Laser Hair Removal

The removal of unwanted hair has been the bane of men and women since the dawn of time (or at least since the advent of the bikini). Tedious everyday shaving, plucking, and tweezing has sent many in search of a viable alternative. Until recently, these alternatives were either of poor quality (Nair), of a particularly painful nature (waxing), or unaffordable for the average consumer (electrolysis). Since 1997, however, a new leader has emerged in the fight against furriness. Laser hair removal promises to reduce unwanted hair permanently in just a few sessions. Wave goodbye to the Gillette Venus and the Epilady; there is a better way. But, you may be left wondering, just what is laser hair removal?

To understand the technique of laser hair removal, one must first grasp a couple of concepts about hair itself. Hair is typically in one of three stages: the telogen phase (resting), the catagen phase (transitional) or the anagen phase (growing). Laser hair removal is a process by which lasers are used to create inflammation in the follicles of the patient's hair, which in turn sends a signal to the follicle to go into the telogen (or resting) phase. By doing this, hair growth stops and the visible hair itself is removed.

Because of the three phases of hair growth, and due to the fact that hair grows in cycles, with different follicles being in different cycles at different times, multiple treatments are necessary to ensure the maximum results from laser hair removal. The lasers are only effective against follicles in the anagen phase. Spreading four or five treatments over four to eight week intervals is the only way to procure treatment for the majority of the follicles.

Before heading off for laser hair removal, the cautious consumer may want to consider whether or not they are an ideal candidate for the treatment. For laser hair treatment to be effective, the hair you wish to remove must be darker than the surrounding skin. This means that very tan people with very fair hair are not ideal candidates. In fact, laser treatments can be difficult or impossible for certain people with blond or red hair, regardless of skin tone. People with dark hair, light skin, and course hair are the ideal candidates.

Cost of treatment varies, but one should be cautious about accepting prices that are suspiciously low. Laser hair removal is expensive. Before committing yourself to a treatment, make sure you ask some pertinent questions concerning the quality of the establishment, including the experience of the technician with the system they typically utilize and how long they have used this system. The quality of removal is very dependant on the skill and experience of the practitioner, so it is a good idea to spend the extra money if it means getting the better treatment.
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Mineral Makeup

Ever been baffled by the ingredient list on a shampoo bottle or lipstick? Unless you have a degree in chemistry, the oxides and isopropyls might as well be a foreign language. A movement in cosmetics to simplify matters has hit the shelves: mineral makeup. Touting a back to basics ideology, mineral makeup typically advertises "natural" or "organic" ingredients. Ingredients aside, mineral makeup also takes a slightly different application technique, and can be a suitable alternative for certain skin types aggravated by traditional cosmetic lines.

For a significant portion of the population, department store cosmetics are not an option. Various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and allergies to specific ingredients limit cosmetic product selections. Mineral makeup is often purported to be a solution for those usually unable to wear makeup. The main draw is the lack of chemically altered ingredients, in hope that this will reduce any irritation or allergic flare up. Mineral makeup is also lighter, and can grant a more sheer sensation. Before trying a new mineral makeup product line, a small amount of research should be done to improve chances of success.

Stick with a reputable company for mineral makeup products. A quick check on the Food and Drug Administration website or the Skin Deep safe cosmetic database can help identify potentially sham companies or dangerous ingredients. Be sure to read company provided literature and information on the product carefully. Look for substitutes of "natural" for "organic" and any asterisks leading to notes at the bottom. A big red flag is if there is an exception to a promise or results statement saying it has not been evaluated by the FDA. While most products will not give you any problems, complications from harsh chemicals or mislabeled cosmetics can cause serious harm, especially those used in the eye area.

The color palette available in mineral makeup lines is as varied as the world around you. Hues in bright blues, deep purples, and soft pinks can be found in a variety of products, such as lipstick, eye shadow, and blush. Some mineral cosmetics contain metallic components, which can cause an unintended shine. Look for products promising a matte finish if shine is not the style desired. Color selection is similar to traditional cosmetic color lines, based on a warm or cool skin tone.

Brushes are the recommended applicator for mineral cosmetics. Cosmetic brushes, not sponges or pads, allow the wearer to "tap" off excess before applying, an important step before blending mineral cosmetics. Colors are usually more concentrated, but blending should be more agreeable to the skin than synthetic products. Also unlike heavily processed products, the natural elements of mineral makeup can make it far easier to remove at the end of a long day.

Mineral makeup products are an appropriate alternative for those allergic or sensitive to other cosmetic lines. Just take care to effectively research and educate yourself about any new cosmetic product used on your skin. Because mineral makeup is a smaller movement gaining momentum, it is easier for unscrupulous businesses to hide amongst the legitimate ones. Use online resources to verify credentials and FDA approval. Finally, enjoy the richer coloring and coverage mineral cosmetics can afford, all with a pure feeling many synthetic products can't deliver.
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