How to whiten your teeth naturally

If coffee, cigarettes and food have left their mark on your teeth, you're not alone. There are plenty of people who would try anything to get back their pearly whites.

Teeth naturally yellow for a number of reasons. But did you know that Mother Nature has some natural solutions to getting back your pearly whites? Here are some tips:
·Eat foods that act like detergents and whiten teeth naturally. To keep teeth bright and prevent yellowing, you need to remove the staining bacteria by chewing certain crunchy fruits and vegetables that produce high salivary flow and actually work like tiny toothbrushes to help scrub away stubborn stains over time. So, take a bite out of apples, carrots, pears, guavas, cauliflower and cucumbers.

·Eat dark green vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and spinach act like a barrier on teeth by creating a film that prevents stains from recurring and can actually help scrub away stubborn stains over time.
·Eat lots of high-fiber and whole foods - they act as natural tooth cleansers.
·Mash a few strawberries in a bowl and then take your finger and spread the pulp all over your teeth. Leave it on a minute or two, and then thoroughly rinse and brush it off.

Don'ts:
·The rule of thumb is that anything that can stain a white T-shirt can stain your teeth too. That means most varieties of berries, as well as soy sauce, red wine, many fruit juices, coffee, tea, and cola. You don't have to avoid them altogether, but immediately after indulging, rinse out your mouth with water, brush your teeth or chew gum.
·Keep in mind that citrus fruits contain acid that can cause enamel to deteriorate over time.
·Be aware that those sports drinks, energy drinks and fitness waters contain organic acids which are known to break down calcium. So they're especially good at eroding your teeth. Recent studies show they were more damaging to tooth enamel than cola-based drinks.
·Reduce your intake of acidic foods like vinegar. Foods that are slightly acidic open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing for easy staining.

Thorough cleaning by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining from teeth caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.

Women's guide to younger looking skin

There are many natural components of aging and wrinkles are no exception. As we age the skin becomes less elastic, thinner and drier. The skin is also less able to protect itself from damage. As a result, wrinkles and fine lines can begin forming.

Some women experience deep wrinkles, while others have less visible lines. Genetics can play a major role in determining the wrinkling factor of the skin. Take a look at your mother's or grandmother's skin. If they weren't prone to spending long hours in the sun and refrained from smoking cigarettes (sun exposure and smoking can contribute to wrinkling), chances are your skin will be somewhat similar as you age.

Because many times people are judged first by outward appearances, women can become self-conscious of their wrinkles as they get into their 40s and 50s. Today, a number of procedures aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines exist. The key is finding one that works for you and your budget. Here are some options to consider.
*Gain a little weight. No one is advocating going on an eating binge. However, a new study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery analyzed pictures of the faces of 186 pairs of identical twins, along with extensive questionnaires each twin filled out about lifestyle and skin care. The study found that for twin pairs under 40, the heavier one (a four-point difference in the Body Mass Index, or BMI) looked significantly older. But surprisingly, after 40, that same four-point difference in BMI made the heavier twin look significantly younger. Once you reach 40, it may pay to increase your weight by a few pounds, which can fill out your face and reduce the appearance of wrinkling.

*Explore wrinkle creams. Wrinkle creams are found in department stores and drug stores across the country. Most promise dramatic results. It is unlikely that you'll get the same results from creams and lotions as you would from going under the knife. But depending upon the ingredients in the products, you could see improvements in the skin over time. Most ingredients are antioxidants that help reverse cell damage caused by free radicals. Fruit acids are another popular ingredient, which exfoliate the skin to reveal newer skin underneath.

*Skin resurfacing. There are a number of treatments that "damage" the outer layer of the skin to promote newer, younger skin to grow in its place. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing are just some of these techniques. Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for minor facial flaws. It can wipe out fine to moderate wrinkles, liver or age spots, correct uneven skin tones, and even reduce the appearance of acne or chickenpox scars. Because the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is removed, it's common to experience some irritation, redness or itching on areas treated. It could take up to two weeks before new skin forms and you can remove bandages.

*Medicinal botulinum toxin type A. This is the same bacteria that causes food poisoning, marketed under the popular name Botox(R). However, in the medicinal version, a much lower concentration is purified and injected into muscles to prevent contraction. When muscles aren't contracted, the skin on top of them flattens and appears less wrinkled. These types of injections are not good for all types of facial wrinkles and cannot reverse the ones caused by sun damage. It is also discouraged to use Botox around the mouth because these muscles are needed for eating and talking.

*Injectable fillers. Collagen fillers and other products are injected under the skin to smooth out wrinkles. They can be effective when done correctly. However, in certain cases the injection can appear uneven or bumpy.

*Surgery. Surgery is one of the most expensive options for treating wrinkles. Face and eye lifts can pull the skin taut and smooth out wrinkles.

Hair extensions are the hot fashion accessory

Today's celebrities go from short locks to long in a matter of days. Do they have the inside scoop on some magical hair-growing serum? Not likely. What they do have is a stylist who has introduced them to the benefits of hair extensions.

Hair extensions give women the option to try on looks without spending weeks or months growing out their hair to achieve them. They're perfect for a special occasions when a woman desires longer hair for a sexy evening look or to make an intricate up-do defy gravity. Extensions also add volume to limp hair and can cover up the damage done by a haircut mishap.

Types of Hair Extensions

The key to hair extensions looking beautiful and natural is to find a stylist who can expertly blend the extensions with your natural hair. It also lies in the type of hair extension chosen. The two main avenues to travel include synthetic extensions or real hair extensions. Synthetic extensions are less expensive than real hair, but won't look nearly as natural. Real hair extensions are made from human hair that has been color-stripped. The hair is then dyed to match particular hair colors and tones.

How Are Extensions Applied?

Semi-permanent hair extensions can be applied in many different ways. Some of the more popular methods include the following.

·Fusion: Fusion extensions usually are applied with a form of keratin bond or glue and the strands are applied individually. Waxes may also be used for adherence.

·Weaves: The natural hair is braided first and then wefts, or sections, of hair are sewn into the braids.

·Tape: Toupee tape that may be enhanced with glue is used to adhere sections of hair.

·Hand Sewn/Tied: Extensions can be applied directly to the natural strands by means of special thread or hand tied.

A combination of methods may also be used depending upon hair type and the style desired.

How Long Will My Extensions Last?

Depending upon the method used, hair extensions generally last a few weeks or months before they will need to be reapplied. Because hair extensions do have the propensity to put excess weight on natural hair and may lead to damage or breakage (relying on a professional stylist to do your extensions minimizes chances for hair damage), remove them after the recommended time.

Special Care for Extensions

Extensions require different care from your natural hair.

·When washing, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and try not to overly tangle your hair. Do not get conditioner on attachment points.

·You can use a normal hair dryer for drying methods.

·When brushing, use soft-tipped bristles. Start by brushing the bottom of your hair and slowly work upwards to where the extensions adhere to your natural hair.

·When using heated styling devices, avoid the attachment point of the extensions.

·Go to a salon for cutting, coloring, or other permanent hair changes.

·Avoid chlorine or salt water. If you do swim, wash hair immediately to rinse out the chemicals from the extensions.

·Tie back your hair in windy conditions to avoid tangles.

For women who want to experiment with the possibilities offered by extensions without making a commitment, clip-in extensions could be the answer. These extensions simply clip onto your natural hair and are removed daily.