Solutions for Yellow Nails
Q: I want to switch to a sheer nail polish for summer, but my nails are yellow. What’s going on, and what can I do?
A: While they’re not attractive, yellow nails are most often harmless. Here are some common causes and solutions:
Dark nail polishes, such as red, deep purple, and the ever-popular black, can stain your natural nails, leaving them a dingy yellow color even after you’ve removed the polish itself. The longer you leave your polish on, the greater the risk of staining, even if you use a base coat. Lighter polishes can also stain your nails after a few weeks, so it’s a good idea to change your polish every week or two (don’t just add more polish on top), and always apply a base coat first to protect your nails. If the staining is severe, a manicurist can gently buff off the stain, although doing this too frequently can make your nails thin and weak. The good news is that if the staining is caused by polish, the discoloration will eventually grow out with the nail.
Fungus infections can also turn nails yellow. However, often only a few nails are affected, at least at first, and they’re usually thick and crumbly. A dermatologist can do a simple, painless fungal culture to test for infection.
Psoriasis can cause yellow-brown discolored nails, although the discoloration is often accompanied by other nail changes, like lifting of the nail plate, as well as psoriasis rashes on the skin itself.
Yellow nails can also be associated with chronic lung disease — an uncommon condition called yellow nail syndrome, which produces thick, slow-growing, yellow nails on the fingers and toes. The discoloration usually resolves if the lung disease is successfully treated.
How to Tip for Beauty Services
Today is my sister Tina’s birthday, and as a busy mom of two, she doesn’t have much time to herself, so I’m going to treat her to a day of beauty, including hair, nail, and massage services. This got me thinking about the subject of tipping. For help on figuring out what’s customary and fair, I asked some salon and spa owners for their advice. Here’s the scoop:
How much? Of course, this depends on how happy you are with the service. Just remember that many stylists and beauty technicians depend on tips to make a decent wage. So if you are happy, a tip of 15 to 20 percent (before sales tax) is appropriate. You may add a little more if the stylist was especially attentive or if your service was really time-consuming (for example if your toenails hadn’t been clipped in weeks).
Who to tip? The gratuity goes to the person who provides the main service, whether it’s a haircut, color, mani/pedi, massage, or facial. If an assistant washes your hair, an additional tip of $2 (or even $5 in larger cities) is appreciated, although once I didn’t tip an assistant who splashed soapy water in my eyes and ears. If the owner of the salon performs your service, tipping is optional, although many customers do tip as a courtesy.
When to tip? It’s usually best to tip after the service is done. However, if you don’t want to smudge your manicure, you may want to pay and tip in advance — especially if you’re a regular and are familiar with the service. Otherwise, keep the tip money (or your credit card) in a spot that’s easy to get to with freshly painted nails. Some salons don’t allow you to add the tip to the credit card bill, so if this is the case be sure to take some cash.
Hydrate Your Skin From Within
By Dr. Jessica Wu
I’m on an airplane once or twice a month, and all that flying can really dehydrate my skin, so I’ve made a conscious effort to drink more water. However, as I’ve written before, I don’t like the taste of water (or lack thereof). In fact, my staff used to call me the desert rat because I could go all day without a sip. This year, I made a resolution to drink more water, and so far I think I’m doing a pretty good job (and my skin looks better). If you fly frequently, live in a dry climate, or just want plumper skin, remember to stay hydrated. Here are some of my tricks to making water more tasty:
Add fruit. Slice some lemons or cucumbers into a pitcher of water so you’ll always have a tasty cold drink. If you don’t have a fridge at work, or you’re always on the go, put half a lemon or orange in a Ziploc bag, and squeeze a few drops of fresh juice into your water bottle now and then.
Have a “cocktail.” Sweet, candy-colored cocktails go down easily, but alcohol can end up dehydrating you. When I’m out with friends, I try to have just one real cocktail — then I switch to cranberry and club soda. I love the bubbles, and it’s more fun to drink than just plain water. (This is also a great option if you’re the designated driver for the night.)
Make tea. Many teas contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, meaning it flushes water from your body. While this can be helpful when you’re bloated, too much caffeine can dehydrate you, making your cheeks look drawn and your wrinkles more prominent. Instead, drink caffeine-free or herbal teas, such as chamomile and mint. At Starbucks, choose iced herbal tea instead of Frappuccinos.
All Natural Skin Care Tip
Great suggestion from Kristen for natural simple skin care. Read about her natural skin care tip.
What simple tips do you use? Please share in comments below.
bluebasins on TV!! Well kinda…
Hi everyone,
Check out this video with our bluebasins products shown on etalk! Kinda… It originally aired on Friday but I saw it at 1:37am Saturday while I was kind of sleeping on my couch, but when I saw this I jumped up with excitement! bluebasins’ part starts at the 7 minute mark!
Enjoy!
Soybeans Can Provide Safer Sunscreens
Say goodbye to that petroleum based sunscreen lotion and get ready to grab a bottle of a more natural sun-protecting product, which is made of soybean oil.
Scientists have developed a new method for converting soybean oil into a highly effective bio-based sunscreen active ingredient, called feruloyl soy glycerides (FSG), which does not carry the potential health concerns of ingredients in some existing sunscreens.
The new, natural sunscreen agent could replace petroleum-derived ingredients in a variety of personal-care products.
Dr. Joseph Laszlo, who headed the research, pointed out that sales of sunscreens and other skin-care products that protect against the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light have been booming.
However, concerns have arisen over certain ingredients in today’s mainstay sunscreens.
“One, for instance, is a substance known as oxybenzone that is a suspected hormone disruptor that could contribute to the disruption of aquatic species reproduction. We”re trying to provide nature-inspired skin-care materials that avoid such health concerns and at the same time have fewer adverse environmental impacts,” said Laszlo.
Sunscreens are among the substances, termed “pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs),” that constitute a relatively new family of water contaminants with potential adverse health effects on wildlife and people.
Sunscreens protect against skin cancer by shielding the body from two types of UV light. One is UV-A, which absorbs deep in the skin and is linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The other is UV-B, which causes sunburn.
Some sunscreen ingredients generate ROS when exposed to UV-A, which can damage DNA. For a long time, the sunscreen industry focused on offering UV-B protection to prevent sunburn.
The researchers have developed technology for converting soybean oil into a biobased active ingredient for sunscreen products. It involves incorporating ferulic acid, found naturally in hundreds of plants, into soybean oil.
The use of ferulic acid along with vegetable oil produces a water-resistant material capable of absorbing both UV- A and UVB light. It can also be used as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle product, Laszlo said.
FSG is produced commercially by iSoy Technologies Corporation and used in several cosmetic products in the U.S. and Asia.
“The skin ages not just from exposure to the sun but also from air pollutants and other environmental effects. We believe that this molecule (ferulic acid) could prevent some of the damage caused by the free-radical processes involved in those environmental exposures. That’s particularly important for preserving the integrity and health of skin tissue. The approach builds on knowledge that antioxidants consumed in the diet or applied topically can prevent some of that damage,” said Laszlo.
“Our findings support the hypothesis that FSG can protect sensitive cellular components and reduce the impacts of skin sun exposure. Our work also demonstrates how agricultural materials can be used to craft safe and useful consumer products,” he said.
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Source
The Pros’ Guide to Pampering – Real Simple Magazine
From the Editors of Real Simple Magazine
Perhaps no month begs for the spa experience more than February. Before you grab your coat, here’s what top beauty experts do at home to look and feel better.
* Hair moisturizing mask: To get her hair looking soft and shiny, Ji Baek, owner of the Rescue Beauty Lounges in New York City, wets her head and applies a handful of hair mask cream that’s rich in shea butter, avocado and organic essential oils. Next, Baek wraps her hair in a plastic bag for 20 minutes (heat helps masks penetrate deeply into the hair shafts), then rinses.
* Pore-purifying facial: Los Angeles makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian loves to give her face a deep cleansing. Chang-Babaian takes a warm shower then uses an electric facial steamer (available at beauty-supply stores) to begin unclogging pores (putting your face over a pot of steaming water for five minutes will also work). She applies a purifying mask with marine clay to dislodge oil and debris.
* Tall drink for really dry skin: When her skin is feeling tight and moisture-sapped, Ashunta Sheriff, a New York City makeup artist, rubs a freshly cut lemon half over her complexion (the fruit’s natural acids remove flakes and smooth skin), then steams her skin over a pot of warm water. Next, Sheriff slathers her face and neck with extra-virgin organic coconut oil.
* Beneficial brush-up: Persephenie Lea, the Los Angeles-based creator of Persephenie Studio, a line of body-care goods and custom perfumes, dry-brushes her skin before her morning shower. “It helps increase circulation, sloughs away dead cells and makes my skin look healthier,” says Lea. Starting at the soles of her feet and working up, she uses a soft-bristled body brush and long, smooth strokes, taking care to avoid sensitive areas and broken skin.
* Hand and foot healer: When manicurist Elisa Ferri finds her feet feeling rough, she uses a coarse emery board to smooth them, then massages with a thick salve containing petrolatum and lanolin to hydrate skin. She slips on a pair of cotton socks and pads around the house while the product goes to work. When Ferri’s hands and cuticles are dry, she applies olive oil.
* Head-to-toe works: Teddi Cranford, a hairstylist for Bumble and Bumble in New York City, exfoliates with a scrub for the face and another for the body. Cranford then draws a bath and adds Epsom salts and a long pour of olive oil. While Cranford soaks, she combs a treatment through her hair.
* Sleep-inducing soak: Makeup artist Helen Macaulay slips into a steaming bath after a long day on her feet. She adds several drops of relaxing essential oils (available at health-food stores), like jasmine, rose and neroli. “After bathing, I slather my skin in sweet-almond oil,” she says.
Copyright 2010 Time Inc. REAL SIMPLE is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Used by permission.
Check out some of bluebasins bath & body’s natural skin care products:
Essential Oils for Pain Relief
By Shellie Enteen, BA, LMT
It is safe to say that a great number of clients come to massage seeking relief from muscle and joint pain. Many will also be suffering from stress and need to relax. Others may be athletic or high-powered performers who want pain relief without becoming tired or drowsy.
Essential oils can address all of these areas and add a pleasing fragrant dimension to your therapeutic work.
The most famous essential oil for pain relief and relaxation is lavender (Lavandula officinalis, L angustifolia, L vera.) Distilled from the flowering tops, the best lavender oil comes from Bulgaria, France, England, Yugoslavia and Tasmania, though it can be grown all over the world. Lavender Vera is grown in higher altitudes, which produces more esters and a finer scent. Lavender has a long list of applications for skin; because of its anti-inflammatory and cell regenerating properties, it is one of the only essential oils that can be applied neat, or undiluted, to the skin.
Lavender is also antimicrobial, anti-infectious and antiseptic, making it effective in the treatment of wounds and as a frontline defense against respiratory infection. It is tonic to the cardiovascular and digestive systems, lowers blood pressure and helps thin the blood due to the presence of coumarins. Lavender is indicated for muscle spasm, sprain, strain, cramp, contracture and rheumatic pain. It is sedative to the central nervous system and relieves headache, nervous tension, and insomnia; it can also help balance mood swings. Spiritually, lavender is said to balance the physical, astral and etheric planes.
Because of lavender’s many therapeutic properties, if aromatherapists were stranded on a desert island with only one essential oil, many would hope it was lavender (it also takes the itch out of insect bites and helps heal sunburn!) But what other essential oils can be called in to use here in civilization? What should you use if your client does not want the deep relaxation or sleep-inducing effect of lavender, or if they have a tendency toward lowered metabolism or low blood pressure? What if they need to relax because they are about to take an exam, give a presentation or walk down the aisle? It’s a good idea to ask the client who indicates a need to relax what their stress is about and what life circumstances may be contributing to their pain cycle. This will help you select an essence that is most appropriate for their needs. Also keep in mind that when too much lavender is used it takes on the stimulating effect of a cup of espresso, so it is good for both you and your client to vary the relaxing, pain-relieving blend.
We’ll begin with an exploration of aromatherapy for pain and stress, and profile some other sedative oils. Space allows for a partial list of the properties; consult The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual, Vols. I and II by Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay, and others for more information on each essence.
When you want slightly less sedation but powerful pain relief, there is another type of lavender, Lavandula latifolia, L. spica, or Spike Lavender. A hybrid of lavender officinalis and latifolia, Lavandin, Lavandula-super is less expensive and often used to adulterate true lavender but is still a powerful antispasmodic well-suited for muscular, respiratory and circulatory problems, and not as a sedative for the mind.
Moving away from the lavenders altogether, other pain relieving sedative oils are chamomile (Roman, Anthemis nobilis and German, Marticaria recutita), Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), helichrysum (H. angustifolium), sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana), sandalwood (Santalum album) and vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides).
Chamomile is a highly effective anti-inflammatory. It eases headache, neuralgia, dull muscle and low back pain, and TMJ syndrome. It relieves dysmenorrhea, PMS and stress that manifests as digestive symptoms.
Clary sage (not to be confused with sage, Salvia officinalis) is considered mildly intoxicating and euphoric, and should be used in small quantities and preferably not before an evening of cocktails, as it augments the effects of alcohol. Apart from this, the ability of Clary sage to relieve spasm, muscle ache and cramping makes it extremely useful in massage. It is a digestive aid and can be blended effectively with chamomile for tension and discomfort due to PMS and dysmennorhea.
Along with lavender, Clary sage is one of the essences chosen to ease labor. It is also associated with dreams and increased inner vision.
Helichrysum has a long history as anointing oil, but well deserves an honored place in therapeutic massage. With many of the properties of lavender, helichrysum is also indicated for bruising and burns, depression, shock and phobia, and is helpful in detoxification from drugs and nicotine. Helichrysum is said to improve the flow along the meridians and to increase spiritual awareness.
Sweet marjoram is highly sedative. It relieves pain, stiffness, sprain, spasm, neuromuscular contractions and is indicated for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea and migraine. It has a powerful effect on the mind and emotions, relieving deep trauma, grief and heartache.
Sandalwood, well known in Ayurvedic treatment and as incense, also relieves muscle spasm and is helpful in treating sciatica and lymph congestion. It is tonic in the cardiovascular and digestive systems and relieves depression, insomnia, obsession, grief and aggression. Sandalwood opens the mind to spiritual connection and grounds this awareness in the material world.
Vetiver is interesting because it relieves arthritis, muscle ache, pain, sprain and stiffness, but increases venous circulation to help detoxification of tissues. It is said to balance the central nervous system and is grounding and revitalizing, while relieving insomnia, tension and depression.
Apart from lavender, all of the sedative essences listed are pretty potent and require few drops in a blend. The flower essences: rose, jasmine, neroli and ylang ylang, relieve anxiety and have properties that induce relaxation and pain relief.
The citrus oils: sweet orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine and Mandarin, reduce tension and instill courage and optimism. Flower and citrus oils blend well with the other sedative oils and add their own dimensions to the therapeutic experience.
If you have a great pain relief or relaxing blend and want to share it, please contact me. In the next Aromatic Message, we’ll look at some of the less sedative and stimulating oils for pain relief.
An Apple a Day to Keep the Wrinkles Away?
Can Apple Extracts Give You Younger, Smoother Skin?
by Dr. Jessica Wu
Did you know that apples are good for more than eating? It turns out that an apple a day may help keep the wrinkles away. According to Swiss researchers, an extract from a rare apple found in a remote part of Switzerland has been shown to have potential anti-aging benefits. This variety of apple, called Uttwiler Spatlauber, was cultivated in the 18th century, long before the appearance of crispers and modern farming techniques. It was a popular fruit back then because it could be stored for a long period of time 
without spoiling. Some of these apple trees are still being grown in Switzerland, and researchers believe that the fruit’s longevity and resistance to spoiling result from the apple tree’s unusually long-living stem cells.
Recently, scientists have shown that an extract containing plant stem cells from the leaves of this apple tree could stimulate the production of human stem cells. In another study, subjects who applied a cream containing the apple extract saw an 8 percent reduction in their crow’s-feet after two weeks, and a 15 percent reduction after four weeks. While these initial studies are promising, I’m waiting to see more research before recommending skin creams containing this ingredient.
Apples also contain a compound called malic acid, which is related to glycolic acid. Malic and glycolic acids are alpha hydroxy acids, which help “unglue” dead skin cells and loosen clogged pores. This is why alpha hydroxy acids are popular in acne treatments. Malic acid tends to be less irritating than glycolic acid, so it may be a better option if you have sensitive skin. Malic acid has been popular in Asia for years; you can find it in M2 Skin Refinish serum, which contains both malic and mandelic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that’s derived from bitter almonds (m2skincare.com).
Gifts that Bloom – Aromatherapy Lavender Garden Kit
We saw this online and thought what a wonderful gift idea! It’s from a company called Gifts that Blooms.
Aromatherapy Lavender Garden
Create a warm and invigorating scent throughout your home with the lavender plant aroma from this complete Aromatherapy Garden. Carefully selected rich, aromatic lavender seeds. These flowers are rich in essential oils, which can be used to make potpourri and cosmetics. Complete Garden Kit includes easy grow seeds, enriched soil & nutrient mix and a leak-proof growing container. Just add water and sunlight to enjoy.
Grow a miniature garden inside these 3.75″ tall x 3″ diameter cardboard growing containers. Everything is included inside: leak-proof liner cup, enriched nutrient soil mix, and premium seeds. Simply Open the Lid – Pour Out the Contents – and Add Water and Sunlight, to create your own lovely miniature garden.
These complete garden kits can be started indoors during all four seasons. Available in various attractive designs. Makes a wonderfully unique gift, and perfect addition to any gift basket
