Mercury is a dangerous skin lightening ingredient

Some skin lightening ingredients work extremely well in the short-term but are dangerous to our well-being and the long-term health of our skin. Mercury is one of them.

History of mercury use in skin lightening creams

The use of mercury in commercial skin bleaching creams and soaps goes back to the early 1900s. Before 1970, commercial bleaching creams would normally use ammoniated mercury to produce a lightening effect on the skin.  These bleaching creams were aggressively marketed to black people in the US.

In 1976, the use of mercury in cosmetic products was banned in the EU. The US banned the use of mercury in skin bleaching creams much later in 1990.

Mercury absorption into the body via the skin

Mercury and mercurial compounds can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of the vapors, ingestion, or skin contact. As a poison, the damaging effects of mercury are subtle and cumulative, building up over time.

When absorbed, mercury has been discovered in blood, urine, bile, sweat, saliva, milk, and in pus on the surface of ulcers. It has also been discovered in the solids after death, in the brain, the bones, the cellular tissue, in serous membranes, in the parts close to the joints, and in the lungs and liver.

Mercury’s effects on the skin and overall health (symptoms of mercury poisoning / excessive mercury)

Mercury can be extremely effective in lightening dark spots and stubborn pigmentation but has a high spontaneous remission rate (in a number of people, the original pigmentation returns once the treatment is stopped).

The symptoms of mercury poisoning include emotional disturbances, unsteadiness, inflammation of the mouth and gums, general fatigue, memory loss, forgetfulness and headaches. It may also lead to kidney damage. Excess mercury in the system has been known to cause kidney problems (membranous nephropathy)

Skin contact with mercury compounds can lead to irritation, including patches of inflammation and the appearance of tiny bumps close together. These bumps may burst and discharge matter, which later crusts over leading to soreness and discomfort.

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Skin Lightening Cream Buying Tips

Lovely women with lovely blemishless skin - they look so wonderful on the pages of glossies, while you are perennially saddled with your tanned and freckled skin. Hence the desperate search for skin lightening creams and lotions. But you know the usual pattern, don’t you? The more attractive the woman in the commercial for the product, the more convinced you are of its effectiveness. And you are aware that the model may not have used the skin lightening product at all.

You can, however, stop being swayed by promotions and advertisement campaigns if you care to switch to more objective assessments of skin lightening products - the ones that come from the customers and users themselves. These are available online and on print, and yes, it is true that some of these are the brainchildren of companies manufacturing skin lightening creams. But it is not difficult to spot the ‘genuine’ reviews from the ‘planted’ ones, and the former will give you the pros and cons of most of the skin ligteners available in the market.

Why should you think before buying a skin whitener for yourself? Of course, because it’s your skin and you should be taking good care of what you are applying on it. A number of ingredients used commonly in skin lightening creams and lotions are now known to have harmful effects on one’s skin. Hydroquinone is the most common of these. It is used as a melanin inhibitor in most skin whitening creams, but its side effects can range from a darkening of the skin to pink patches as a result of hyperpigmentation or a complete prevention of melanin production. Over sustained use, hydroquinone can even lead to skin cancers.

Skin lightening creams often cause a condition called ocronosis. In this the melanin pigment, which is supposed to be nearer the surface of the skin, goes down deeper and becomes nearly impossible to take out. Skin whiteners are also known to result in acne and other kinds of pimples and rashes. Many of these become permanent conditions unless treated immediately. Surprisingly enough, even those skin lightening products that claim to use natural ingredients are not free from such side effects.

Scientific researches have revealed that chemical substances used in the composition of skin lightening creams, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, mercury and treitinoin do not cause much harm if used in low concentrations. But to make their products more effective and produce faster results, cream manufacturers often use these chemicals in concentrations above the permissible limits. This is the main reason why women often break out in rashes and pimples after beginning to use skin lightening products. There is also the question of mismatch between the product and the skin type on which it is used. Many of the creams claim to be effective on “normal” skin. Can any of us ever be sure we have “normal” skin?

This is why you should read as many reports about a skin whitening product as you can before you actually decide to buy it. Read up about the ingredients that go into its making and try to get hold of at least one report by a medical or professional organization which gives you a technical description of the cream. The consumers who post reports about such products usually begin by describing their skin and why they went for that particular product. This could be an easy way to check whether your skin type matches that of the reviewer’s. If it does, you can expect a similar set of problems with the cream, or the same kind of rewards.

But don’t ever make the mistake of taking your skin for granted by treating it with any which skin lightener. You may live to regret it.

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Dark Spots Home Remedies

Dark spots are a common problem for women, and men too, of any age and ethnicity. There are several reasons why our skin darkens, not evenly but in patches, resulting in dark patches and freckles. When they appear on the face, arms and other exposed areas of the body, as they commonly do, they make us feel uncomfortable and eager to get rid of them. Acne and pimples are also generally classified under the category of dark spots, though there are specialized treatments for these. First, it is important to ask a doctor to examine the possible reasons for the appearance of these spots. The reasons could be genetic, or related to your lifestyle or eating patterns. But whatever the reason, there are a few home remedies always at hand. Let us now look at a few home remedies for dark spot treatment: For dark spots on the face: One of the commonest vegetables, almost always found in our kitchens, the potato, is quite effective in removing dark spots. Take a medium potato and grate it up and apply on your face, so that the juice evenly reaches the dark spots. Leave it on for 10 minutes or so and wash off. The results should be apparent in a couple of weeks For acne dark spots: Oily skins are prone to acne. Use oatmeal or coarsely grated masur dal, mixed with a little milk or water as an exfoliating face pack, to prevent acne from troubling your skin. If acne has left red spots, treat them with sandalwood paste, and see the difference in seven to ten days. Dark spots under the eye: The skin under the eyes is thin like muslin and sensitive. No wonder this is the area that wrinkles at the earliest. So you have to be extra careful while treating this area. Lemon juice, turmeric, extra virgin coconut oil are good things to use for under-eye dark spot removal. Dark spots on hands and legs: You could use sugar crystals to exfoliate the skin on the hands and legs. Rub the sugar with a piece of lemon till the sugar melts. This is very effective. Tomatoes also help lighten dark spots in these areas. Make a pack mixing cucumber juice, orange and lemon juice and Fuller’s earth and apply to your hands and legs for smooth even-toned skin. Dark spots on lips: Lips develop dark spots often because of smoking. Cucumber juice or tomatoes used for a sustained period helps in fading these spots. Another good remedy is a mixture of sandalwood and rosewater. You should leave this on for about five minutes and then wash it off. Here are some things easily available in the kitchen that may be used to good effect to remove facial dark spots: Honey Lemon juice Milk Mint and parsley Oatmeal Masur dal Watermelon Sesame seeds Vinegar Of course, the market is flush with ointments, creams and lotions promising permanent freedom from dark spots. It is easy to taken in by the campaigns that use models with glowing skins. But one must remember that many of these products use chemicals and steroids, including mercury, that could harm your skin. Agreed, it is easier to put on some cream from a tube or jar than look for natural ingredients and spend time crushing, mixing, boiling, or juicing them to prepare the home remedy for your skin troubles. But think about it, the latter will give you results without causing any damage to your precious skin. Is the work you have to put in to get together the ingredients such a big deal when you think of it this way?

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Lipstick & Lip Liners Tips

Lipstick Formulas

Lipstick comes in a variety of textures including matte, creme and frost. How should you decide on which formula to use? Read on.

Matte
Matte formula lipstick provides rich color without shine. Matte lipstick lasts longer than other types because it contains less moisture. The downside to matte lipstick is that it can leave your lips dry. Look for a matte lipstick that is also labeled as moisturizing for long-lasting color that isn't dried out.

Creme
Creme lipstick formulas normally last for several hours. These dewy, soft creamy colors will stay in place longer if you use a primer or concealer all over your lips before applying your lipstick. Creamy lipstick is perfect for women of any age, but particularly for more mature women.

Frost/ShimmerLipsticks labeled as frost or shimmer have flecks of shiny pigment that reflect light, giving your lips a frosty look. These shimmery lipsticks are great for evening.

To help the color last longer (when applying any type of lipstick), line your lips with a lip pencil and then fill in your lips completely with the liner before applying your lipstick. You can apply straight from the tube or with a lip brush for a more precise look. If you're looking for a lip palette that offers more than one choice, try the 'cinnaMEN MENAGE A DEUX!' Lip Palette from Joey New York, which includes nine choices for your lips.

Make Lipstick Stick

When it comes to applying makeup, lipstick is among the trickiest of the tricky. Whether you end up with a cakey mess or no lipstick at all, it's hard to get the application process down. Here's a great trick to help you get those lips looking irresistible: Before beginning, be sure that your lips are moisturized. If those things are cracked or chapped, your lipstick will flake off or settle unevenly—not pretty. Try using a lip exfoliator if possible. This will help alleviate chapped and cracked lips. Apply a tiny bit of concealer or foundation around the outer edge of the lip line (this will help prevent feathering). Use a lip pencil or liner, and trace the natural line of your lips. Use a sharp lip liner pencil that has a soft tip, this is the best lip liner. Use a lip brush to apply the lipstick—this will help to distribute the color evenly as opposed to applying it directly from the tube. A brush will also allow the application to be more precise and blend well with the lipliner. Blot the lips with a Kleenex and apply a light, translucent powder to set the color. Apply a final layer and blott once more. Add gloss if you want that pouty finish!

Preparing Your Lips

Just as a painter calls for a clean canvas, your lipstick needs the perfect backdrop: Smooth, soft lips.

• In order to keep your lips and the rest of your skin hydrated, drink a lot of water. Eight to ten glasses per day is ideal.
• Moisturize your lips with lip balm on a daily basis. Your lip balm should have an SPF of 15 or higher if you spend significant time in the sun.
• Exfoliate your lips if they are flaky. Scrub your lips gently with a washcloth when you are in the shower to remove any excess dry skin. When your lips are flaky, your lipstick won't go on smooth.
• Cover your entire lips with a very thin coat of the lip primer to create a smooth setting for your lip color.
• Line your lips with a neutral lip pencil that is close to your natural lip color.
• Buy moisturizing lipsticks. These formulas will keep your lips smooth and comfortable throughout the day.

Make Your Teeth Look Whiter With Lipstick

Everyone wants whiter teeth. You can't turn on the TV without seeing an ad for whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, bleaching trays, etc. But here's a little beauty secret: you don't need a dentist for whiter teeth; you need a tube of lipstick.

Choose a lipstick shade that has a cool or blue undertone. Go for a medium to deep shade that isn't too yellow or orange in tone. A glossy plum or berry lipstick will maximize the white finish on your teeth making your smile much prettier. If you are having trouble figuring out what exactly a cool shade looks like, head to one of the makeup counters and let a professional do the work for you.

Hint: If you want to do it yourself, head to the Prescriptives makeup counter. All their lip colors are divided into specific warm (Yellow/Orange and Red/Orange) and cool (Blue/Red and Red) color families, so choosing the right shade is a piece of cake!

Dry Lips

Before applying lipstick, try using a lip exfoliator that has moisturizers in it. Avoid matte lipsticks and instead choose a sheer, tinted lipstick or shimmery gloss. This fresh look will stay on longer and keep lips hydrated.

Fuller Lips

To make your lips appear fuller, use a deep shade of lipcolor at the outside corners of lips. Then apply a lighter lipcolor (in similar shade) to the center of the lips. Remember that light brings forward, dark recedes.

Lipstick Choices

The type of lipstick you use depends on your individual taste. There are matte lipsticks that are drier and thus longer lasting. There are cream lipsticks that give good coverage and contain moisturizers. There are hydrating lipsticks that are good for dry lips. There are sheer lipsticks that are moist and give your lips a stain. There are also lipglosses that are fluid and have the most moisture.

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Foundation and Bronzers Tips

Foundation Review: 3 Top-Rated Products

Since foundation isn't a “one size fits all” product, it can be tricky to find the right one. Fortunately, reading a foundation review and checking out popular products can help. Read on to learn about foundation reviews for top-rated products.

Light coverage. If you typically don't wear any foundation, try Benefit You Rebel Lite. This is a tinted moisturizer with SPF that blends seamlessly into the skin. It also floats on top of fine lines and wrinkles instead of settling in and drawing attention to them.

Medium coverage. For more coverage, check out Prescriptives Flawless Skin Tone Protection Makeup SPF 15. This product is great for those who don't like the heavy feeling of foundation. It also has skin-repairing enzymes with yeast and antioxidants, which make skin healthier.

Fuller coverage. Nars Balanced foundation provides a fuller coverage while evening out discoloration and imperfections in the skin. This product is great for those who have sensitive skin because it's very gentle.

Bronzer Reviews: Finding the Best Products

Applying a bronzer allows you to create a sunny glow year-round. To make the look appear natural, it's important to have the right product. Read on to learn how to find the right bronzer product.

Check out liquid bronzers. People who write bronzer reviews claim that Origins Sunny Disposition Liquid Bronzer warms up the entire face with only a few dabs on the cheekbone.

Consider using a bronzing/blush duo. Nars Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo allows you to apply blush on the cheeks after applying bronzing powder. This is a trade secret used by makeup artists to create a more natural-looking glow.

Apply a bronzer with a little glitter. Check out CARGO Bronzer, which comes in a rich color that looks natural when applied. The iridescent shimmer gives a soft glow to the entire face. Apply bronzer to the places where the sun would naturally hit (forehead, nose, and chin).

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Makeup tips

Eye Makeup Guide: Choosing the Right Mascara

Whether your were born with long lashes or have short, thin lashes, everyone can benefit from mascara. It's important to choose the right product in order to maximize the effect on your lashes. Read on to learn about three different types of mascara that will work wonders for your eyes.

High-volume mascara. If you have thin lashes, volumizing mascara will define each lash, rather than causing a clumping effect. Check out Estee Lauder Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara, which is consistently rated highly on beauty product reviews.

Lash-lengthening mascara. If you weren't born with super long lashes, don't worry. Products like Lancôme Definicils Mascara have earned awards for adding incredible length to lashes.

Smudge-proof mascara. It's hard to find a truly smudge-proof mascara, but products like MAC Zoom Lash Mascara provide smudge-proof formulas that make lashes super thick and long.

Choosing the right makeup for the time of day

The best wedding makeup tips for a wedding is to use the right colors for the lighting and time of day. For a day time wedding, stick to lighter, more basic make up. Avoid black or dark brown eyeliner and opt for more subtle greys and light browns. Use a brow pencil in a shade as close to your hair as possible to shade your eyebrows. Use lighter toned eyeshadow to prevent them overshadowing your eyes.
Give your self a glow with a pink or rose hued blush to accentuate your cheek bones and pair it with a lipstick in a similar shade. Avoid pale lipstick since it will appear washed out in photographs.
For a nighttime wedding, choose darker, bolder colors. Use bolder eyeshadow and use black or dark brown eyeliner to accentuate your eyes. Use a darker blush as well, while still sticking to rose based colors. Be bold with your lip color, as long as it still blends well with your other make up and your skin tone. Adding a bit of shimmer with sparkly lip gloss will brighten your smile and look great in wedding photos.

Make Up Tips for Brown Eyes

An important thing to remember when considering make up tips for brown eyes is that lighter colored eye shadows will bring out brown eyes more, while darker colored eye shadows will make the eyes look smaller. Darker colors, however, can also add a dramatic, smoky tone to the eyes. Dark eyeliners, for example, combined with a lighter eye shadow, such as pale pink or bronze will emphasize brown eyes, especially when paired with generous amounts of dark mascara. To further make brown eyes stand out, applying touches of gold eye shadow will really play them up. Glittery eyeshadow will bring out the richness of brown eyes, when applied generously to the eyelid, and extending slightly at the sides. The further the eyeshadow extends outward, the lighter it should be. In addition, mascara should be applied in multiple coats, and allowed to dry in between coats. This is so that eyelashes do not become clumped together. The more coats that are correctly applied, the thicker and richer the eyelashes will look, drawing more attention to the eyes. In addition, since brown eyes benefit from all the attention they can get, it important to curl the eyelashes before and after applying mascara to open and bring focus to the eyes. Also, subtly smudging the eyeshadow will give the eyes an extra note of mystery, while not making them look too overdone.

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Easy Makeover

Click here 

for Free Beauty, Health & Fitness Tips & Advice 

Olive Skin
Use a tinted moisturizer instead of regular moisturizer but if you have dry skin you use tinted one at the top. To conceal your dark under eye circles. Use a yellow-toned concealer to blend nicely and cover it with a loose powder. Apply powder on your forehead and other shiny part of your face. Use a sheer, berry or plum color lipstick on your lips. You will sure look great.

Fair Skin
Use a moisturizer and foundation with SPF 15. They will protect your skin against the sun. Apply translucent powder to set your foundation. Then stroke peach blush on your cheeks. You can use the same one to line your eyelids too. Apply extra coat of mascara and use a sheer red lipstick for a quick finish.

Rosy Skin
Cover your blemishes and your uneven skin tones with a concealer same shade with your skin. Then apply a berry shade liquid gel blush with your fingers on your cheeks. Put on brown mascara onto your upper and lower lashes. Before applying your lipstick use a tinted balm but if you have rosy lips, apply clear gloss.

Dark Skin
Use an oil free makeup. Apply foundation using your fingers or sponge. Use a powder that will match your skin to set the foundation. Then a stroke of brownish red blush will look great on you. Finish it with a coffee or copper colored lip gloss on lips.

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Heat and Humidity Defying Makeup Tips

Click here 

for Free Beauty, Health & Fitness Tips & Advice 

Time and again purses left in automobiles result in molten lipsticks, smeary eye shadow and super-sticky mascara. Makeup applied to one's face fails to fare much better, with smudgy eye makeup and smeary foundation rubbing off every which way.

Looking your best becomes a bit trickier when the warmer weather teases your tresses and melts your makeup quicker than you can bat an eye. A fully made-up mug may not be conducive to looking fresh and fabulous on a hot, sticky day, but a few heatproof makeup tricks and tips could really help you save face, literally!

Lip smackin' fun, refreshing spray and sun protection

For a cool, tasty treat, keep a stick or two of your favorite lip balm in the refrigerator. Fruity favorites become even more refreshing when chilled. Many brands of Chap Stick, lip gloss, lip balm and other lip treatments now offer products with SPF 15 to prevent burned lips. Keep an eye out for these sweet treats, as few things taste worse than burnt lips!

While adding items to your refrigerator, consider placing an invigorating body spray in the fridge to chill for a super-uplifting pick-me-up during the day's hottest hours. For skin protection from the sun, also keep an eye out for special facial and body lotions that contain sunscreen along with the beauty ingredients for soft skin, greaseless feel and a nice fragrance.

Protect your makeup and your visage

First and foremost, putting makeup on while driving is a very bad idea. Full attention should be focused on the road, however it does become tempting at times to steal away a few seconds when stuck at a red light. If you lug your makeup along with you in the car on your way to work, the store, visiting family and friends or otherwise, be sure not to leave it locked inside your vehicle on a warm sunny day. It doesn't take much to melt a tube of lipstick or cream foundation, making a mess all over your makeup bag, purse and your precious car!

Also, if swimming or exhaustive physical activity awaits on the agenda, waterproof makeup may be in order. Mascara runs quite easily when exposed to water and sometimes even to mere perspiration. A waterproof product allows you to keep your attractive look while remaining as active as you want to be.

Pressed powder may make a better substitute for cakey liquid foundation on warmer days, leaving skin feel soft, fresh and clean. If you require foundation every day, rain or shine, consider applying a thinner amount and dusting a bit of powder on top to prevent smudging, smearing and running of the makeup.

Taming your hair

To defeat the frizzies, try applying an ice cube to your tresses. For a new look, braid your hair while it is still wet for a tight, attractive look. If you wish to wear your hair straight, consider applying some spray gel or anti-frizz gel. When all else fails, tie your hair up in a trusty ponytail!

Allowing hair to dry naturally protects it from heat damage, but blow-drying on occasion can aid in straightening efforts and controllability. Special shampoos and hair care products provide relief for intense exposure to the sun and chlorinated water. Sometimes summer days and humid nights cause bad hair days despite your efforts, so keeping a hat or visor on hand may be a great solution. No matter where you go, keep a ponytail holder handy in case you need to put your hair up.

Pretty tootsies in strappy sandals

For a fresh, fun look with cool intentions, paint your toes to match your fingernails and show them off with the strappiest, sexiest sandals you own. Or, opt for a casual and comfortable look with a cozy pair of flip-flops. Perform a home pedicure and flaunt your fabulous feet at work and at play.

Wearing open shoes will keep your feet aerated, preventing sweating and helping to keep your body cooler. Painting your nails outside instead of cooped up in the bathroom gives a nice scenic setting and better ventilation for the strong nail polish fumes. Your nails may even dry quicker if allowed to dry outside in the warm fresh air.

While all these makeup tricks and tips may make your beautification process easier, sometimes it doesn't hurt to go a few days without any makeup at all. Discover your own natural beauty by letting loose, relenting on routine behaviors and enjoying the chance to just be yourself. 

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

Eating Organic foods for healthy skin

Click here 

for Free Beauty, Health & Fitness Tips & Advice 

Organic tips for healthy skin

For bright complexion, smooth skin and less wrinkles the diet is a very important factor. Dermatologists prescribe the taking of fish, fruit, and vegetables with olive oil for three consecutive days for a quick toning up of the complexion. Acne and pimples continue to be a source of worry and can be treated by diet alterations without taking recourse to drugs.

Eating for healthy skin

Before sitting down with the plate think twice about food for healthy skin. Note down all that there is to know about natural skin care by taking recourse to organic tips for healthy skin. It will say goodbye to dry skin, pimples and check proliferation of wrinkles. A deficiency of fats and sugar may lead to blocking of capillaries. Nourishment is passed on through these channels. But when clogged skin collagen will get mixed up playing havoc with the complexion. Skins will then toughen, slag and become spotty. As advised in Samina's Health, Beauty and fitness

for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com

How to apply makeup

creating a natural, rosy radiance
When applying blush, you want the color to look soft and natural, as if it comes from within. Read below for tips on how to put on make-up.
1. Tap or lightly blow on the applicator brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven application.
2. Apply your blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.
3. If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well so there is no visible line between colors.
4. Highlight your temples, forehead and chin.

Tip: To know "where to glow" bend over for 30 seconds, then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to blush. Apply your blush there and it will be naturally rosy every time.
Tip: Cheek color should be used to enhance your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use sparingly for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more dramatic nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a lightly frosted powder over your cheekbones for a subtle but alluring glow.
Tip: Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of 5 years to your looks
for more beauty,Fashion and health care tips visit http://www.sumaiqa.com