10 Stress-Relief Tips for a Stress-Free 2012

With  New Years resolutions still fresh in most of our minds, then we wanted to take advantage and give you a little helping hand and advice on how to manage stress, at work and in your personal life.  One of the things we all need to do is to recognise the signs of stress and do something about them early, before they take their toll. I was really interested to read about the case of  Lloyds CEO, Antonio Horta-Osorio having to take time off due to insomnia caused by over work – basically, stress! Luckily, Mr Horta-Osorio did something about it and is now back at work, fully fit according to his doctor. Here’s hoping that he will recognise the signs of stress earlier when they occur in the future and not end up in the same state again.  Below are some fantastic and practical  stress-relief tips that should help ensure that 2012 is as stress-free as possible:

Disconnect
Being connected 24/7 isn’t really necessary. One of the simplest ways to restore a little serenity in the midst of a hectic week is to turn off the phone. Unplug your land line after dinner or turn off your work blackberry too. You’d be surprised how simply turning off the ringer and your emails can bring instant calm

Ask for help
When things pile up and you are feeling stressed out, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, and when it’s offered don’t knock it back. Accept any offers of assistance; a helping hand makes life a whole lot easier.

Plan ahead
Take ten minutes on a Sunday night to plan your week ahead. Get out the diary and pencil in your plans. Staying on top of your week can stop stress before it happens.

Streeeeetch

If you work in an office every day then make sure you take time out to do some nifty little desk exercises which should help posture, relieve tension and de-stress:  http://www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk/deskercises.html

Declutter and Get Organised
De-clutter and organise your home and/or office. When your home is cluttered and disorganised, you tend to feel cluttered and disorganised on the inside, causing you more stress

Just say no!

Decide on your priorities and stick to them. Trying to do too much is a great way to build up stress, so don’t be afraid to say no every now and again, and again (if needed).

Lose the alarm

Try going to bed an hour earlier during stressful days (write down your worries first so you don’t toss and turn). You probably won’t need your alarm if you do this – you may even develop this into a healthy new habit! The alarm clock can be very stressful. A lot of us wake up and calculate how many more hours of sleep we have, or we wake up a bit too early and dread the sound we know is coming. So lose the alarm. If you have to use one, get the kind that plays soothing nature sounds or music.

Engage your mind.
Most people stop learning and reading after college (or kids, mortgage, whatever). Mental health and longevity studies consistently show that humans who engage their minds with activities like puzzles, reading, art, travel, new hobbies, and languages are happier, healthier, and live longer. This is your one, precious life – make the most of it! It doesn’t matter if you’re a lousy painter or can barely catch the ball. If you like it, do it.

Do something healthy for yourself
That could mean taking the stairs once a day instead of the escalators or lift, picking one day a week to have a salad for lunch, or eating fresh fruit instead of chocolate. What’s the overall effect on your health? Maybe not much, but small steps lead to bigger ones, and doing something simple for your body is the best way to start

Prank it out.

Laughter is an instant cure for stress. We all know this, but we often fail to take advantage of it. There’s no limit to how much fun you can have, and people don’t have enough! No one’s watching and waiting to criticize you for laughing too much (honest). So find the child in you and play some pranks or splash out on a visit to the local comedy store.

For further information on our stress management workshops, please visit:  http://www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk

Tags: de-stress, manage stress, stress, stress advice, stress free, stress management, stress relief, stress relief tips

7 Little Healthy Changes to Make this New Year

Happy New Year!  Having spent most of the Christmas period face down in the Quality Street tin then we thought we would offer some healthy 2012 nutrition tips that you can keep all year and not just for January.   Rather than making promises you can’t keep, why not decide that 2012 is going to be a year with NO DIETS AND NO FOOD RULES? That way you can’t fail.

Instead try to accommodate these 7 little changes as often as possible into your daily life, that will make you feel  great, all year long.

 1. Eat what’s in season Eating according to what’s in season will give you a multitude of benefits:

• Seasonal foods tastes better
• They are often cheaper as they are usually produced locally.
• Eating seasonal foods helps us to stay in harmony with nature and the environment. This enables us to adapt better to the changes in season and therefore stay healthy.
• Locally-grown seasonal foods also contain higher levels of essential nutrients, especially the ones we particularly need at that time of year.

2. Eat bright coloured fruit and vegetables To give you the widest range of health-promoting

phytonutrients to support health and happiness, aim to eat at least 5 different colours every day:

• Red foods such as tomatoes, radishes, red peppers, strawberries and cherries are a good source of Vitamin C. They are especially good for bones, teeth, skin and adrenal glands.
• Orange foods such as oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins are full of carotenoids and act as protection against free-radical damage
• Yellow foods such as bananas, lemons, melons, butternut squashes contain lutein, and help to support metabolism and increase energy.
• Green foods such as broccoli, spinach, avocado, kale, green beans, apples are rich in B vitamins and chlorophyll, which supports heart health and improve our mood.
• Purple foods such as beetroots, red cabbage, red onions and especially berries like blueberries, blackberries and blackberries contain anthro cyanins, which support cognitive function and brain health.

3. Eat mindfully to increase your enjoyment of your food and improve absorption of essential nutrients

• Eat only when you are physically hungry and don’t use food as a substitute when what you really need is a rest, a walk, a hug, a cry or simply a glass of water.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly and really tasting your food to stimulate natural digestive enzymes.
• Stop eating as soon as you are full. You can eat again as soon as you are hungry, so don’t feel the need to stock up on extra food to satisfy possible future hungers.
• Avoid eating whilst reading, working, watching TV, arguing, etc.
• Drink 2 litres of water daily, but avoid drinking whilst eating to prevent digestive enzymes being diluted.

4. Eat real food 

• Eat foods that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature
• Don’t eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognise as food
• Avoid foods that have any form of sugar or sweetener as one of their top 3 ingredients
• Avoid foods that contain more than 5 ingredients
• Try to avoid foods with ‘lite or ‘non fat’ in their names
• Avoid foods advertised on TV
• Eat only foods that will eventually rot

*Adapted from the wonderful book Food Rules by Michael Pollan

5. Eat protein at every meal Good sources include fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, legumes, tofu, quinoa and other whole grains, nuts, nut butters and seeds.

• Protein slows the release of energy from food into the bloodstream so makes you feel full for longer and helps to maintain energy levels.
• It is essential for liver detoxification and helps to balance hormones
• Protein helps to build muscle mass which is protective against osteoporosis

6. Increase good fats 

such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies); nuts and seeds; avocados, coconut oil and coconut milk, olive oil.

• Good fat helps to make us feel satiated, support the liver, balance hormones, improve the skin (anti-aging), helps us burn fat as fuel and so helps to keep us at optimum body weight and improve memory and nerve function
• Avoid trans-fats found in margarines, commercially made biscuits and cakes and pretty much all processed foods

 7. Get into a routine Routines are highly restorative to the body so can improve health and increase energy

• Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day
• Establish a weekly exercise routine whereby you exercise on the same days every week
• Stick to regular mealtimes
• Even have a routine for your naughty treats!

But don’t be too hard on yourself. Do the best you can as much of the time as possible, view every eating experience as a source of pleasure and NEVER beat yourself up for not being perfect. That way you can’t fail!

Happy New Year.

compiled by Sara Jubb at Naturopathy

Hosted by glo

Tags: 2012 nutrition tips, bright coloured vegetables, de-stress, diets for 2012, essential nutrients, health and happiness, healthiest foods, healthy, healthy eating advice, healthy food, lose weight, nutrition advice, nutritious food, red cabbage, red onions, stay healthy, wellbeing

Sizzling Hot Make-Up Tips to Brighten up Your Winter

With Winter firmly upon us we wanted to give you some bang-on-trend make-up tips that should brighten up the darkest and coldest of days and add a bit of fun into your Winter wardrobe.

Nude Make-up

This season, the make-up trends are to look feminine and natural so nude make-up is all the rage. Believe it or not, it is not as easy as you think to create this look and the most important tip of all is  not to overdo it, afterall  all you are trying to do is accentuate your natural beauty. All you need is makeup foundation tone that perfectly suits your complexion, neutral eyeshadow shade, mascara to make your eyes pop, a bit of blush applied to the apples of your cheekbones and nude lip-gloss or lipstick color to complete the look.

Vampy Lips

Aside from the natural look  this Autumn/Winter bold dark lips are also hot hot hot.  Whether its dark plummy red, orange or dark purple your lips will look perfectly vampy. Use lip liner to fill in the lips inwards with feather strokes starting near the lip line, then brush your lips with lipstick brush to add shine to your bright lips. Lip-smackingly gorgeous!

Thick Eyebrows

Forget your tweezers or your monthly appointment for an eyebrow wax/thread  as this Winter you can kiss goodbye to thin over-plucked brows as thick natural eyebrows are now in and will do more to explore the natural beauty of your eyes.  To formulate naturally thick eyebrows use a sharp eyebrow pencil and follow the natural structure. Hide parts that are not covered with hair, with brow powder or with a lighter colour than the natural brow color.

Smokey Eyes
Smokey eyes are still proving as popular as they were last year and with Christmas parties around the corner then we have 5 top tips on how to create this impactful and sultry look:
1. Dont use black eyeliner – brown eye pencil can often look much more effective and creates less contrast with your skin tone
2. Don’t use black eyeshadow, but opt for a dark eyeshadow as this looks far more sexy without being too overbearing.

3. A widely used technique is to apply a lighter eyeshadow as well as your main dark color. An ideal shade for that purpose is something that matches your skin tone.
4. A very effective way of taking the edge off your black smokey eyes is to mix some bronze or brown eye shadow in. These warmer hues will help the eye design blend in better with your skin tone resulting in a more natural look
5. Blend….and blend well. If, after having applied and blended your eye makeup, you atill decide that it’s still too strong, try powdering it. Use something soft like a cotton ball

We hope you like our tips.  If you have any then please do share them with us.

Kelly x
www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk

Tags: dark lipstick, make-up tips, nude make-up tips, smokey eye make-up, Thick eyebrow tips, vampy lips, winter make-up tips

Eating bright coloured autumn vegetables can make our moods brighter too….

Let’s face it, this has been a pretty difficult year for almost all of us. The news is filled with stories of doom and gloom, from economic hardship, political instability and global warming. So it’s not surprising if many of us are feeling a little down in the dumps, especially as we move towards winter with its cold, damp weather and lack of sunshine. So I was interested to learn that scientists in Australia have found that the mineral zinc may be able to help in the treatment of depression. Their research showed that people with depression are often low in zinc and that their symptoms improved when they took zinc supplements. So now is a great time to try to make sure you include plenty of zinc-rich foods into your diet, like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and spices.

 

Another great way to stave off seasonal depression is to actually try to connect with the season. So this autumn get yourself out in the park, run through the leaves, take pictures of the beautiful colours and start a conker collection.

 

My absolute favourite way to get in tune with autumn though is by embracing the amazing array of deliciously nutritious foods that come into season at this time. Interestingly, many autumnal foods actually contain zinc. Isn’t nature wonderful at giving us just what we need?

 

Eating according to what’s in season will give you a multitude of benefits:

 

• Seasonal foods tastes better
• They are often cheaper as they are usually produced locally, so also have the benefit of supporting your local economy.
• Eating seasonal foods helps us to stay in harmony with nature and the environment. This enables us to adapt better to the changes in season and therefore stay healthy.
• Locally-grown seasonal foods also contain higher levels of essential nutrients, especially the ones we particularly need at that time of year. For example, the beta carotene in the orange pigment of pumpkins, carrots and sweet potatoes in autumn will help bolster your immune system just in time to help ward off winter colds.

   

So this autumn look out for the best the season has to offer:

 

• Bright coloured roots vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, swede, beetroots which are super-rich in anti-oxidants and fibre
• Legumes, such as lentils and chick peas which are high in fibre and phytosterols which can help to balance our hormones and cholesterol levels. They are rich in B vitamins, anti-oxidants and many minerals including zinc. Many also have good levels of saponins which can boost the immune system
• Instead of the salads that have nourished us all summer, start eating more cooked foods, especially soups, stews and curries
• Warming spices such as peppercorns, ginger, and mustard seeds which will help to warm our bodies naturally and help ward of depression as they are all high in zinc.

 

Take advantage of the abundance of locally grown apples, by starting everyday with a stewed apple, to which you can add dried sultanas and goji berries, almonds, cinnamon and a teaspoon of manuka honey for an amazing superfood hit. Apples can help to regulate your blood sugar. They are an excellent source of soluble fibre which can help in the prevention of heart disease to support digetion and detoxification and hormonal balance. Eating apples daily is also a great way to support the good bacteria in the digestive tract, which is great for the immune system and to reduce digestive discomfort.

 

So keep depression and SAD at bay by enjoying this “season of mist and mellow fruitfulness”!

 

This blog was prepared by glo’s resident Naturopath Sara Jubb.   Thanks for reading, let us know your thoughts, love glo

Tags: autumn vegetables, diet, glo, mood enhancer, naturopath, SAD, sara jubb, squash, swede

Myths and Facts about Wrinkles

First of all, let me make it clear that I am NOT trying to sell any anti aging products. Neither am I a dermatologist who wishes to educate you with a miraculous discovery about wrinkle reducers. I am in fact just a writer who recently detected baby crow’s feet under my eyes and do not want to give up on my body yet. Yep, I have become quite interested in this enigma: how to preserve our fountain of youth?

There are myriad articles out there about facial wrinkles, and you will find pages of advertisements for anti-aging products in every fashion magazine. I was quite bewildered by such advertising hype and wondered which ones are truthful; which ones are the best; and why those products have to be so outrageously expensive, etc. After doing some library research and having a little chitchat with my own dermatologist, however, I found out that there is not really any secret in the anti wrinkle business after all. Most of those fancy advertisements for anti wrinkle creams are in fact only skin deep.

MYTH: Facial muscles should be toned and exercised in order to prevent wrinkles.

FACT: Exercising facial muscles may help prevent your jaw-line and neck from sagging, but it will not prevent facial wrinkles. On the contrary, too much muscle action on the upper face can lead to a noticeable increase of lines around the eyes and forehead. As for lower facial lines, they are caused by the loss of collagen and elastic tissues underlying your skin, which unavoidably happens with age and cannot be prevented by facial muscle toning. One thing you can do to postpone the lower facial wrinkles is to use sun protection products regularly and avoid sunburn, as too much sun exposure will hasten the breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers in your skin.

MYTH: Eating large quantities of oily fish such as salmon, tuna and herring can prevent the skin from aging.

FACT: Consuming oily fish with high level of omega-3 fatty acids is certainly good for your heart, though it has not been scientifically proven that eating fish is really good for your skin or not. In fact, we should eat fish in moderation. The World Health Organization recommends that adults should not eat more than 12 ounces of fish per week. As for children and pregnant women, 5 ounces of fish per week is the proper amount.

MYTH: Using tanning machines or tanning beds are better than real sunbathing and safer for the skin.

FACT: Tanning machines are very dangerous. They produce long-wave ultraviolet (UVA) which is even worse than the UVB or the sunburn spectrum because the UVA can reach much deeper into your skin, causing sagging, wrinkling and a risk of some skin cancers.

MYTH: Anti-wrinkle creams that have Botox-like substances are as effective as Botox.

FACT: Botox needs to be injected directly into the facial muscles that are producing wrinkles. Cream treatments with “Botox-like” ingredients simply cannot pull off the same stunt.

MYTH: You don’t need to use sun products if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors.

FACT: The truth is even on a cloudy day or when you are just sitting in a car, the UVA can still penetrate through to your skin, accelerating wrinkling and causing spider veins, sallowness and brown sunspots. Sunscreens should be applied daily to exposed parts of the body. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 plus in the summer, and SPF 15 plus for other times of the year. The most important ingredient you should look for in a sunscreen is Avobenzone, which is the most effective UVA blocker. Some high-quality sun products recommended by dermatologists are Bain de Soleil, Clinique Sun Block, Coppertone Sunblock, Neutrogena Dry Touch and Shade UVA Guard.

MYTH: You don’t need to use moisturizer at night.

FACT: You should moisturize your face and around the eyes before going to bed at night. It is the time when the barrier of the stratum corneum or the top layer of your skin is less exposed, and therefore the moisturizer can be absorbed more easily than during your daily activities.

MYTH: Anti-aging creams containing marine algae or caviar eggs are effective skin rejuvenators.

FACT: These kinds of products are accepted by dermatologists to be great moisturizers, though there is hardly any scientific proof that they can reduce deep wrinkles or rejuvenate human skin. Their real benefits, so to speak, certainly don’t justify their high costs. If you try using them and feel some improvement, that is probably the result of temporary skin hydration, which you can also obtain from low-price skin care products. Some affordable anti wrinkle creams recommended by most dermatologists are Clinique Anti-Gravity firming cream and lotion, L’Oreal Line Eraser and Retinol Face lotion, Olay Total Effect cream, Vaseline Dermacare, Neutrogena Copper Visibly Young Eye and Face cream, Nivea Age Reversal night cream, and Roc Retinol Anti-Wrinkle moisturizing treatment. You can find them in your local pharmacy or supermarket. They are well-tested, cosmetically sound, and able to reduce some fine lines and give your skin a healthy look. And most importantly, they will not make you feel so ripped off.

MYTH: Taking vitamin C orally and using creams containing Vitamin C can result in skin rejuvenation.

FACT: Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a very important aid in the production of collagen structures. It impressively helps the skin heal from wounds and sunburn, and also contains some mild sun protection properties. However, there has been no scientific evidence that it can rejuvenate the skin or reduce wrinkles. Also, some anti aging creams that contain vitamin C are not always stable, meaning vitamin C in those skin care products does not always successfully penetrate the skin.

MYTH: Anti-wrinkle products containing natural or botanical ingredients are safer and more effective.

FACT: Anti aging creams with the word “organic”, “botanical” or “natural” somehow sound very alluring to consumers right now. But bottom line, it’s just a fad. Although some botanical ingredients such as green tea extract, ginkgo biloba, aloe vera and fruit acids have been proven to help improve smoothness and reduce irritancy in the skin, it does not necessarily mean that they are superior to synthetic ingredients. Some of the most toxic and allergenic substances are in fact derived from plants. If you like to buy skin care products with natural ingredients, try to choose them from respected larger companies whose products are well formulated and thoroughly tested for all skin types.

Conclusion – Simple Ways to Prevent Wrinkles

1. Always use a sunscreen.
2. Don’t smoke.
3. Avoid excess drinking.
4. Always get enough sleep and try to be relaxed. Repetitive stress can result in accelerated aging.
5. Exercise regularly. Get at least 30 minutes of light exercise a day.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Cut back on simple-carb diet such as white bread and sugar.
8. Reduce intake of saturated fats.
9. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts.
10. Avoid sudden weight gain or weight loss.
11. Use good skin care products that are suitable for your skin type

Written by Om Paramapoonya on Hub Pages

Tags: facts about wrinkles, Myths about wrinkles, prevention of wrinkles, skin and wrinkles, skincare advice, tips to reduce wrinkles

Perfect skin from the inside out

Whatever our age, we all want beautiful skin. Whilst many of the wonder-creams on the market can help, truly great skin has to come from inside us.

So here are some simple rules to help us to get the smooth, flawless glo we all desire:

1.     Keep hydrated. Drinking water will help to flush toxins from the skin, so start your day with a big mug of warm water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning and switch some of your teas, coffees and soft drinks to water and herbal teas

2.     Increase good fats in your diet. The right fats can literally moisturise your skin from the inside, preventing wrinkles, puffiness, open pores and oily skin, so increase your intake of oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and olive oil. It is also a really good idea to avoid trans-fats found in processed foods. Many people also find it difficult to digest dairy foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese, etc), which can cause them to have dark circles under their eyes and skin irritations. Dairy products are also high in arachidonic acid which increases inflammation resulting in puffiness, open pores, cellulite and wrinkles.

3.     Alkalise your body. High levels of acidity can cause cell damage, reduced collagen levels, premature ageing, wrinkles and dry skin. Most of the foods we eat every day can cause acidity in our tissues and whilst it is impossible to avoid these foods, we can balance their intake by munching healthy doses of alkalising foods such as vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones), fruits such as lemons, limes, avocados and tomatoes and nuts like almonds and Brazils.

4.     Increase anti-oxidants. We all know that anti-oxidants are now an important ingredient in anti-ageing skincare, but in order to get the maximum benefit from them, we need to be getting them from our foods. Anti-oxidants are found in bright coloured fruits and vegetables such as cherries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, beetroots, spinach and tomatoes. Vitamin C is a very potent anti-oxidant which is abundant in Blackcurrants, broccoli, guava, kiwi, orange papaya and strawberries and can help to feed the skin and prevent wrinkles. Vitamin E found in avocados, hazelnuts and pine nuts can help repair damaged skin and zinc-rich foods such as liver, pumpkins seeds, sardines and oysters help to repair skin and keep it soft and supple.

5.     Get your bowels moving. Blemishes, dark circles, rashes and spots can all be a sign that toxins are not being eliminated efficient from your body. It is therefore vital to keep things moving by drinking lots of water, increasing soluble fibre found in apples, pears, sweet potatoes, beetroots, oats and flaxseeds and remembering to take time to chew your foods really well in order to aid digestion.

6.     Get your beauty sleep. Whilst we are asleep the body releases a hormone called melatonin which has been shown to help reduce wrinkles, premature ageing, dark circles and sallow skin. make sure you get a good night’s sleep every night by avoiding caffeinated drinks after 3pm, avoiding eating heavy meals in the evening and not over-stimulating yourself with TV and computers before bedtime.

And if that is all too much for you, simply doing the following can still make a huge difference:

1.     Drink at least 2 litres of water every day

2.     Cut down on dairy foods

3.     Eat at least 2 handfuls of leafy vegetables every day

4.     Eat at least 5 different coloured fruit and vegetables every day

5.     Eat an apple or pear every day

6.     Avoid eating big meals less than 3 hours before you go to bed

So get munching your way to amazing skin!

This blog was prepared by glo’s resident naturopath Sara Jubb

Tags: alkalise, amazing skin, anti-ageing, antioxidants, beautiful skin, diet, food to help you glow, good diet, hydration, skincare, toxins

The 8 benefits of Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream

We’re approaching that time of year when dry skin and chapped lips are the daily norm and rather then carrying a bag load of beauty products around which make your handbag look more like a weekly shopping trip to Tescos our beauty therapists have come up with the perfect beauty tip that should help your bag and your posture – Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream.

For those of you that havent already discovered this hidden gem it is a skincare classic that helps to soothe, restore, soften and protect chapped, dry or mildly irritated skin. It also aids in the temporary relief of chapped lips, smoothes rough spots on your knees, feet and elbows and softens tough, hard cuticles and hangnails. And with a celebrity following as long as your arm, quite frankly, if its good enough for the likes of Kate Moss, Rachel Bilson and Victoria Beckham then its good enough for us!

It may be a little on the pricey side starting from £7.95 for a 30ml tube but with its multi-uses its actually a savvy little buy. So feast your eyes below on what this little power cream can be used for:

Bye Bye dry skin

1. Alleviate dry skin
2. Great gloss for lips.
3. Highlight eyelids, cheeks and shoulders.
4. For after shaving or waxing.
5. Shape brows into place.
6. Soften rough, dry cuticles.
7. Great for rough heels and soles.
8. Best in-flight moisture booster.

Other people have also said that it is great for removing make-up, whilst others have found it more beneficial than allergy creams they have been supplied by Doctors.

Check out the websites below as they stock the full range:
Amazon:www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Arden-Eight-Hour-Protectant/dp/B000Q34SIG
Cheapsmells- www.cheapsmells.com
Direct Cosmetics – http://www.directcosmetics.com

If you havent used it before and do buy it, let us know what you think.

Kelly
www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk
x

Tags: 8-hour cream, beauty tips, chapped lips, dry lips, dry skin, elizaberth arden 8-hour cream, elizabeth arden 8-hour cream

Our Top 10 Skincare Myths

This month we will be giving you handy hints about all things skincare and thanks to the lovely folks over at www.skincare-news.com we have the top 10 myths about skincare.  It definitely makes for an interesting read.

• Myth: Popping a pimple makes it fade.
  Fact: Let’s face it, it’s tough to resist the temptation to pop a pimple, especially when there’s hope that it’ll instantly go away. But the opposite usually happens: Your face becomes inflamed and irritated. That’s because popping promotes inflammation, which can cause scarring and more pimples, board-certified dermatologist Sandy Johnson, M.D., tells WebMD. If you must pop, at least use the right technique. Learn more about good practices here.
  
• Myth: Expensive skincare equals higher-quality ingredients.
  Fact: Not necessarily! Oftentimes, you’re paying for fancier packaging, fragrance and feel. But how do you know when to save and when to splurge? Your not-so-secret weapon is the ingredients label. For instance, you’ll find the acne-fighting ingredient benzoyl peroxide in a variety of products at the drugstore and the department store. You’re better off trying an inexpensive brand.Some ingredients, though, are expensive to bottle. Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., suggests splurging on antioxidant serums. She writes on her Yahoo! Health blog: “The best ones have been packaged properly – which is an expensive process. Look for ones in an amber or aluminum tube (or jar) with a small mouth that does not allow air in.” Her picks for powerful antioxidants? Vitamin C and ferulic acid. If you’d like to sample an antioxidant-rich product, consider SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which features vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin.

• Myth: The higher the SPF, the more protection you get.
  Fact: SPF, or the Sun Protection Factor, measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays, which are the rays that cause skin to redden. So does sunscreen with SPF 30 provide double the protection of SPF 15?Actually, this is a common myth. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the reality looks like this: SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays; SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. Sunscreen isn’t additive, either. Putting on sunscreen with SPF 15 over a lotion with SPF 30 doesn’t equal SPF 45.While SPF is an important factor when buying sunscreen, it doesn’t protect against UVA rays. Even though these rays don’t cause sunburn like UVB rays, they’re still dangerous. For starters, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, including wrinkles, sagging and discoloration. Worse, they exacerbate UVB’s damaging effects and cause skin cancer.To shield skin from both UVB and UVA rays, find a sunscreen with “broad-spectrum protection” and SPF 15 for everyday exposure (select SPF 30 or higher for longer periods outside). Some ingredients to look for include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, physical ingredients that offer UVA and UVB protection and are gentler on the skin than chemical formulas.Buying sunscreen is just one side of the story. Learn more about applying sunscreen here.

• Myth: I don’t need a moisturizer if my skin is oily, or if the weather is warm.
  Fact: When you hear the word “moisturizer,” do visions of oil spills and acne dance in your head? Even if your skin is oily or acne-prone, the right moisturizer for your skin type will keep your skin smooth and supple and provide a protective layer. Some moisturizers will even mattify oily skin and prevent breakouts.If you’re already using an acne treatment, a moisturizer is especially important. About’s acne expert, Angela Palmer, points out that moisturizer helps counteract the drying, irritating effects of acne formulas, which contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. To avoid adding more oil, just look for moisturizers with key phrases such as “lightweight,” “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic” (doesn’t clog pores).

• Myth: Drinking water helps prevent dry skin.
  Fact: No controlled studies have shown that drinking water hydrates the skin. Only one study has ever made the link and it used pricey mineral water and excluded a control group, writes dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, M.D., on The Dermatology Blog. The main culprits contributing to dry skin are external factors, including “cold or hot air, dry heat and the number of oil-producing glands you have,” writes beauty expert Julyne Derrick on About.To combat dry skin, use an exfoliant and moisturizer. An exfoliant gets rid of dead skin cells so skincare products don’t sit on the surface but can actually penetrate and moisturize the skin. (Plus, a collection of dead skin makes your complexion look lifeless and dry.) Use an exfoliant two to three times a week, depending on your skin type. Apply moisturizer on a daily basis, immediately after showering or cleansing to seal in moisture.

• Myth: Bump-like blemishes mean you’ve got acne — always.
  Fact: Acne is common among adults, but even though your blemishes may resemble acne, you may have an entirely different skin condition. Rosacea is regularly mistaken for acne, as it usually looks like small red bumps and blackheads. But the two are treated differently. Also, over-the-counter acne products can aggravate rosacea, writes Palmer. This makes it imperative to see a dermatologist for the right diagnosis. Rosacea typically occurs in fair-skinned individuals between 30 and 50 years old, according to MedicineNet. See here for more information on rosacea.

• Myth: Natural or organic products are better than traditional ones.
  Fact: First, let’s dissect how natural and organic skincare products get their labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates products that are labeled “organic,” which must contain 95 percent organic ingredients. But any company can slap on a “natural” label, whether it really contains all-natural ingredients or includes harsh ingredients and irritants. The same is true for products “made with organic ingredients.” So when you’re searching for a natural or organic product, do your research and be sure to choose a product from a reputable company. Your best bet is to bypass the advertising claims and go straight to the ingredients label. Learn how to read a product label here. Also, bypass the scary hype surrounding chemical preservatives, like parabens, and sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). Some companies tend to vilify these ingredients so you avoid them in favor of a natural or organic brand. However, products with parabens and SLS aren’t dangerous. For some people, particularly those with sensitive skin, these ingredients can be irritating. If you’ve got sensitive skin, here’s a how-to on caring for your complexion. Also, organic and natural products can still contain ingredients that cause irritation and allergies. Irritating ingredients include witch hazel, peppermint and lavender oil. And traditional ingredients can work wonders: Retinoids are incredibly effective at reducing wrinkles, treating acne and repairing sun damage. They can dry out and irritate the skin but they’ve got years of research to back up their safety and efficacy.All in all, before you start avoiding a certain ingredient or investing in a specific product, do your homeworkMyth: You don’t need to put on sunscreen if you’re wearing makeup with SPF.
  Fact: Though makeup that contains SPF is a nice supplement to sunscreen, it should never replace it. You’d have to pile on quite the heap of cosmetics to attain the SPF. “You need to use seven times the normally used amount of foundation and 14 times the normally used amount of powder to get the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on the label,” Dr. Baumann tells WebMD.

• Myth: Moisturizers prevent aging.
  Fact: Whether it’s a rich, velvety cream or a high-end, heavily advertised, fancy-packaged product, moisturizers aren’t automatically anti-aging; they don’t protect against premature aging or repair it, renowned dermatologist Nelson Lee Novick, M.D., tells Skincare-News. If you’re looking for anti-aging ingredients in your moisturizer, seek out antioxidants that fight off free radicals, such as vitamin C, ferulic acid, coenzyme Q10 and idebenone. Also, look for other effective anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and peptides. Consult your dermatologist about a prescription for retinoids, which truly are powerful anti-agers.Though you won’t get anti-aging advantages from your moisturizer, it’s still a key part of your routine. “Moisturizers are necessary to keep the skin supple,” Dr. Novick says.

• Myth: All your products should be from the same skincare line.
  Fact: That’s simply, “not true,” Dr. Baumann, who’s also the author of The Skin Type Solution, tells Skincare-News. Specifically, “You need to know your skin type and what ingredients to look for. You should have ingredient loyalty, not brand loyalty.”

We hope you have learnt some interesting info!

Tags: skin tips, skincare advice, skincare facts, Skincare myths

Foods to help you de-stress

After an exhausting day at work, most of  us love nothing more than collapsing on the sofa and grabbing for  pizza, ice cream, crisps, biscuits….basically anything rich, creamy, sugary, salty or mushy – the ultimate in comfort food!   Whilst it is not our fault that our bodies crave these treats they are extremley high in sugar and fat and there are actually tonnes of other foods  out there that can help us unwind without piling on the pounds.  Check out the little list below and if you can start incorporating this into your daily eating regime, then you will become one healthy little bunny:

1. Dark Leafy Greens

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are good for so many things, there’s really no excuse not to eat them. Calming your nerves just happens to be one of them, as these veggies contain lots of the B-complex vitamins. These vitamins are crucial for preventing stress because they’re needed to make serotonin, a chemical that helps boost your mood.

2. Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that is necessary to prevent irritability, fatigue, depression and even confusion.

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains also help to soothe your mood because they’re rich in B vitamins. Make sure you’re really eating something with whole grains, though, and not just “whole wheat” bread that’s actually mostly refined flour.

4. Beef

Yes, red meat CAN be good for you! Beef is a great source of B vitamins and mood-stabilizing zinc and iron. To get the most health benefits, stick to organic, grass-fed beef.

5. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which is known to help keep the stress hormone cortisol steady.

6. Nuts

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight some of the damage caused by stress. Brazil nuts, meanwhile, contain lots of zinc and selenium, which also fights free radicals.

7. Salmon

The omega-3 fats found in salmon may help to reduce feelings of stress

8. Chicken Breast

Chicken is a great source of tryptophan, which can help you sleep better and elevate your mood (as a bonus, it can even help to regulate your appetite!). Contrary to popular belief, chicken breast actually contains slightly more tryptophan than turkey.

9. Avocados

Add some avocado slices to your sandwich or salad or whip up a batch of guacamole for a quick boost in your B vitamins (plus, avocados can help prevent cancer and they’re great for your heart!)

So – what are you waiting for get yourself to the local shops and stock up on some of the food we have suggested. Let me know how you get on.

Kelly
www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk

Tags: asparagus, avacado, comfort food, de-stress with food, De-stressing foods, healthy foods, healthy snacks, nutrition advice, salmon

How to keep positive and give stress the elbow

A big part of building personal resiliance, or alleviating stress symptoms is keeping a positive state of mind.   Here are some tips to remind you how you can do this.

 

1. When you think about yourself, say to yourself, “I’m good”, “I’m great”, “I’m doing really well”, “I am self-confident”. You’ll see that you’ll feel feel good when you say these things to yourself.

You are as valuable and as deserving of these sentences as anybody else. You can tell yourself this any time so you don’t need to wait for someone else to tell you!

 

2. Treat yourself as you do a dear friend and praise yourself when you’ve done something good, or comfort yourself if you’re feeling blue for any reason.

 

3. Feeling thankful or grateful for things in your life is a great way to remember all the things that work well in your life. Thinking with gratitude will filter into other areas of your life and may help you to not feel so bad about things that aren’t working so well. Being thankful for anything puts you in an attitude of appreciation and receiving.

 

4. Look at the difficult times in your past and identify at least one good thing that you got out of a bad situation. All events have a positive side, even the negative ones. It will also help you avoid being fearful of any impending events that you may be dreading in the future, no matter what it is, you will get something out of it for your own benefit. Feel the serenity that knowing this creates and accept that you are able to deal with anything in your life, if you decide so.

 

5. Reinforce your self-image by acknowledging something you achieved that was important or difficult for you. It may have been finishing a degree, or winning a contest, or getting in touch with someone you had argued with. Look at the good qualities that made you achieve that: strength, persistence, kindness, etc. Feel good about yourself. You possess those qualities and can bring them into play anytime.

 

6. Focus on your main goal. If you do not have at least one main goal in your life, then go find one, make it your dream and start manifesting it into reality. For example, many people have a goal of working from home or to stop working altogether. When you get busy working on achieving your main goal you acquire a sense of purpose and self-fulfillment, which leads to keeping a positive frame of mind.

This blog was prepared by glo: www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk 

Tags: building personal resilience, happy, positive thinking, positivity, stress, stress management