Girls' secrets

Dandruff is one of those conditions that serves as more of an annoyance than a physical ailment. You’ll definitely know if you have it (as evidenced by flakes on your clothing and pillowcase), but everything else surrounding the common scalp condition is a little less clear. While we don’t know exactly why dandruff occurs, in many people it is thought to be due to a mixture of genetics, allergies and sensitivities, and an imbalance of skin microbes. We do know it has nothing to do with hygiene. In other words, dandruff has nothing to do with how often you shower or shampoo. Our skin follows its own shedding cycle, gradually sloughing away excess cells. Dandruff is what happens when you experience increased turnover of cells and this exfoliation happens unevenly, causing both excessive shedding and buildup. While the itching and irritation that follow are often associated with dryness, it can also occur on any hair or skin type.
Verify Your Scalp Condition
A dry scalp that has mild dryness, flakiness, and minor shedding shouldn’t be confused with “true” dandruff.
Your scalp condition will change over time, and many of us will notice a change with the seasons or with other factors in our environment. Often, you’ll notice this type of mild reaction occur during seasonal changes or when you’re exposed to excess heat styling—and you can soothe it simply by dialing back the heat or switching to more hydrating formulas. Dandruff, on the other hand, has a much stronger effect. The scenario of true dandruff can usually be recognized by skin cells falling off in medium to large clumps that are usually a little oily.
Look for Antifungal Ingredients
Common ingredients like pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole and selenium disulfide are antifungal and have shown some good results in reducing dandruff. The length of treatment will vary based on the individual, but if you don’t see any change after several weeks of use, it’s time to book that derm appointment. It’s important to remember that even if you do see improvement, you could experience more flare-ups down the line. Some people may require continual treatment.
Turn to Essential Oils
Aside from smelling good, your favorite essential oils and botanical extracts can go a long way in soothing dandruff symptoms. Rosemary oil, lavender oil, green tea extract, and mangosteen all have great antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Another one ingredient is salicylic acid, which is originally derived from willow bark. The anti-inflammatory is typically used in your favorite acne treatments, but also helps regulate scalp buildup and shedding. The great thing about these ingredients is that they can be used long term, are gentle and can keep dandruff at bay.
Make Time for Deep Treatments
We’d suggest regular deep treatments whether or not you have dandruff—for the simple reason that they’re relaxing and always leave your hair looking and feeling better. But for those that have extra flaking and shedding, scalp oil treatments are a must. While you’re at it, make some time to brush your hair. Brushing helps stimulate the scalp and brings more circulation to the area while also gently exfoliating cell buildup.
Consider a Prescription
In some cases, dandruff may be extreme and persistent enough to warrant a derm prescription (without classifying as seborrheic dermatitis). If nothing OTC seems to work for you, you’ll want to visit a doctor’s office anyway. With medicated solutions, results can be seen relatively quickly—within a week or two. Once the symptoms improve, ask your doctor how to proceed. Some patients with more long-lasting dandruff use a medicated treatment once weekly to keep sebum levels down, alternating it with regular use of a dandruff-friendly shampoo. If necessary, there are steroid shampoos or steroid liquid solutions. These should work within a week.
Once the worst of the symptoms have been treated, proceed with the rest of their expert advice: once-weekly medicated washes, anti-inflammatory shampoos, and plenty of nourishing at-home treatments. Your scalp should revert to its pre-flake state in no time.

Everyone knows at least one woman with seemingly perfect skin. Every time you see her glowing face, you think, Seriously, how does she do it? What kind of magical procedures is she getting? Which expensive creams is she using? Here's the thing: Her secret is simple — she has flawless skin because she's nailed the best daily routine.
Use the correct cleanser for her skin type
For oily or acne prone skin, a salycylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash works great. For dry mature skin, use either a moisturizing glycolic or milky cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser.
Hydrate — in every way possible
A lack of water means less radiance and more sag. Choose products (cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging) that have hydrating formulas. And, of course, drink around eight glasses of water a day.
Maintain a healthy diet
Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid. Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your omega-3, thus increasing your skin's ability to hold onto moisture. And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).
Wear sunscreen 365 days a year — rain or shine
Many people feel they only need to protect themselves on sunny days or when visiting the beach. But the truth is that we need to protect our skin even when we're driving a car, flying in an airplane, or running errands. It's the daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater — and remember that it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.
Exfoliating
We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little extra nudge, they may hang around leaving the skin looking sullen. To fight this, you should choose a product that is pH neutral so it doesn't dry as it exfoliates. And don't just stop with your face — the skin on your body needs exfoliation, too.
Sleep well
It's not just about getting eight hours a night. Skin will also benefit from regularly using clean silk pillowcases. The material glides easily and prevents creasing and wrinkles. Silk is also easier on hair — it helps avoid tangles and breakage.

Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your blood pumping and large muscle groups working. Examples of aerobic exercise include:
brisk walking;
swimming;
heavy cleaning or gardening;
running;
cycling;
playing soccer.
Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Improves cardiovascular health
Aerobic exercise is recommended by most doctors to people with, or at risk for, heart disease. That’s because exercise strengthens your heart and helps it more efficiently pump blood throughout the body.
Lowers blood pressure
Cardiovascular exercise may help you manage symptoms of high blood pressure. That’s because exercise can help lower blood pressure.
Helps regulate blood sugar
Regular physical activity helps regulate insulin levels and lower blood sugar, all while keeping body weight in check. In a study on people with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that any form of movement, either aerobic or anaerobic, may have these effects.
Reduces chronic pain
If you have chronic back pain, cardiovascular exercise — specifically low-impact activities, like swimming or aqua aerobics — may help youTrusted Source get back muscle function and endurance.
Regulates weight
You may have heard that diet and exercise are the building blocks to weight loss. But aerobic exercise alone may hold the power to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Strengthens immune system
Regular and moderate aerobic exercise increases certain antibodies in the blood called immunoglobulins. That ultimately strengthens the immune system.
Improves brain power
Did you know that the brain starts losing tissue after you reach age 30? Scientists have uncovered that aerobic exercise may slow this loss and improve cognitive performance.
Aids sleep
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try cardiovascular exercise during your waking hours. Exercising too close to bedtime may make it more difficult to sleep, however. Try to finish your workout at least two hours before bedtime.

The area around the eye is 40% thinner than the rest of the face, therefore dehydration is more evident, as with other ailments like puffiness, dark circles, lines and wrinkles, as well as other signs of aging.
Up Your Water Intake
Keeping the body hydrated with adequate fluid intake is important for everyone. Whether it's the skin around your eyes, on your hands, neck, face, or any part of the body, hydrating from the inside is just as important—if not more—as moisturizing the surface with creams and serums, so be sure to get your recommended half gallon of water a day.
Steer Clear of Drying Culprits
Sun damage, caffeinated beverages, dehydration, and/or alcohol can make dryness worse, so it’s important to remember to avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and wear sunscreen.
Wear Sunscreen
Hopefully, everyone is wearing SPF every day, as it’s not only a proven defense against sun damage, but skin cancer as well. However, even the most devout sunscreen applier can sometimes neglect important areas, like around the eyes. But don’t forget to carefully dab some sunscreen around your eyes in the morning, and reply throughout the day for optimum coverage.
Use a Humidifier
The skin around the eyes is thinner than other areas of the face and body. This makes the skin more susceptible to external conditions such as low humidity which can lead to dry skin. If you live in a naturally dry climate, or if you notice signs of dryness during windy or winter months, sleeping with a humidifier can add much needed moisture to your skin while you rest.
Reach for the Right Products
Invest in a dedicated eye serum/cream. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin which can moisturize the epidermis to minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Chances are you’ve come across jojoba oil in at least one of your hair products. The natural oil is a popular ingredient because of its numerous properties that are universally beneficial for hair health. While it’s common to find this in the ingredient list of your favorite natural haircare products, it can also be found in prestige brand products. The oil itself is a saving grace for tired strands that need a restorative boost of moisture and nutrients. No matter what your hair woes, jojoba oil has the power to deliver results for nearly all your haircare desires.
It Can Moisturize Hair From the Inside Out
Egyptian jojoba oil is comprised of 97% monounsaturated fats. The other 3% is made up of acids and natural alcohols. Due to its nutrient-rich structure, jojoba may help to moisturize and condition hair by penetrating its outer cuticle.
By applying the oil before shampooing, you create a seal that prevents ingredients like sulfates from stripping your hair of its natural oils. If you apply it to damp hair after washing, you provide substantial moisture to the hair shaft at a time when the hair follicles are at their most permeable.
It Can Maintain Your Scalp's Natural Balance
Science doesn't lie, so when we started investigating jojoba oil, we wanted to break down its molecular composition. The studies and industry experts agree that jojoba oil is almost identical to human sebum. It mimics the oil naturally produced by the sebaceous glands of your skin, making it a reparative ingredient for a compromised moisture barrier. It's fair to say that jojoba delivers hydration to strands without disrupting your scalp's natural pH balance. Similarly, jojoba oil will not cause your scalp to produce more or less of its own oil, so you can expect it to moisturize hair without leaving it overly greasy.
It Can Encourage Hair Growth
All of the fatty acids and natural alcohols found in jojoba provide much-needed nutrition to your hair. The plant contains high concentrations of vitamins B and E, as well as minerals like zinc. These are said to stimulate hair growth while providing antioxidant protection. If you work on strengthening the hair you already have, you can ensure that you are supporting your natural growth cycle.
It Can Repair Damage From Heat and Styling
We can attest to the fact that hair damaged from heat is difficult to work with. Studies have concluded that the heat generated from styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers cause the outer cuticle of the hair to crack. These fractures are the source of split ends and result in hair that is prone to breakage. Jojoba oil does not pe*****te as deeply as other oils, so it will sit on the outer cuticle of each strand and help fill in the cracks. Furthermore, the oil possesses calming properties that condition and soften strands, leaving you with a smooth and silky finish.

Unfortunately, acne and pimples can pop up at any age. Whether it’s your diet, environment or stress that’s to blame, you don’t have to suffer helplessly. Here we share the best tips on how to choose the right acne cleanser ingredients for you, as well as how to use it to get the best results.
First of all, look at the key ingredients. According to the leading dermatologists, the best facial cleansers for acne should have at least one of these key ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Cleansers with these ingredients can pe*****te your pores and eliminate pore-clogging impurities — dead skin cells, makeup, excess oil and bacteria — that irritate skin and make acne worse.
Acne cleansers with these ingredients will gradually unclog pores, reduce the size of existing blackheads and slow or stop the formation of new ones. Benzoyl peroxide is also the best ingredient for treating the acne-causing bacteria called p. acnes. In fact, study after study continues to show that benzoyl peroxide is more effective than prescription topical antibiotics at treating p. acnes.
Meanwhile, salicylic acid, which is derived from willow tree bark, wintergreen oil or sweet birch and occurs naturally in fruits like raspberries, cantaloupe and granny smith apples, works well for most skin types. Aside from being an exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells and other pore-clogging impurities, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to address inflammation, which is thought to be the primary cause of acne.
Glycolic acid is another chemical exfoliant that dissolves the structural lipids that hold dead skin cells and bind them to the surface. But aside from this, studies have also shown that glycolic acid effectively encourages and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, restoring damaged skin faster and reducing signs of environmental damage with continuous use.
It’s not enough to have a facial cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. Half the battle is properly washing your face. First, wet your face with warm water, then lather your cleanser over all of your facial skin. Depending on your skin type, you can use your fingers, an exfoliating cloth or a sonic skin-cleansing brush system. Rinse well with warm water to remove the lather entirely. Some of the important acne cleanser ingredients will stay behind, but the cleanser’s foaming agents, as well as built-up oil, dead cells, products and bacteria, will be rinsed off of your skin.
It is recommended to wash your face twice, morning and evening, to thoroughly cleanse and deliver acne-fighting ingredients to your skin.

Yogurt
Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body. That helps boost your immune system and provides protection against cancer.
Blueberries
Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health.
Walnuts
Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees.
Eggs
A source of high-quality vegetarian protein, eggs might give your meal more staying power too. Egg yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin-two antioxidants that help keep eyes healthy. In fact, mounting research links lutein and zeaxanthin with reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Oats
Oats are a breakfast staple and quite the superfood. Eating more oats is an easy way to up your fiber intake, a nutrient most of us don't get enough of. Fiber is good for our guts and our waistlines and for keeping us full-all very important qualities in a breakfast food. Plus, oats are a whole grain and plain oats don't have any added sugar.
Leafy greens
Whether it’s spinach or kale in their smoothies, big salads at lunch or roasted Brussels sprouts at dinner, greens are on nutritionists’ daily menu. They’re rich in nutrients such as folate, a B vitamin you need for healthy red blood cells, beta-carotene and lutein for healthy eyes, and vitamin K for blood clotting.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to help protect against free radical damage to the nails while deeply hydrating and healing both the plates and the surrounding skin (aka, your cuticles). It's a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in many forms—which means you might already be using it without even realizing it.
There are eight different types of vitamin E—the most popular forms of Vitamin E in skincare is tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate. In addition to hydrating and protecting the nails, vitamin E helps to fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

Benefits of Vitamin E Oil for Nails
It helps maintain healthy nails. Vitamin E oil supplies all the necessary benefits you need to grow healthy and long nails. Vitamin E oil’s moisturizing benefits may also support nail health by preventing cracked cuticles and dry skin around the nail bed.

It can reverse damage on nails. It’s no secret that some nail polish and nail polish remover can be particularly damaging to the nails. Fortunately, vitamin E oil works to repair and protect against damage.

It hydrates your nails. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Vitamin E oil is super hydrating. Just like your skin, your nails need moisture to stay good looking and strong. Vitamin E is a soluble nutrient, which increases moisture to the nail bed and the skin around the nails to rejuvenate and restore dry cuticles.

It boosts nutrients to the nails. Since vitamin E oil is a form of vitamin, it naturally nourishes the nails. Nails are created by keratin dead cells. To produce healthy strong nails, your keratin dead cells need to receive a regular amount of blood supply that contain vital nutrients. Vitamin E helps to provide your blood with the right amount of nutrients, able to deliver steady growth of all nail’s components.

It protects your nails. Remember: Since vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, it protects against free radical damage on your nails.

Vitamin E can be applied to the nails twice a day—morning and night. It should be lightly applied as an oil to the cuticles and nails or all over the hands and nails in the form of a hand cream. Works well with olive, coconut, and jojoba oils. Don't use with statins, anticoagulants, niacin, or certain chemotherapy drugs.

Did you know that swimming is one of the best aerobic exercises? Or that it can slow down your aging process?
Swimming for Weight loss
It has been found that an hour of vigorous swimming can burn around 715 calories. Swimming involves your activity for your different body parts like legs, arms, back, stomach, etc. Thus it is a great aerobic workout for your entire body to provide amazing muscle strength. In fact, according to the researchers at Indiana University, swimmers of all ages had more lean muscle and trimmer waists and hips.
Swimming Helps in Distressing
No matter if you’re fit or not fit, a regular 30 mins of swimming session can make you go stress-free to the core. So be it the workload at the office or the personal drama going around, a dive in the pool can take the stress load off your shoulders.
Swimming can help you fight diseases
Swimming benefits your body by giving you a cardiovascular workout. If you are not the gym type person at all, just be a little pool type and get your daily doses of cardiovascular activity and lower the risks of diseases like heart problems, type 2 diabetes as well as strokes.
Safe during pregnancy
Swimming is a recommended form of exercise for pregnant people. Added weight can cause joint and muscle pain during pregnancy. Swimming is especially popular with pregnant people because the water can support this weight. This helps to feel more comfortable while staying fit.
Improves your sleep
Swimming may have the power to help you sleep better at night. In a studyTrusted Source on older adults with insomnia, participants reported both a boost in quality of life and sleep after engaging in regular aerobic exercise. Swimming is accessible to a wide range of people who deal with physical issues that make other exercises, like running, less appealing. That can make swimming a good choice for older adults looking to improve their sleep.

It turns out there are quite a few vitamins for the hair you're likely to find in products designed to improve its look—and they can easily be incorporated into your hair-care routine.

B3 (NIACIN)
Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin or niacinamide, if you’re checking the label on your hair products. A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) tested the topical application of two niacin derivatives—octyl nicotinate and tetradecyl nicotinate—and found that these derivatives demonstrated a significant increase in the appearance of hair fullness in female alopecia.
Aside from hair fullness, another study from the NCBI found a leave-on technology containing niacinamide resulted in increased hair suppleness and a better ability to withstand force without breaking.

B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)
Also called panthenol or pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is another hair vitamin worth taking note of. According to the NCBI, pantothenic acid has been studied for its ability to help prevent early hair graying, restore natural hair color, encourage proper hair growth, and give hair moisture.

B9 (FOLIC ACID)
Another B vitamin, B9 (also referred to as folate or folic acid) is also a key hair vitamin. Folates help with stimulating the hair follicle cells and regulating sebum gland function, according to the NCBI.

VITAMIN E
Next on your hair vitamin list is vitamin E—more specifically, tocopherol, which is part of the vitamin E family. Per an NCBI study, this type of vitamin E is found in Moroccan argan oil, which is known for its ability to keep the hair moisturized.