Zeno

Beauty through the science of heat

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    Stress and Beauty

    Friday, August 19th, 2011

    We all know stress can take its toll on our health; chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, hives, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, among other health problems. But what about your appearance? Did you know that stress can also take its toll on how you look?

    It’s true. A stressful lifestyle can magnify fine lines and wrinkles – “worry lines” – and trigger skin rashes and breakouts. In some cases, stress can even lead to hair loss. Stress can cause insomnia, making you look tired and generally worn out. And many of us become susceptible to catching colds and flus when we’re under stress, which gives us an overall unwell appearance. Then there’s the fact that stress often sends people to their favorite (unhealthy) coping mechanisms, such as overeating (or undereating), smoking, and drinking – all of which can affect your appearance for the worse.

    So what’s a busy, stressed-out girl to do? I mean, whatever is causing your stress probably isn’t going anywhere soon. So the key is to learn how to manage it better, so your natural beauty doesn’t end up suffering.

    When stress is getting the better of you, try physical activity like your favorite workout, a scenic bicycle ride, a stroll in the park, or a yoga class. While working up a sweat is great, it’s not required; sometimes just being out in nature or with other people, moving your body, is enough to calm stress.

    Another good strategy is to engage in a specific relaxation-focused activity. Yoga, again, is great for this. But so are tai chi, meditation, deep breathing, visualization, even prayer or visiting a church or temple if you’re religious. Anything that quiets your thoughts and soothes your soul will lower your stress level.

    Eat well, take your vitamins, and get enough sleep. A strong immune system is better able to handle stress, and these things are all integral to good immunity. If you have serious sleep problems and just can’t conk out at night, see your doctor for help.

    Identify your support system – and use them. Connection with others may be the most powerful stress reliever there is. No one likes to feel alone, and there’s something about talking through your problems with an empathic friend, family member, co-worker, counselor, or neighbor that can often cut through stress like nothing else.

    In the end, your health and how you feel are way more important than how you look, but the fact is, chronic stress will get you from all sides eventually. Learn to manage stress better now, and you’ll be happier, healthier, and more beautiful for years to come.

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    Keep Your Beauty Cool!

    Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

    It’s been a record-breaking hot summer for much of the country, with triple-digit temps everywhere from Oklahoma to the East Coast and humidity levels to rival the Amazon jungle. And if you live anywhere this hot, you know how hard it is to look lovely when just stepping outside makes you sweat – let alone doing anything while you’re out there.

    Well, fall is fast approaching, but for many of us, it’s still plenty hot in August – and often, even September. So it’s worth considering how to look your best even during a heat wave. Here are a few tips.

    • Give up the flatiron. Listen, heat and humidity and sleek, straight hair do not mix. If you can bear it, give in to the high dew point and let your inner waves come out. A drop of shine serum will keep the frizz at bay and polish up your ends, and haphazard, beachy waves are in right now anyway.
    • Wear your hair back (or up). Whatever your hair’s texture, if you’ve got any length at all, this would be a good time to try one of those cute up-do styles you’ve been seeing everywhere this summer. Try a messy bun, low side pony, or a fishtail braid – anything to get that hair off your hot neck and shoulders.
    • Carry blotting papers with you wherever you go. Blotting papers are easier and less messy than compact powder, and they soak up oil and shine like you would not believe. Keep a little packet in your bag, and your face will always look cool as a cucumber.
    • Adjust your moisturizer. Especially if you have oily skin, the dog days of August are the time to invest in a super-light facial moisturizer and use that instead of your usual type. And no matter your skin type, use a light hand with moisturizer when the temperature is high and the air is damp.
    • Switch to waterproof eyeliner and mascara. Because even if you’re not going to the beach or the pool, you need run-proof eye make-up during a heat wave.
    • Keep a bottle of ice water close at hand. Nothing cools you down as well as an icy drink, so sip cold water throughout the day to stay hydrated and beautiful.
    • Dress mainly in lightweight, breathable, natural fibers like cotton and linen. Trust me – they’ll keep you a lot cooler than manmade fabrics.

    Do you have any tricks for keeping cool in extreme heat? Let us in on your secrets.
    If you’re not nuts about the heat (like me!), remember: fall will be here before you know it.

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    Acai Berry for Better Health?

    Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

    Every now and then a new food product becomes the next big thing in health and nutrition. You start hearing about it everywhere, and pretty soon celebrities are raving about it and then even people you know are trying it out. Such is the case with the acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-EE”) berry.

    Have you heard of this exotic “new” fruit? Actually, there’s nothing new about it – acai berries have been harvested and eaten in South American countries for centuries. But recently acai berries have become buzzworthy in the United States, imported from Brazil and touted as the next big “superfood.” So what are they, exactly?

    Acai berries are a small, purplish, grape-like fruit harvested from the acai palm tree, which is native to the Amazonian rainforest. A few years ago, acai berry began showing up in the U.S., first as a beauty product botanical and then in health-food juices and supplements. These days, acai berry capsules, powder, extract, energy drinks, and juice blends are readily available for purchase.

    Why is acai berry so popular? Well, it’s super-high in antioxidants – those valuable vitamins that fight cellular aging, damage, and disease, and help protect against cancer and other degenerative diseases. Acai berry devotees claim that the super-fruit is able to cleanse and detox your body, strengthen your immune system, regulate your digestion, lower your “bad” cholesterol, and even help you drop excess pounds. But some experts say these claims are overstated or even unsupported.

    The buzz around acai berries is pretty hard to resist, but so far I haven’t tried any acai berry products. I’d love to know if they really deliver on their health promises. Anyone out there an acai berry fan? If so, tell us about your experiences with this hot new health food!

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    Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Life

    Monday, August 8th, 2011

    We all know that regular exercise is incredibly important. Not only does it keep your heart healthy and is proven to reduce your risk of various health problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even cancer, but it maintains lean muscle mass, keeps your bones strong, reduces body fat, and even helps you sleep better at night. And then there are the beauty benefits, like toned muscles and a glowing complexion. Not to mention, exercise is a great stress reliever and mood lifter.

    So…are you getting enough? If you’re like a lot of people, even knowing all the physical and emotional benefits of physical activity, you still struggle to fit in regular exercise. I mean, we’re all busy, right? It’s tough to fit in those 60 minutes per day of government-recommended physical activity when you’ve got a million other things on your to-do list!

    I hear you loud and clear. But there are still ways to sneak exercise into your day. Try these tips and see if more physical activity doesn’t make you feel healthier, more beautiful, and fully energized.

    • Find something you love. This is a no-brainer, but seriously – it’s way easier to exercise regularly if you’re doing something you truly enjoy.
    • Break it up. Who says your exercise has to be in one 60-minute session? Do 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there, another half-hour – and you’ve done it.
    • Be unconventional. Exercise doesn’t have to be running, playing tennis, or taking a Pilates class. Those are all great, but gardening, walking your dog, riding your bike to work or on errands, and playing Frisbee on the beach all count, too.
    • Walk everywhere you can. Experiment with how many places you can go by foot rather than by car or other transportation. You’ll burn a ton of calories and get great leg muscles to boot.
    • Use those commercial breaks, study breaks, coffee breaks…Whenever you have a chance, grab a minute or two and pound out a few sets of push-ups, squats, or crunches. They don’t take long, but they give major results
    • Meet friends for a walk or run instead of happy hour or a movie. Combining social time with exercise is a great way to fit two necessary activities into the space of one, and it makes exercise more fun, too.

    These are just a few ideas; if you have more of your own, feel free to share!

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    Are You in the Pink?

    Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

    If you’ve been following fashion trends this spring, you know that pink is everywhere. Pink is the current big thing. Pink is in. Pink is the new black? Well, maybe not that last one, but seriously – make-up, clothes, and accessories have been blooming pink like crazy recently.

    This year, the most popular pinks are the bright, vibrant variety, rather than pale pastels. Think hot-pink tops and totes, honeysuckle nail polish, and lipsticks in shades of super-saturated rose. Even home décor and lifestyle accessories like vases, bedding, placemats and journals are cropping up in fun pinky colors like fuchsia and carnation.

    Personally, I love pink. Despite its reputation as overly feminine, sticky-sweet, and way too girlie-girl, pink is uber-flattering on fair, blonde-haired girls like myself. Every time I wear pink, I get compliments all day – so clearly pink does something right for me. Therefore, I’ve taken pink to heart, and consider it not a weak, girly color, but a lovely, powerful one.

    But are there rules for embracing pink?

    In general, I say go with what you love, because I believe we’re attracted to colors that flatter us. But you might want to keep a few things in mind when going for pink as a fashion color. First, don’t go overboard. We’re not talking about an all-pink ensemble here, or hot pink paired with other jarring brights. That look may work on the pages of a fashion magazine, but not so much in real life.

    Pick one vibrant pink piece – maybe two, if the second is something small and complementary – and build your outfit around that. A ruffly pink top with dark skinny jeans, for example, or a pink summer dress with brown sandals or nude heels. Another option is to use pink as a fun way to liven up your wardrobe by treating yourself to a few pink accessories – a flowy scarf, a clutch, a fun belt – while leaving your wardrobe to its usual classic color theme.

    If you’re embracing pink cosmetics, pay attention to your skin tone and hair color, and use what makes you look rested and happy, not clownish or garish. That last one’s a given, right?

    So tell me: Are you loving pink this year, or are you over it?

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    What is Mangosteen and Why is It Good for Me?

    Monday, August 1st, 2011

    Do you pay attention to health crazes and nutrition trends? Acai berry, vitamin E, fish oil, probiotics – all these supplements have been the latest big thing at one time or another, and maybe you’ve even tried some of them. A recent addition to the popular-supplement list is mangosteen. But do you know what it is, let alone what it does? Here’s the lowdown.

    Mangosteen is a dark purple tropical fruit with a sweet-tart taste, about the size of an apple, grown in hot and humid regions of southeast Asia. Despite its similar name, mangosteens are not related to mangoes. In Asia, mangosteens are eaten like any other fruit, and the thick rind is often used medicinally for a number of health problems. The craze surrounding mangosteens stems from the fact that mangosteens have been found to contain antioxidant nutrients called xanthones, which are touted as powerful anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial agents.

    In the U.S., mangosteens were introduced in the early ‘00s by a Utah company that marketed a mangosteen juice and advertised mangosteen as the next “superfood.” Since then, other companies have developed mangosteen beverages and other products. However, these products are typically very expensive, and it’s not a sure bet that they truly benefit your health as claimed. Still, mangosteen devotees swear that its powerful nutrients can do everything from fight arthritis pain to provide extra energy.

    All that said, mangosteen juice is unlikely to be harmful – it’s a natural fruit eaten by generations of Southeast Asians, after all – so if you’re interested in its health properties and can afford it, you might want to give it a try. Of course, it’s always smart to ask your doctor about any kind of nutritional supplement before trying it, since you never know what might be problematic for you. And hey – if you’re a mangosteen user and fan, let me know what you think of it.

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    Summer-Proof Your Hair

    Friday, July 29th, 2011

    By now you’ve probably got the summer sun-protection drill down when it comes to your skin. (You have been using high-SPF sunscreen every time you go outside, right?) But what about your hair? Did you know that sun exposure hurts your hair just like it does your skin?

    It’s true. The lightening effect that summer sun has on your hair is akin to bleach on fabric. Every time you expose your hair to strong summer rays, your hair gets a little dose of harsh “bleach” – that is, sun damage. Over time, hair that is regularly exposed to sun can end up looking dull, frazzled, and fried. And, since damaged hair is weakened hair, split ends are pretty much guaranteed.

    So what can you do?

    Well, first, cover up. If you’re planning to be out and about in the sun, tie on a cute scarf or bandana to shield those delicate strands. Or, don an always-adorable straw sun hat. (Bonus: a hat will help shield your face and neck from sun exposure too). Oh, and don’t forget to pin your hair up under that hat or scarf; you want those ultra-fragile ends protected, remember?

    Second, if or when you can’t tie on a scarf or toss on a hat, use sunscreen. Yes, on your hair! A light mist of a spray formulation all over your head will help protect your hair just like it protects the rest of your body.  I actually really like the styling effect that sunscreen has on my hair—it adds just the right amount of texture to it, making it so I don’t have to add product or anything else, and I have those loose natural waves.  Pretty cool!

    Next, switch to UV-protective hair products. Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and hairsprays all come in this version now, so check your drugstore or salon for a good option. It really does help protect your hair.

    And last, don’t forget to get regular trims. It’s impossible to avoid all sun exposure to your hair. A trim every two months or so will keep those split ends at bay and neaten up any damaged spots.

    You don’t have to stay out of the sun to have beautiful summer hair. You just need to take a few precautions. It’ll be worth it in autumn when your hair looks healthy and glowing rather than worn out from too much sun.

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    Vitamins for Beauty

    Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

    Do you take your vitamins every day? Or have you not even thought about vitamins since you were chomping your Flintstones chewables as a kindergartner?

    It seems like in recent years vitamins and supplements have become more popular, more widely used, and ubiquitous in the media. Think about it — how often do you hear or read something about the importance of antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin D or zinc? They’re everywhere, each with its own claim about how it will benefit your health and beauty.

    Vitamins and other nutritional supplements may seem fairly uncontroversial, but actually there’s some disagreement among experts as to how important vitamin supplements really are. While many – if not most – health experts advise at least a daily multivitamin for “insurance” against a less-than-stellar diet, some say those bottles of once-daily pills aren’t all that powerful, and that what we really need to do is get our nutrients from food.

    Well, sure. But most of us are missing some nutrients here and there. As for me, I eat a fairly balanced diet, but I’m also a big proponent of adding a few supplements to my daily routine to fill in any gaps: a daily women’s multivitamin, extra calcium and vitamin D supplement, magnesium, and fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids. (Note: you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements; even vitamins can cause side effects or drug interactions that could be unpleasant or even dangerous.)

    At any rate, scientists do know that certain vitamins benefit your appearance in major ways. The B vitamins, for example, are integral in maintaining resilient, shiny hair and strong fingernails. The antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E fight skin damage at the cellular level, which is important for keeping your skin healthy and younger-looking. Selenium and zinc, two minerals found in most daily multivitamin supplements, are known to revitalize and protect skin as well. And vitamin D is ending up a health and beauty powerhouse, capable of improving mood and strengthening your immune system – and listen, we all look prettier when we’re happy and healthy, right?

    So, are you on board with vitamins for beauty? What, if any, do you take on a regular basis? If you don’t take any, do you think you’ll start?

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    Staying Hydrated–How Much Does it Matter?

    Monday, July 25th, 2011

    We’ve all heard time and time again that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. During the summer months, when temperatures climb and you sweat more, that number goes up. Staying hydrated keeps you healthy and energized, for sure, and it fulfills important functions like regulating your body temperature and blood pressure – but does it have anything to do with how you look? Does drinking enough water really affect your skin?

    The answer is yes. It really is true that making sure your body is well hydrated impacts the health and appearance of your skin. Here are some ways water works its magic.

    • Reduces puffiness and bloating. I know it seems strange: you’re retaining water, making you feel and look bloated and puffy, so you drink more water to remedy the problem? What? No, really, it’s true. Drinking extra water helps flush out the water your body is hanging onto for dear life. Try it; you’ll see!
    • Improves your complexion. Dehydrated skin is dull, tired-looking skin.  Add a few more glasses of water to your daily routine and you’ll notice more radiant skin, as the increased fluid improves blood circulation in your body.
    • Plumps up fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin cells are thirsty, they won’t be as plump and resilient as they should be, which makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Staying hydrated helps fill out those lines, minimizing their appearance.
    • May help alleviate dry skin. Not every dry skin sufferer notices a major change as the result of increasing water intake, but some women swear that staying hydrated keeps their skin smooth and dewy, reducing dry patches.

    The great thing about drinking more water to enhance your appearance is that it benefits the rest of your body, too. Plus, it’s free. You can’t find an easier beauty strategy, so drink up!

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    Sunburn Aftercare

    Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

    It happens to most of us at some point: we make a misstep when it comes to sun protection, and end up with a sunburn. Ouch.

    Since you can’t undo the damage right at that moment, focus instead on what to do about it and how to feel better. Here are some tips on taking care of your skin after a sunburn.

    First, as soon as possible after the burn, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. This will help calm inflammation, redness and pain. Then continue to keep the area moisturized by applying a skin cream regularly until the sunburn fades.

    Take ibuprofen for pain and swelling, if needed. You can also take an antihistamine, like Benadryl, to reduce swelling and redness, but be aware that it can make you drowsy, so you shouldn’t drive if you’re using it.

    Apply cold washcloths or take cool baths to alleviate pain and warmth. Avoid showers for now; showerhead streams can be a major ouch factor when you’re burned.

    Drink plenty of water – 8 to 10 glasses per day, ideally — to counteract dehydration from excessive sun exposure and keep your skin moist.

    Finally, if you’re so badly burned that you have blisters, do not pop them—touching this fragile skin can easily get an infection started, and you don’t want to go there. Get yourself to a doctor’s office and have your sunburn evaluated. You may need more intensive treatment than simple home self-care strategies.

    The only good thing about sunburns is that they typically keep you from making the same mistake again. Once you’ve recovered from your burn, learn from your mistake and be extra vigilant about sun protection. Sunburned skin is damaged skin, and you’ll pay for it later in increased wrinkles, sun spots, and risk for skin cancer. So grab that sunscreen and use it religiously.

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