.

The metabolism of LA and ALA is limited to the skin, while both omega-3s and omega-6s influencing the inflammatory response of the skin. 

It is important to understand that omegas work best when ingested. Many people believe that applying them topically will suffice, but that is not exactly the case. In fact, there are only two fatty acids that need to be applied topically: oleic and linoleic acid.

Being a major structural component of the skin, DHA takes care of cell membranes. EPA regulates hydration and oil production of the skin, as well as premature aging. It reduces the risk of acne and prevents hyperkeratinization (the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle).

On top of regulating inflammation, omega-3s help prevent the development of psoriasis, rosacea, scaling, erythema and acne. One of the major functions of the omega-3s is to decrease insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and to reduce scaling, erythema and pruritis.

Sources of Omega Fatty Acids

Foods high in omega-3 fats include fish, fish oil, nuts, seeds and algal oil.

Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-3 rich foods are: 

  •       Salmon: 4g EPA and DHA
  •       Mackerel: 3g EPA and DHA
  •       Sardines: 2.2g EPA and DHA
  •       Anchovies: 1g EPA and DHA
  •       Chia seeds: 4.9g ALA
  •       Walnuts: 2.5g ALA
  •       Flaxseeds: 2.3g ALA

 Omega-6 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-6 rich foods are:

  •       Soybean oil: 50g
  •       Corn oil: 49g
  •       Mayonnaise: 39g
  •       Walnuts: 37g
  •       Sunflower seeds: 34g
  •       Almonds: 12g
  •       Cashew nuts: 8g

 Similar to omega-6s, omega-9 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-9 rich foods are:

  •       Olive oil: 83g
  •       Cashew nut oil: 73g
  •       Almond oil: 70g
  •       Avocado oil: 60g
  •       Peanut oil: 47g
  •       Almonds: 30g
  •       Cashews: 24g
  •       Walnuts: 9g

 Recommended daily amounts for ALA:

  •       Men: 1.6 g
  •       Women: 1.1 g
  •       Pregnant women: 1.4 g
  •       Children 1 to 3: 0.7 g
  •       Children 4 to 8: 0.9 g
  •       Boys 9 to 13: 1.2 g
  •       Girls 9 to 13: 1.0 g
  •       Teenage boys: 1.6 g
  •       Teenage girls: 1.1 g

Omega Fatty Acids: General Benefits

Much has been said about the benefits of essential oils with new discoveries never failing to deliver. It is true that we still have a lot to learn, but the facts we are already aware of speak in favor of omega fatty acids.

 Skin health benefits of omegas go deeper than just the surface. A healthy body spells healthy skin, so it is crucial to eat a balanced diet instead of simply taking supplements.

 After all, it has been proven that communities consuming a fish-based diet have low heart attack and stroke rates, with consumers’ triglyceride levels being decreased by 15 to 30 percent. On top of that, they also have higher HDL cholesterol levels (“good cholesterol”).

 Finally, EPA alone helps fight anxiety and depression. These are the world’s two sole most common mental illnesses, with anxiety disorders affecting 18.1 percent of the U.S. population every year, and MDD (major depressive disorder) and PDD (persistent depressive disorder) combined affecting 9.2 percent of people.

 That being said, concluding how a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids is beneficial on multiple levels should not be a difficult leap. Take good care of your skin and overall health at all times.

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Have You Heard Of Electrolyzed Water? A New Green Way To Clean

Guest Post conributed by Shannon Noble

The question regarding eco-friendly cleaning solutions and the perseverance of natural resources has bee a hot topic over the last few years. Luckily more and more people are coming to terms with the fact that they are responsible for preserving natural resources and have started seeking alternative methods for reducing the negative effects their actions have on the environment.droplets-217034_1280

It is a well-known fact that cleaning supplies contain toxic particles and their excessive use actually does more harm than good, especially indoors. The housekeeping industry is making huge steps towards adopting various eco-friendly cleaning strategies and one of them is cleaning with electrolyzed water.

First of all, let’s cast light on what exactly an electrolyzed water system is and why it is becoming a more and more widespread cleaning solution in facilties such as healthcare centers, kindergartens and entertainment venues

  • The electrolyzed water system generates a cleaning agent out of plain tap water, salt and electricity. This is an affordable and yet, effective way to keep large areas clean and it cuts down on commercial cleaning solutions and detergents

  • The cost for transportation is also significantly reduced as the electrolyzed water can be produced onsite. In most cases, the price for a gallon electrolyzed water is as low as 2 cents

  • As you have already presumed, no harsh chemicals are used during the process, which results in reduced carbon emissions.

  • Electrolyzed water has become widely used in some European countries as well as in Russia and Japan. It has vast applications ranging from cleaning swimming pools to disinfecting medical tools
  • Although it might sound strange at first, electrolyzed water kills bacteria and viruses through a scientific process known as electroporation which applies to a low-level field to viruses and bacteria creating “pores” in the membrane which allow bacterial cells to be broken down and eliminated
  • On the downside, the price of the water electrolysis unit is a bit high, but if you are in charge of keeping a large faculty clean, you will get your investment back in no more than a year. If you make estimates, you will see that you spend the same amount on buckets, mops, detergents and additional cleaning supplies
  • Finchley move out cleaners electrolyzed water cleaning method is suitable for food establishments as no foam is formed and no odor is produced

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Some people consider the great properties of electrolyzed water too good to be true, but more and more owners embrace the opportunity to have their facilities bacteria-free and reduce the cleaning costs. Today, electrolyzed water is used for window cleaning, bathroom sanitizing, kitchen cleaning, machinery cleaning and many more.

Electrolyzed water is a wonderful eco-friendly cleaning approach that combines affordability, safety and efficiency. The technology enables every owner of a commercial building or a private property to go green, keep the facility clean and economize by eliminating the use of traditional cleaning supplies.

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When In Rome… Top 5 Romantic Spots In The Eternal City

Guest post by David @ Canarias

Whether you’re on your honeymoon, travelling to propose or taking a much needed vacation, there are few destinations as romantic as Rome. Sweep your partner off their feet through an exciting, thrilling, and romance filled holiday in Rome, the city of love and romance.

Tranquil spots where you can grab a moment and create special, unforgettable memories to take back home…

Parco Savello

Packed with orange and rose gardens, this place is bliss. Sit and talk near Trastevere River or take a leisurely walk hand in hand in the orange grove. If you’re visiting during the rose season, you are sure to enjoy some of the most fabulous fragrances.

Baths Of Caracalla

This open area dates back to 216 A.D. This massive stone structure sits on plush green grass making this place extraordinary. Since it is not buzzing with tourists, you can absolutely have privacy with your lover.

Our honeymoon...

Our honeymoon…

Spanish Steps

For a classic Italian romantic moment this is the place to visit. It can be bustling with tourists but if you’re looking for an iconic place to propose the Spanish Steps is a gorgeous scenic spot.

 

 

Gianicolo Park

Gianicolo Park is less crowded so you will find a privacy to enjoy romantic moments with your company. Take your time in relishing this beautiful spot, walking arm in arm in the park.

Villa D’Este

This amazing place boast the sight of over four hundred fountains. It may be the most romantic scene that you’ll ever come across. Located about half an hour outside the city of Tivoli, it is not to be missed.

Rome is the place to celebrate love

 

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Illuminate Your Hair Naturally With These 7 Tips

Guest post by Cassie Brewer

Your hair is your crowning glory, it should be beautiful and bright just like your diamond rings. Achieving tantalizing tresses is a lot like looking after your skin. Follow this natural routine and you’ll enjoy good hair days every day.  

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Image courtesy of Shutterstock

  1. Shift Your Shampoo Routine  You shouldn’t wash your hair daily, 2 – 3 times a week is plenty. When you apply shampoo, take time to massage your scalp. This is an important step because it boosts blood flow to the scalp, which stimulates your hair’s natural oils that coat the hair and let it shine.
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Image courtesy of Shutterstock

2. Use a High-Gloss Conditioner Conditioner is a must to ensure smoother hair and coconut oil is a brilliant deep conditioner that promotes softness and shine thanks to its fatty acids. Just a small amount is all you need for detangled, gorgeous hair. Apply, leave on for at least 30 minutes then shampoo.

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Image courtesy of Shutterstock

3. Eat Foods that Promote Shine For extra gloss, consume foods that have smoothing properties. Besides ensuring you eat several servings of fruits and vegetables every day (which is also vital for all-round health), eat foods rich in omega-3, such as salmon and tuna.

These boost your hair’s health, making it glow. L-cysteine also makes your hair healthier. This amino acid makes up 18% of your hair and forms keratin, a protein your hair needs to grow healthily. You can find L-cysteine in eggs, poultry, and dairy.

4. Brush Twice Daily You want to brush your hair twice a day, just like your teeth! But make sure that you brush your hair at the bottom first and then work your way up. Brushing your hair distributes its natural oils so that it doesn’t become dry. Make sure you clean your brushes at least once a month with some lukewarm water and baking soda.

 5. Switch to Air-Drying For stronger hair that looks healthy, start letting your hair dry naturally. If you simply must use heated tools, limit their use to once or twice a week max.

 6. Slap on the Sunscreen Choose products with SPF protection for your hair so that when you’re spending time outdoors enjoying summer you’re not putting your hair at risk of becoming weak and dry from all the heat it absorbs.

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Image courtesy of Shutterstock

7. Look After Your Skin Your hair is a halo surrounding your face, the right color and shine can enliven your complexion. Take care of your skin with safe products and healthy habits, such as not smoking and eating nutritious meals – the bonus is that these habits will also benefit your hair.

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Are You Making These 4 Summer Skin Care Mistakes?

Guest post by Helen Moore 

Summer brings the usual issues that overwhelm the skin like peeling sunburns, bug bites, or oily and sweaty skin.  It’s a tricky balance to care for the skin during the summer and we’re probably not aware of the mistakes we make.

file11012819027151. Over-exfoliating and washing the face Since the summer heat and humidity can makes us sweat more, it makes the skin feel oilier. This can be so unsettling for some people that they tend to over-cleanse the face and increase the number of times the exfoliation is done. This essentially strips the skin of its natural oils which causes the skin to overproduce oil exacerbating the problem.

  • Solution: Keep your cleansing routine the same — wash in the morning and cleanse at night. Limit exfoliation to twice a week. Continue to moisturize because without adequate hydration, skin may over produce oil. If necessary, blot wipe it with a clean cloth.

2. Foregoing Sunscreen Despite its popularity, some people are still not in the habit of applying sunscreen. It’s important to do this even if you don’t have any plans of spending the day at the beach. While some people are not applying sunscreen, others are applying it incorrectly.

  • Solution:  Don’t skip this at all. If you go swimming or spend the day outdoors, bring a bottle with you and reapply as needed. Lather a generous amount on skin that’s exposed. Choose a sunscreen with non-nanoparticle zinc oxide. Look for one on the Environmental Working Group’s list of safe and effective sunscreens. Ava Anderson Non Toxic tops their list.

3. Failing to stay hydrated While refreshments, such as a cold glass of juice, quench the thirst and relieves our body from the heat, our skin also needs the same kind of treatment inside and out. It’s not enough that you drink lots of water, especially during this season.

  • Solution: Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content to supplement what you may lack with drinking just water. Put on lotion and moisturizers so that the skin absorbs this, preventing flakes and dryness that commonly happens during summer.

4. Disregarding care of the feet Feet are exposed to a lot of free radicals and irritants during the summer because people wear sandals and flip-flops a lot, or walk barefoot in the sand.  With so many activities, care for the feet is often overlooked, when it should be given attention, as this is when cracks and dryness often occur.

  • Solution: Don’t ever forget to moisturize and exfoliate the feet. Make this part of your skin care routine. One other thing you can do is apply moisturizer, such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil at night and then wear socks. This may be a bit too warm to do in the summer, but try at least three times a week.

What is your summer skin care routine? Share your tips in the comments below. 

The summer season can also trigger a yeast infection. Know what factors cause this and what you can do to prevent or treat yeast infections using natural ingredients by visiting YeastInfectionsAdviser.com.

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5 Hot Trends For Bridesmaid Dresses

By guest blogger Vikram Rout

Weddings are special events. Family, friends, well wishers and colleagues gather together to make the day unforgettable. Preparing for the big day is a lengthy and hectic process, with many decisions to make. Choosing the bridal gown is one of the most important of those decisions but choosing the bridesmaid dresses is a close second, your maids in waiting need to look great too! With so many different Bridesmaid dress options on the market today, it’s not an easy task to fulfill.

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Color

When deciding on the colors for bridesmaid dresses, let’s look the latest trends this season. Shades of mocha, grey, vintage rose and slate are some all time favorites. Cadburys’ or plum purple bridesmaid dress is a lovely option for winter weddings. For spring weddings, shades of pink and peaches are in. Pastels shades are great for both summer and spring weddings. Black dresses with various lengths are a big hit this season and we're also seeing a lot of floral prints.

Hot Styles

  • The halter style neckline is very flattering for all body types, be it tall or short, flat chested or busty. Dramatic bracelets or earrings is a good way to accessorize a halter dress. Nice fabric choices include chiffon and satin.
  • Bridemaids dressesThe A-line style dress flatters everybody. It has a classy, elegant feel adding shape to the slim body and balancing a busty figure. A-line dresses look great in organza, taffeta, faille and satin.
  • Dresses in gathered chiffon make the sexiest of bridesmaid dresses. Feminine and overtly classy, bridesmaids look like angels in this style, especially when done in pastel shades.
  • Separates have become a big trend and a very useful one indeed especially if your bridesmaids vary in shape and size. 
  • The biggest bridesmaid dress trend for 2014 weddings is the twist wrap dress. These dresses are made of comfortable material and can be wrapped in different styles. Jersey dresses in this style are all the rage this season.

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Gregor The Overlander ~ Book Review By A Very Special Guest Blogger

Guest Post contributed by Joey Bonanno 

My 11 year old, Joey, is an avid reader. I am so happy that he has such a love for reading, it benefits children in countless ways. When he was 9, he read a series of books that he absolutely loved and wrote a review for my readers. He was my very first guest blogger. It’s been a few years so I though I’d re-post it for you parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who are looking for good reading suggestions for the kids in your life.

Guest post by Joey Bonanno 
Hi, I am Joey, Kelly’s son. I am going to tell you about my favorite series by Suzanne Collins. It’s not The Hunger Games, which I read and also liked, but another series she wrote called Gregor The Overlander. It is a five book series that I love. I love this series, the Warrior, so much because I feel a connection to the characters and it has a great story line with lot’s of action. My favorite thing about the book is how the characters are so likable.  Gregor or “the Warrior” of the Underland prophecies is the main character and he is very responsible. Gregor is very helpful to his mom who works. Even though he is only eleven years old, he takes care of his little sister, makes some meals and earns some money.

Gregor goes down in the underland for most of each book. He has many friends down there and as the warrior he is the key to saving the underland. But I don’t want to give too much away so let me just say it is an outstanding series that makes you feel a connection to the characters. It is more for grades 4 through 6 than for teens like The Hunger Games. Congrats to Suzanne Collins. I hope you read the book!

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over
the man who can’t read them” –Mark Twain  

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Rethink Your Regimen: 4 Ways To Prepare Your Skin for Fall and Winter

Guest post by Emily Pope

ISOMERS Reveal N' Renew Thermal Microdermabrasion MaskOn average, a face will withstand the elements of approximately 320 seasons in a lifetime. That’s a lot of sun, wind, whipping rain and freezing snow! Fortunately, modern science and Mother Nature have provided us with many wonderful ways to prepare
for what the weather can throw our way. With colder weather closing in, it’s time for a change to your skin-care regimen.

Sunblock: Unfortunately, many people sustain sun damage in fall and winter, due to the simple fact that they don’t consider sunblock a necessity. This could not be more incorrect; sunblock is important all year long and your cold-weather skin care regimen needs to reflect this. Try incorporating sunblock without toxic chemicals like Ava Anderson into your daily beauty routine.

Rich creams and lotions: Since frigid winter temperatures penetrate skin deep, the lotions you apply to heal and protect must be rich and concentrated, to counteract the cold. Enjoy liberal applications of your favorite skin softeners in their thickest forms. If you want to get fancy, try La Mer Moisturizing Cream. Despite costing around $275 a pop, this cream has won many prestigious accolades and praise from Sally Singer, renowned Vogue
editor.

Add more of your regular facial moisturizer under foundation, or opt for something specifically geared toward protection against colder conditions. If you are prone to breakouts and concerned the excess lotions will wreak havoc on your face, consider gentle microdermabrasion treatments to keep pores picture-perfect.

Intensive hand and lip treatments: Extra protection is necessary for the overexposed and most sensitive areas of skin, and no place exemplifies this more than your lips and hands. Avoid chapped and cracked skin with repeated applications of intensive lip balm and frequent use of hand creams. Use heavy-duty hand lotion often, protective gloves when outdoors and extra gentle hand-sanitizer whenever possible. Ava Anderson Non Toxic offers all of these products without harmful chemicals.

SKINN Dermapeal MicrodermExfoliating dull skin: At no time of the year is exfoliation more important than when it’s coldest; at home microdermabrasion can be very beneficial. Microdermabrasion works to gently exfoliate your skin, while increasing cell regeneration. Dry skin is often composed of layers upon layers of old cells, s microdermabrasion will remove winter’s damage and rejuvenate your complexion. Follow up exfoliation with a healthy hydration product that will pamper your face and keep you glowing.

The effort you put into your cold-weather skincare routine surely pays off in the form of a healthy and beautiful complexion. With a little time and extra effort, skin is nourished and protected from the elements, and you can put your best face forward!

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Can Microdermabrasion Ruin Your Skin?

Guest Post by Igor Marcikic

We`ve all heard of microdermabrasion, a mild, non-invasive method of removing dead skin cells found in the surface layer of the skin. It was introduced in Italy, almost 30 years ago. Today, it`s one of the most popular methods for dealing with acne, mild scarring and wrinkles, skin exfoliation and rejuvenation.

Can it ruin your skin? Not if it’s done properly. Microdermabrasion boosts skin circulation and helps rid skin of toxins and impurities. However, as with any procedure, there  are dangers and hazards to be aware of.

Aluminum Oxide Crystals

Although this technology is outdated, you have to be aware, especially if you are looking for a machine for microdermabrasion at home. Some older machines use aluminum oxide crystals to blast the dead skin cells off your skin. Research shows that aluminum in personal care products is linked to Alzheimer`s disease, breast and prostate cancer.

These crystals can:

  • Cause skin irritation and inflammation
  • Scatter into your lashes, hair and ears, causing discomfort and possible health problems
  • Irritate your eyes, causing corneal scratches and abrasions
  • Cause the powder from the crystals to get into the lungs and lead to health problems, especially with asthma sufferers

The solution to this problem was found in the use of a new technology – diamond tip exfoliation without the use of crystals. It is less irritating and far more gentle on the skin so it can be used even on more sensitive areas.

So, before you schedule a microdermabrasion procedure (or order a machine for home usage), make sure they use a machine with a diamond tip!

Sensitive Skin

“Is microdermabrasion safe for sensitive skin?” Since sensitive skin often goes hand in hand with acne breakout, this question is incredibly difficult to answer. If your skin is already affected by severe acne inflammation, rosacea or if you spot broken capillaries, you should steer clear of this procedure.

Those with sensitive skin should get a professional do to the job properly with a diamond tip since it will allow better pressure control depending on the skin`s reaction. After the treatment, moisturize and hydrate your skin with pure non-toxic products since it will be very dry. The second treatment should be scheduled at least 2-3 weeks after the first one, to give your skin enough time to fully recover.

Microdermabrasion And Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a challenging time, as far as the skin is concerned. You may be faced with new breakouts, rashes and all sorts of skin problems, but pregnancy is definitely not the best time for microdermabrasion.

The skin will be far too sensitive and the normal post-procedure changes (dryness, redness and itching) may greatly intensify. Not only that, your skin will take more time to recover, opening a doorway to various bacterial skin infections. I advise waiting until after the baby is born. Everyone, particularly expectant mothers, should avoid skincare products containing harmful chemicals.

Post-Procedure Problems

Redness and dryness is normal, to a certain degree, it usually feels like a mild sunburn. This usually goes away after two days. If they are still present after 48 hours, you should consult a medical professional. It is also advised not to expose treated skin to direct sunlight for a couple days.

At the end of the day, skin type and sensitivity vary from person to person, so there are no ultimate rules and regulations.  Arm yourself with knowledge and always ask questions if there are some parts of the procedure you are not 100% on board with.

Igor Marcikic is a beauty & skincare writer, for more info & tips visit his blog, Skincare Panda.

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2 Natural Ways To Combat Lice

Guest Post by Tammy Mahan

Natural ways to combat lice are just as successful as the toxic chemicals sold in stores without being harmful! Here are two of the best all-natural treatments for combating those pesky bugs that feed off your scalp and lay their eggs in your hair shafts

If you are not fond of the idea of putting poisonous chemicals on your head let alone your child’s head, then you will like these natural non-toxic methods of getting rid of those nasty suckers! Almost everything you will need to kill the lice and eggs with can be found in your local grocery store or even your kitchen cupboards. You will need a lice comb or a long very fine tooth comb, plastic wrapm gloves and two old towels.

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OLIVE OIL & MAYO 

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Mayonnaise
  • Essential oils (a few drops of tea tree oil, peppermint, or eucalyptus)
  • One to two ounces of regular shampoo
  • White vinegar

Directions

  • Combine ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, put gloves on
  • Cover head with the mixture
  • Wrap hair up in a bun on top of the head
  • Wrap tightly with plastic wrap twisting a rubber band around the top of the plastic wrap to hold it in place
  • Let the mixture set on the head for one to one and a half hours
  • Rinse with hot water three or four times (not so hot that it burns the scalp)
  • Pour half the bottle of vinegar over the clean hair and rinse with hot water and repeat until the vinegar is gone.
  • Place a towel around the child’s neck area so it covers the front and back of them
  • Place another towel on the floor under them
  • Use the fine tooth comb to comb the hair, be sure to start at the scalp and comb small sections of hair at a time
  • As you comb the hair the dead lice, nits and eggs should fall out (editors note: gross!)
  • Throw the towels away
  • Check your child’s head the next day and make sure all the lice and eggs are gone – they should be
  • In the unlikely event that a few survived, repeat the process above

CONDITIONER & OLIVE OIL  

Ingredients

  • One to two ounces of a heavy duty non-toxic conditioner
  • 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
  • High-grade essential lavender oil (optional)
  • Shampoo

Directions

  • Mix the conditioner and olive oil together add a few drops of lavender, put on the gloves
  • Wet hair with hot water (do not burn the scalp)
  • Apply the mixture and let it set on the head for 15 to 20 minutes
  • Separate the hair into small sections and comb through. The lice, nits, and eggs should all slide right out
  • Rinse the hair with hot water until the mixture is all out
  • Check the hair to make sure all the lice, nits, and eggs are gone
  • If there are still some lice, nits or eggs left repeat – once all the lice, nits and eggs are gone, wash the hair with shampoo and conditioner

Re-check hair for the next 10 days – nits can lay eggs up to 10 days and then you have to start all over again.

Tammy Mahan is a certified natural health consultant and contributor for Healthline.com on natural health and medical related topics.