Thursday, October 30, 2008

Care For Your Skin, The Natural Way

Skin care is one of the things that everyone performs everyday to keep the skin young and healthy looking. However, more and more people each year are getting tired of using costly skin care and beauty products that contain so much chemical ingredients. These products do not only hurt your budget, but these can also do a lot of harm to your skin.

In line with this, many are now turning to the benefits and conveniences brought by all-natural skin care regimen. This is fast becoming popular as it is simpler and easier to do for a daily routine.

The following are simple steps to follow in practicing an all-natural skin care routine:

1. Only buy natural and mild soaps.

As part of your skin care routine, only choose and buy soap products that are gentle on the skin. Go for products that are made from oatmeal, tea tree, as well as eucalyptus. After washing with your all-natural soap, rinse your face properly and pat dry.

One goof example of an all-natural soap is the castile soap, which is made from either vegetable or olive oil. This soap is also scented with natural healing essential oils. Castile soap is a perfect alternative for harsh soaps containing strong chemicals.

2. Use an all-natural facial toner.

An all-natural facial toner is best in removing oil and other reside in the face that ordinary soap cannot. As for making an all-natural facial toner, you can combine one teaspoon of rosemary, one bay leaf, one cup of organic white wine, and one teaspoon of thyme. Let the ingredients simmer for 10 minutes, strain, cool, and you can then apply it to your skin.

3. Use an all-natural moisturizing product.

Moisturizers containing olive oil and almond oil ingredients are perfect for the skin as these slow down aging as well as prevent acne. Almond oil can also relaxes, soothes, soften, as well as improve the complexion of your skin.

4. Regularly exfoliate your skin.

As you regularly exfoliate your skin, this will help get rid of dead skin cell as well as prevent acnes. A good example of an all-natural skin exfoliate treatment is to gently brush your skin using a soft-bristle brush. You can start from your feet towards the abdomen, at the back, all the way to the stomach.

5. Treat yourself with a home facial treatment.

Using products and ingredients found in your own kitchen, you can make a thick paste that you can use and apply to clean your skin. Ingredients that can be mixed and blended are lemon juice, eggs, tomato, and avocado.

Taking good care of the skin doesn't have to be costly and complicated. Since many goods and services in the market these days are skyrocketing, there is really no need for you to use very expensive skin care and beauty products to take care of you skin. All-natural skin care treatments make it easier for on-the-budget ladies to have and maintain a young and healthy looking skin.

So, if you are tired of chemical-laden skin care and beauty products, start looking around your home and make yourself an all-natural skin care treatments that you can make and use at the comforts of your home.


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Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Back from Maternity Leave: Tips to Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety can plague moms who return to work from their maternity leave. From weeks and months of only caring for their babies, they have to throw in their career – and the time and effort it entails – back into their routine. Between caring for a newborn and holding a job, working mothers have a lot on their plates. If you are in the same situation, here are some tips that can help you plan your approach without sacrificing either role.


Before diving back into the workforce:



  • Let go of the guilt. A lot of working mothers experience emotional turmoil when two of their interests – caring for their baby and working – come into conflict. Keep in mind that working does not make you a bad mom. You might have to spend a few late nights at work but remind yourself that you are doing this for your child and your family.


  • Go for dependable child care. Find a competent babysitter or child care service for your child. Knowing that your child is safe and healthy in the hands of competent caregiver and stimulating environment can reduce the stress and worry that you may feel.


  • Get your employer's help. Before getting back to work, schedule an appointment with your boss to discuss matters pertinent to your maternity. Ask about flexible hours, telecommuting, and other options that can lessen the conflict between your family life and career. If you intend to continue breastfeeding, ask your employer to help you find a private room for pumping.


  • It might also help to schedule your return later in the workweek to give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule of being a mom and an employee. It also has the added benefit of making your first week back to work shorter.


While working:


  • Get organized. Make a daily to-do list. You might divide the list into tasks for work and tasks for home, or tasks for you and tasks for your partner. Identify what you need to do, what can wait — and what you can skip entirely.
  • Stay connected. Plan a daily phone call to your baby's caregiver to find out how your baby's doing. Place a favorite photo of your baby on your desk or in your work area. Set aside time after work to reconnect with your baby.
  • Make backup plans. Know what you'll do if your baby is sick or your baby's caregiver is unavailable on a workday – whether it's taking a sick day yourself or calling a friend or loved one to care for your baby.
  • Honor your commitment to breastfeeding. Bring your breast pump, containers for expressed milk, an insulated bag and ice packs to work. Keep a stash of breast pads and extra blouses handy, in case your breasts leak.
  • Nurture your own well-being. Relax in the tub after you put the baby to bed, or unwind with a favorite book or soft music. Cut down on any unnecessary commitments. Pick a reasonable bedtime, and stick with it. On weekends, sleep when your baby sleeps.



Summary:

Stress and anxiety can plague working mothers more than the usual employees especially if their two interests – motherhood and work – come into conflict. Read on for tips on reducing stress especially if you are just coming back to work from your maternity leave.


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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.