For most men, maintaining a high quality physical appearance is something they work very hard at. There are a number of factors that have to be considered when trying to get the right look.

One of the biggest problems men face as they age is losing their hair. There are a number of different causes for this, and some of them can be prevented. The more you are able to find out about what is causing your problem, the easier you will find to regain your look and confidence. Here are a few causes for losing your hair.

One of the biggest problems men face as they begin to age is baldness. (Photo: iStock)

Wearing styles that are too tight

One of the first causes for losing your hair is wearing hairstyles that put pressure on the scalp. Things like corn rows or braids can put a lot of pressure on your scalp, and they can be very hard on the hair. You need to try to find a way to change up your hair styles so you can reverse the balding trend. The more you are able to do to prevent this from happening, the easier you will find it.

Hypothyroidism

Another very common cause of losing your hair is a condition called hypothyroidism. This can affect a number of different aspects of your life, and if left untreated can be very harmful to your health. As soon as you start to notice you are having symptoms, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor. The faster you are able to have this condition diagnosed and treated, the easier you will find it to keep your hair and your health.

It’s a genetic thing

Another very common cause of hair loss is purely genetic and usually cannot be helped by conventional methods. The more you are able to learn about why you are going bald, the easier it will be to get some type of treatment. By finding professionals who have the right experience, you will be able to get the advice and treatments you need to keep your look the way you want it. The time and effort that goes into finding the right professionals will be more than worth it in the end. Be sure to research all of the clinics in your area to get an idea on what you have available to you.

At hairfreeclinics.com, you will be able to get the help you need. They have been in the business for a while and help will hair loss problems.

Article by Edwin Smith

These days I’m as concerned with staving off the signs of encroaching age as the next senescent Gen-Xer, but I want to maintain my youthful appearance without resorting to surgery or Botox injections for as long as possible. In my tireless research on the subject I’ve discovered the numerous benefits of various non-invasive skin care treatments that rejuvenate aging skin. Of course, my interest was piqued when I learned of a face-lift facial massage system put together by a licensed massage therapist here in D.C.

(Photo: ellecanada.com)

Combining the elements of three anti-aging massage methods that she’s studied, Lisa Schumacher of Balancentering has created a powerful anti-aging treatment that she calls Saving Face. I tried it out for myself and was surprised that I could see results (modest but noticeable) after just one treatment.

Saving Face blends the best of the Bellanina facelift massage method, the Burnham system of facial rejuvenation and traditional facial micro cupping. Each method brings specific benefits to your skin, and each one produces a distinctive feeling as it’s being performed.

The treatment

After gently cleansing my skin, Schumacher began the treatment with the light touch of the soothing yet energizing Burnham system. Developed by Dr. Linda Burnham, a naturopathic physician, this massage focuses on 12 major nerve points in the face and head. Following a carefully planned sequence (named the “butterfly sequence”) of patterned strokes and manipulation of pressure points, the nerve centers of the head are activated and healing energy is released throughout the body. Based in reflexology and nerve rejuvenation, the Burnham method awakens the body’s inner healing and rejuvenation.

Micro cupping was next. Many of you are no doubt familiar with cupping — a traditional Chinese treatment for various ailments that involves the application of glass cups to the skin. The suction creates a gentle vacuum that stimulates the lymphatic drainage and eliminates toxins. The same principles apply to facial micro cupping, but obviously the cups used are much smaller. And fear not, the micro-cups will leave nary a red mark on your face.

Micro cups for facial massage (Photo: beautifulonraw.com)

Facial micro cupping is popular in Europe and Asia, with good reason. It fights the signs of aging by improving circulation, reducing puffiness by draining stagnant fluids and toxins, and improving skin tone and texture. It supposedly works wonders in controlling acne and rosacea as well. It also relaxes tight facial and neck muscles, and softens the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment was comfortable — as its name implies, tiny “micro” cups that were used exerted extremely gentle pressure on the skin. At a few points along my jaw line the pressure intensified, which, as Schumacher explained, were areas of stagnation. She even worked around my eyes, which showed markedly reduced puffiness post-treatment

Facial micro-cupping (Photo: Christine Byer)

Now, on to the Bellanina facelift massage, which concluded the treatment. Created by aesthetician and massage therapist Nina Howard, this technique is based on the principles of acupressure and lymphatic drainage massage. It stimulates the metabolic processes to improve facial circulation and strengthen capillaries, cleanse the lymph system and clear the skin.  Pressing facial acupressure points activates the flow of  “qi” (life force or energy) throughout the body’s various meridians, which over time can result in firmer, clearer and more vibrant skin.

The massage was preceded by a deeply relaxing application of warm towels suffused in aromatherapy essences to open the pores and hydrate the skin. I must note that the botanically-based Bellanina skin care products used throughout the treatment were wonderful, and the facial finished with an application of the Bellanina signature Honeylift masque that left my skin feeling smooth and well, lifted.

The entire Saving Face facial lasted about an hour and 10 minutes and included a fabulous hand and foot massage as well. Although I saw an improvement in skin tone and lift around my eyes, you typically need at least four to six treatments for more lasting results. According to Schumacher, this treatment is perfect for people in their 30s and 40s who are starting to combat the first signs of aging. It can help you maintain your youthful complexion and hopefully, hold off on going under the knife indefinitely.

To learn more about facial rejuvenation massage contact Lisa Schumacher, LMT at www.balancentering.com or 202-244-9588.

As the weather warms, protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects such as wrinkles, discoloration and sagging.

You know you need sunscreen. But with so many lotions, sprays and gels to choose from, how do you know which sunblock will actually prevent sunburns — and skin cancer? When it comes to shielding your skin from the sun, the type of sunscreen you choose is as important as how you use it.

Sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B protection and an SPF30 or greater applied liberally and every 30 minutes will help protect from sunburn, skin cancer, aging, spots and wrinkles. (Corbis)

“Many people blame their sunscreen when they get sunburned,” says Dr. Susan Y. Chon, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas. “But the problem usually isn’t the sunscreen. It’s that the user isn’t reading the label and applying the sunscreen properly.”

A daily sunscreen is truly not a bad idea. Many cosmetics have sunscreen built into them, which can be helpful with busy schedules. Before heading outdoors, follow these tips to maximize your sunscreen’s protection.

Get UV-A and UV-B protection

Always opt for a sunscreen that provides both UV-A and UV-B protection. This way, you’ll protect your skin from ultraviolet-B (UV-B) rays, which cause sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UV-A) rays that increase your risk for skin cancer and cause wrinkling, aging and spots.

Also make sure the sunscreen you choose contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help to block both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Choose SPF 30 or higher

Always use a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher. The SPF in your sunscreen absorbs and reflects the sun’s rays so they don’t burn or damage your skin.

Keep in mind, though, that higher isn’t that much better when it comes to SPF numbers. Here’s why: SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. So while SPF 30 absorbs 97 percent of the sun’s burning rays, SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more — 98 percent.

Apply sunscreen early — and liberally

You should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun.

Your skin can take up to a half-hour to absorb sunscreen. So, plan ahead and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.

And, don’t skimp on the sunscreen. “Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen,” Chon says. “For sunscreen to do its job effectively, you should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun.” That includes your ears, feet and back of the neck.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours

Forget all-day protection. Sunscreen wears off after just a couple of hours. So, make sure you lather on another golf ball-sized glob every two hours.

In some cases, you should reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes. Do this if you’re:

• Using a spray sunscreen. It needs to be reapplied more often because it washes off more easily.
• Swimming or sweating. Water, snow and sand can intensify the sun’s rays and cause a greater burn.

Don’t rely on sunscreen alone

For added protection, wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, a tightly woven hat with a wide brim and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.

Unfortunately, sunscreen can’t completely prevent sunburns, blisters and skin cancer. But you can give your skin some added protection by wearing:

• lip balm with SPF 30 or higher
• a tightly woven hat with a wide brim
• wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection
• a tightly woven, dark long-sleeved shirt or special sun-protective clothing

 
You also can protect your skin by seeking shade from the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That’s when the sun’s harmful UV rays are strongest.

“Remember, no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection from the sun,” Chon says. “But by taking these added precautions and taking the time to apply — and reapply — sunscreen properly, you can greatly curb your chances for sunburns and skin cancer.”

Guest post by Tara Doshier

Ok, so I will admit it. I have spent the better part of the past two decades in tanning beds and worshiping the sun! It just always made me feel good for some reason. I guess if you are completely oblivious to skin cancer and aging skin (as most of us are in our teens and 20s), then it makes sense to do whatever you must to have that summer glow pretty much all year long … for 15 years!

Then, after two pregnancies and (gasp!) reaching my 30s, I started to notice changes in my skin. First, my skin just seemed dryer than usual, which is fairly easy to repair. Then, I started to notice a few dark spots … I’m guessing from sun damage and pregnancy hormones. And, finally, the fine lines started to kick in. That is when I started looking to reverse the damage … frantically! I made an appointment with a dermatologist who prescribed Retin A in combination with my regular skin care routine. I was not thrilled with this because of the price and because I would have to have regular appointments … this mom of two hardly has time to get a haircut so I didn’t see that happening.

Help I Need an Answer!

That is when I noticed a post on a friend’s Facebook page about Rodan and Fields. We got in touch, and when I found out that these were the doctors who created Proactiv, and that they had skin care regimens specifically formulated for MY skin concerns, I was sold! And then, when my friend told me that the line was originally sold in high end retail stores and was actually the number one clinical brand at Nordstrom, I was even more intrigued. She told me that the doctors made a decision a few years ago to leave retail and go into direct sales, and that she was lucky enough to get in on the ground floor of this new business. Now, I had considered some direct sales opportunities in recent years because I am a stay-at-home mom and would really love to contribute financially to my family during these tough economic times. However, I did not like the idea of having home parties on weeknights and weekends that would ultimately take time away from my family. My friend explained that Rodan and Fields is not a home parties company and better yet, customers order straight from the website so consultants do not stock inventory or have to hassle with returns/exchanges, etc.

The Best Skin and Job of My Life

I immediately saw the potential of this opportunity and jumped in with both feet! Because my family lives solely on my husband’s income, I was comforted by the fact that all products (even the business kits) come with a 60-day, empty bottle guarantee. I was able to make back my investment in my first full month in the business, and my goal is to replace my pre-baby income in my first six months. I know that it’s attainable because I am watching team members do this and more every single day! I am blessed to be on the fastest growing team in the company and have access to some of the very best training. So, if you are interested in having the best skin of your life, (Which by the way, I do! The dark spots have faded and I am already noticing amazing results.), or if you want more information about this amazing opportunity contact me soon! Remember, this is GROUND FLOOR … why not be the first in your market to get a chunk of the billion dollar anti-aging market? Check me out on Facebook!

These are a few of the publications that have featured various products including a couple of segments from the Today Show. I mean, if Oprah and her people love it … it HAS to be good, right?

SAVINGS ALERT: I will waive the $20 enrollment fee for the first five preferred customers who “Subscribe” to  DC on Heels on their  homepage or leave a comment below! Tell me about your skin quest, I’d love to know!

Article by: Tara Doshier, R+F Independent Consultant

Tara Doshier (pictured left)