Archive for April, 2008



Top 5 Stretchmark Solutions

Sunday 27 April 2008 @ 3:24 am

Stretchmarks, also known as striae is a type of skin scarring that occurs during pregnancy, weight gain, puberty, obesity, and other physical activities. It starts off in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin, which allows the skin to keep its shape. But, when the skin is constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks. Stretchmarks often starts off reddish or purplish in color and when it gets older, it becomes a silver or white color. Everyone including myself has suffered from stretchmarks and we continue to battle and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. Both men and women get them and it can be unappealing and embarrassing to have. There are a number of treatment options to remove stretchmarks new and old.

There are at least five well known stretchmark solutions which are Laser surgery, Dermabrasion, Chemical peels, Diet and Exercise, and Over the Counter creams and lotions.

Laser Surgery, dermabrasion, and chemical peels can definitely help address unwanted stretchmarks and has good results; however, these procedures can be very costly. Also, most insurance company will not cover stretchmarks because it is a cosmetic procedure.

Diet and exercise can help prevent stretchmarks. By drinking plenty of water, your skin stays hydrated making it less likely to develop stretchmarks. Unfortunately for all you coffee lovers, caffeine increases your risk of stretchmarks. If you’re stuck drinking coffee, tea, or soda, try to balance your fluids. Drink as much or more water as you drink caffeinated beverages. Stretchmarks can also develop from lack of nutrition. Consume foods that will promote your skin by eating foods rich in zinc such as nuts and fish. Protein-rich foods like eggs and foods high in Vitamin A and C such as carrots, citrus fruits, and milk can also help.

Over the counter creams is another alternative that has been used to help with stretchmarks; however, most have been unsuccessful. There are a few out there that has been very effective in reducing and eliminating stretchmarks. Captiva is one product that has been known to have similar effects as microdermabrasion or laser therapy, but taking only a fraction of time and cost. So, not all stretchmark creams are unsuccessful. They’re plenty out there that actually work and these types of creams are not found over the counter.

If you can spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on stretchmark treatments, your best bet would be laser therapy or dermabrasion. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get rid of stretchmarks that can have similar effects as laser therapy or microdermabrasion, then using an effective stretchmark cream is your best bet.

Diana Ajih is a website owner and a young online business entrepreneur. For more information on Captiva, go to http://www.hotbeautyhealth.com

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Surgical Procedure To Remove Stubborn Abdomen Fat

Sunday 27 April 2008 @ 2:51 am

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

The Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Thousands of Abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year and the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Planning Your Surgery

In your initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell him if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with the doctor. They will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

If, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

The Surgery

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery in Las Vegas. Learn more about breast augmentation and Tummy Tuck Las Vegas procedures.

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A Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tuck, or Extended Tummy Tuck

Sunday 27 April 2008 @ 2:00 am

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall.

Abdominoplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have been able to maintain their weight loss.

The tummy tuck is a commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in the United States. A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess fat and skin in the tummy area. After tummy tuck surgery many patients notice a smaller waist line and stronger muscles.

A mini tummy tuck is designed to remove excess fat and skin in the tummy area in patients who have less than average excess tissues. The mini tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure used to improve the appearance of the tummy. Because there is less tissue than average involved, the incisions are typically smaller than those used in an average tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck also tightens the tummy muscles. After mini tummy tuck surgery many patients notice a smaller waist line and stronger muscles. The belief is that patients will have a much better result when a mini tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with liposuction.

A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess fat and skin in the tummy area. The tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure used to improve the appearance of the tummy. A tummy tuck also tightens the tummy muscles. After tummy tuck surgery many patients notice a smaller waist line and stronger muscles.

In patients with more excessive fatty tissue and skin in the tummy area than normal, we often utilize the extended tummy tuck procedure. The extended tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure used to improve the appearance of the tummy. An extended tummy tuck is designed to remove even more excessive fat and skin tissue than average in the tummy area. Because patients are bigger and have a lot more tissue, the incision is typically 3 to 4 inches longer than the average tummy tuck incision. An extended tummy tuck also tightens the tummy muscles. After extended tummy tuck surgery many patients notice a smaller waist line and stronger muscles.

A tummy tuck is not intended for weight loss, and should be an option when exercise and diet have already taken off all the weight possible. Most doctors won’t perform a tummy tuck before you’ve tried proper diet and exercising.

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery. Learn more about plastic surgery and tummy tuck Phoenix Arizona procedures.

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Treatments For Acne The Natural Way

Sunday 27 April 2008 @ 1:55 am

If you ever suffered with acne then you are certainly not alone. There are millions of people in the world who are affected by acne breakouts. Many find combating the breakouts very difficult. They have tried hundreds of products practiced a good skin care regime, and still have countless breakouts.
That cause frustration and,in more severe cases, can cause scarring. Acne treatments have improved over the last few years, but it seems that even the best, such as proactive acne cream, still do not work for everyone. No matter what the acne cream three people try, normally only two of them will see results.

This may be because no two people are actually alike in every way. Many people are allergic to medicines that even people in their own families can take. Acne treatment is the same aspect.

Although one acne cream treatment may help several people and seem like it is the absolute best, there will always be someone who it does not help or who can not use it for various reasons.

Whatever blemish cream you are using to combat your acne, you should ensure that it is actually working. It does sometimes take several acne creams.

Before you find the one that actually works that miracle that you have been searching for. Acne treatments are highly varied in method, product and price.

Before you commit yourself to a treatment that is highly expensive or that takes a lot of time to be effective.

Try the treatment first to ensure that it will actually produce the results that you want. If you do not the see a remarkable difference within a few days, then move onto something else.

Most acne treatments begin working within just a day or two so you should be able to determine which ones are working for you and which ones are not.

Also review your diet , eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent breakouts. Plus being in the sun for 15 minutes a day helps kill bacteria, but don’t over do it. Too much sun is not good for the skin.

The key to getting rid of acne is different steps or procedures. It is a combination of procedures that work on the human body from the inside and outside.

Hormones also play a role in acne breakouts. There is still a lot more information on acne. For more information on acne, check out my ebook. You will be glad to get more information on acne. It is the newest information on the internet. Why pay doctor’s fees when you can heal yourself with the right information.

Edward Sullivan is a knowledge seeker for problems that people have during there lives. He likes to find the best knowledge that really works. He gathers peoples experiences and tells the people what he finds. For more information and treatment for acne go to for more great acne information go here

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Realistic Goals for Breast Augmentation

Sunday 27 April 2008 @ 1:27 am

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the Unites States. Breast augmentation is designed to create beautiful breasts, a true breast enhancement. Breast augmentation is performed using saline breast implants or silicone breast implants. A “true” breast enhancement entails more than just a breast enlargement. When performing breast augmentation, we make a conscious effort to establish the most beautiful breast shape possible.

Many women choose to have breast augmentation for various reasons; the most common are listed below:

Women who wish to have fuller breasts because their breasts are too small.

Women who wish to correct a loss of breast volume after pregnancy.

Women who wish to have perkier breasts and a better shape after pregnancy.

Women who wish to correct asymmetry of the breasts.

Women who wish to replace a previously placed breast implant.

To be successful with breast augmentation you must fulfill, as best as possible, the patients desires and wishes. In order to accomplish this, have a liberal philosophy with regards to using different breast implant sizes and breast implant shapes. Depending on the patients desires, there are, high profile breast implants, moderate profile breast implants, low profile breast implants, anatomic breast implants, textured breast implants, and breast implants starting at a size of 120 cc and up to 880 cc.

Another component of the philosophy for breast augmentation includes a belief that a breast enlargement should be proportional to the rest of the body. Patients should know that proportional breast enlargement usually gives the best long-term results and happiest patients. Breast augmentation can be performed anytime during a womans lifetime. Women with children often undergo breast augmentation. There is no need to wait until after pregnancy to have breast enlargement. Breast implants support the breast better and, in general, in future pregnancy patients experience less sagging.

Multiple implant options exist for breast augmentation patients. All implants currently available have a silicone shell on the outside. Saline-filled implants hold salt water (saline) within the shell. Silicone-filled implants hold silicone gel within the shell. Implants come in various shapes, sizes, and shell types.

Implants can be round, high profile, medium profile, low profile, elliptical, anatomic, and tear-drop shape. The size range for implants begins as low as 120 milliliters and goes up to 800 milliliters. The outer shells come in two varieties, smooth and textured. All of these different possibilities must be taken into consideration and it takes considerable experience to make the proper choice for each patient.

For implants to feel as natural as possible, they must be relatively soft. Silicone gel implants are much softer than saline implants, but saline implants are used more commonly and have no FDA restrictions. Silicone gel implants are restricted by the FDA and can only be used in certain patient groups.

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery. Learn more about plastic surgery and breast augmentation Phoenix Arizona procedures.

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Mineral Makeup: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Saturday 26 April 2008 @ 8:38 pm

The science of makeup was a lot simpler centuries ago when it was first used. Records show that the first civilization to really implement the use of makeup as we know it today was the ancient Egyptians. Their faces were depicted with very elaborate make up and eye shadow that were used both in ceremonial occasions and simply for the attractive allure among the elite class. The derivatives were taken from the earth — mineral makeup was the first makeup type.

Back then, the sanitary situations were a lot different. Smelling good and looking good was important even when in truth people did not have the sanitary resources like today. So makeup provided the concealment of uncleanliness and distraction from marred appearances.

Living along the Nile may have been the source for some of the mineral bases that were used. The Nile cut green pathway through the Egyptian desert that fed plant and mineral sources for such makeup bases like Ochre, Almond and oxidized metals. And since people frequented and build residences around the river, it was only natural to find such sources for such products.

The mineral makeup sources were not only for looks, but provided skin health benefits and even as a bug deterrent (it was postulated that some eye makeup deterred insects that frequented the Nile waterway and its irrigation canals).

So today’s makeup industry has, in part, come full circle with makeup technology — or rather anti-technology. Mineral make-up is sought after more so, due to cases of bad chemical reactions to synthetic makeup materials consumers who have either been affected by the side effects or have learned about them.

The Mineral Makeup Masquerade

Since the trend of mineral makeup made its gain in recent years, companies have stamped this term on their packaging ads. However, being mineral based does not necessarily mean good health. To cut costs or to make a makeup appear longer or have a lasting effect, additives are included in their ingredients.

Some additives that are not really good for the skin but are still included in a makeup ingredient list are such products like talc and preservatives. Talc is ubiquitous and is often used as a base filler to weigh down the products so it can be marked up.

Some mineral companies will claim to have natural mineral base, but simply mix that with petroleum based products. For instance the ingredient bismuth oxychloride commonly rides shotgun with proper ground minerals. However this stuff has been known to irritate the skin of acne and roseacea sufferers.

Alice Cosmetics (http://www.alicecosmetics.com) offers fine mineral make-up products that are safe and easy to apply. Not only do they have true mineral makeup accessories, but they offer straightforward help on selecting colors and application technique. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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Evening Bags – Winning Tips For Nighttime Handbags

Saturday 26 April 2008 @ 6:59 pm

Are you searching for a purse that will go well with your evening wear? Evening bags are an excellent addition to your formal attire, and the appropriate bag will give you just enough space to carry around all your necessary items.

Here are some brands of bags that you’ll want to add to your handbag collection, as well as some online resources that you can take advantage of to locate the right evening wear apparel for you.

Distinctive Stuart Weitzman Handbags

The Stuart Weitzman Solitaire clutch is a great addition to any formal attire. The bowtie clasp in the front of the bag make it both changeable and fashionable, and the bag is made out of black satin, which gives it an air of distinct class. There is also an attachable strap, so that you can carry the bag on your shoulder or in your hand.

Stuart Weitzman also has available evening bags in other colors, such as the Quiznet, which is accessible in both gold and silver. The Boa Wristlet is another extraordinary evening bag selection; these snakeskin bags are available in pink, blue, and cream shades, and the purse chain fits around the wrist making the purse fashionable to carry and comfortable to keep up with.

Vintage Style Franchi Handbags

You might also look into buying evening bags from Franchi. These stylish handbags have a vintage style to them, and are available with a clasp and you can get them in satin. You can choose colors that are in Pink, gold, and silver, and the purses are just big enough for you to carry credit cards, lipstick, as well as a small cell phone. The woven silk handbags from Franchi are also perfect for formal events, and are available in pink, gray, cream, red, and blue.

Eclectic Rafe Handbags

If you’re looking for exceedingly unusual evening bags that will make you the life of the party, take a look at what Rafe New York has to offer. The suede gemstone frame purse is an attractive clutch that mixes the softness of suede and the sparkle of jewels for an original yet formal look. This bag can be purchased with both green and red stones, so they are an ideal fashion accessory if you are attending a formal holiday event.

Bear in mind that you can always pay a visit to your local thrift store or consignment store to find evening bags that are novel and likely won’t be found in your local department stores. You might even be able to find vintage pieces that are worth a great deal that you can utilize as both a handbag and collector’s item.

If you want to order your evening bags online, there are various online stores that provide extensive amounts of detailed descriptions as well as pictures that will further enhance your final buying decision. All this information will enable you to pick a reasonably priced purse as well accessories for any social occasion.

Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of fashion. If you would like to learn more go to Dooney and Bourke Handbag advice and at Fossil Handbag tips.

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How Aromatherapy Benefits Your Health

Saturday 26 April 2008 @ 11:58 am

Going for a massage or experiencing a luxurious aromatherapy bath is something most people enjoy, because of their natural healing effects and great smelling fragrances. Aromatherapy oils have been around for over 3,000 years, with perfumed water and fragrant wax being the first kinds of early perfumes. These have also been believed to have had healing powers and properties for minor ailments and health conditions.

Aromatherapy itself has been around for approximately 6,000 years or more, dating back to the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans. Imhotep, an Egyptian physician had used aromatherapy oils and fragrance waters for bathing and healing purposes. The oils were also used for embalming dead bodies.

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, had used aromatherapy fragrances and oils to rid Athens from the plague, through aromatherapy fumigation in the air. He would also often recommend herbal baths and aromatherapy treatments to heal the sick and promote general cleanliness. The Romans would use the oils and aromatherapy fragrances for their public bathhouses. Often the rich and wealthy were privileged enough to use these fragrances to keep the body perfumed well.

Aromatherapy, unlike essential oils were seen as a luxury and used for cosmetic purposes. Essential oils were used mainly for health and medicinal purposes. However, aromatherapy has also played a very important part in improving the health, which essential oils are always used for aromatherapy.

The French chemist in 1920, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, first coined this term. In the incident whereby he had, accidently caught his arm on fire; he had reacted by immersing it very quickly into a vat of cold lavender oil. To his surprise his arm had healed very quickly without any residual scars, thus his decision to practise aromatherapy to treat gangrene during the First World War had begun. Over the years this became more widely appreciated and many more people adopted the aromatherapy healing techniques.

Aromatherapy oils are commonly used for use in massage and treating small ailments. The word ‘aromatherapy’ derives from the words ‘aroma’ meaning smell and ‘therapy’ meaning healing or treating. Aromatherapy now is used more in spa treatment and beauty products.

Many sceptics have disputed the use of aromatherapy oils and its healing properties. What many are unaware of is that these were the first known uses of medicine, when antibiotics and prescription drugs were not created. These were the only method of treating minor and serious illnesses, often these consisted of continual use to feel the effects of its healing properties. Some essential oils have proven to work well with certain skin and hair conditions, in which many cosmetic and beauty products use them for its affective results.

Herbal remedies such as Lavender oil, Chamomile, Peppermint, and Almond Oils have been commonly added to various products. Eucalyptus, Fennel and Peppermint are still in wide use for relieving common colds and flues. These are also good properties for treating stomach discomfort and headaches. Fragranced oils are still available for use of perfuming the body; however, these have developed into water and alcohol based perfumes, which are extremely popular amongst famous designers.

Many street brand products have also accommodated the natural benefits of using aromatherapy oils for skin care and general well-being. The idea that the smell of a fragrant herb or flower is good for health and relaxation has continued to stay strong in the consumer product industry and is evident in many celebrity endorsed products. This is something that will continue to live on as a basic healing component and play a strong part in health well-being.

Anna Stenning is an expert on aromatherapy oils as she believes that these simple and basic herbs work well for improving health.

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Breast Augmentation Surgery Advances

Saturday 26 April 2008 @ 12:07 am

To reshape, enlarge and enhance the breasts, there really is no better alternative than breast augmentation or breast implant surgery. Factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and age can make the breasts lose their shape and begin to sag. The goal of breast augmentation is to improve the breasts by producing natural-looking results.

Advances in breast augmentation surgery have made the procedure a much safer and a more effective cosmetic surgery option for women seeking to enhance their breasts. This is why so many of our breast augmentation patients choose to have breast enhancement. In addition, much of the stigma previously associated with this procedure is now a thing of the past.

The reasons for choosing breast augmentation surgery differ. Some people simply want to increase their bust size and others seek to reverse the toll that weight loss, pregnancy and nursing have taken.

Different techniques are available for breast augmentation. Generally speaking, an incision is made either in the nipple area, armpit or lower breast area and an implant, usually saline-filled, is inserted. Your plastic surgeon will spend a great deal of time with you discussing your goals and expectation, and determining the appropriate implant size to give you the best results possible.

Breast implants are intended for females where the patient is at least 18 years of age, and for reconstruction of the female breast. By inserting breast implants, plastic surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. Advances in breast implant technology and surgical technique are making breast augmentation surgery a popular option among women desiring a change in the way they look. The decision to undergo breast enlargement surgery may result in a more flattering, better proportioned figure, more clothing options, and may enhance your confidence and self-esteem.

Every day, you make decisions that affect the way you live. Some choices depend on the moment, like the clothing, hairstyle and perfume you will wear today. Other decisions are deeply significant, because they affect how you feel about yourself as a woman, and how others perceive you.

Breast augmentation surgery offers a unique opportunity to surgically “customize” the shape of the breast rather than just bra size. You may want to wear an outfit that reveals more cleavage, change your wardrobe style, or simply create the proper balance between your breasts and hips.

If you’re considering breast augmentation with breast implants, your plastic surgeon can give you a basic understanding of the plastic surgery procedure–who it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect.

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery. Learn more about plastic surgery and breast augmentation Atlanta procedures.

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Why Would You Ever Put Clippers on That Face?

Friday 25 April 2008 @ 10:48 pm

Have you ever noticed after you shave your face with clippers that your skin is dry and ashy? That’s because when you shave with clippers the clippers rob your face of moisture. Even the way you need to use the clippers for shaving your face goes against how they were intended to be used. When using clippers on your face, you need to turn them backward and use them upside down. They were designed to give you a tight fade and trim your hairline or the nape of your neck. Shaving your face with clippers scratches the skin, inflames follicles, and removes moisture. Your face should always be hydrated when you shave, but when you shave with clippers the face is completely dry.

In my 30+ years in the barbering and grooming industry, I’ve learned one thing for certain: brothers are scared to use a razor. Be it urban legend, or Black men not being handed down the tradition of razor shaving by their fathers, or maybe even the unrealistic belief that razors are the cause of razor bumps and will jack up their skin. Whatever the reason, African-American men are shying away from the razor. So, here is the real deal on razor shaving.

Debunking Razor Myths

You can’t get a close shave with a razor

This is absolutely untrue! You will get the closest shave possible when using a razor. The razor is able to get much closer to the skin than a clipper or electric razor can. You should also make sure you are using a multi-blade razor that you change out regularly.

Razors cause you to get razor bumps and messes up your skin

It is true that razor bumps and ingrown hairs, clinically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, affect up to 80 percent of African-American men. But the fact of the matter is, if you are getting razor bumps when you shave with a razor, then – I hate to tell you it’s not the razor it’s your technique. The most important thing to know is that you should be shaving with the grain, not against it. A lot of men have been taught to shave against the grain to get a closer shave. However, not only will shaving against the grain not give you a closer shave, but it is also a leading cause of skin irritation and inflammation, resulting in ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

You have to shave more often if you use a razor than if you use clippers

Again, this comes down to technique and equipment. Using a double or triple blade razor and shaving with the grain of the skin will give you a shave that lasts just as long as any other method of shaving.

Razors dry out your skin

Sorry brothers, wrong again! Actually razor shaving is an exercise in hydration. What do I mean by that? Just think back to when you were a kid and you saw the old men in the barbershops giving razor shaves. If you don’t remember that, just think back to the movie Barbershop when Eddie, played by Cedric the Entertainer, got ready to shave his client. What did he do? Old school barbers would lather the face, then put on a hot, damp towel and let the lather soak into the skin for a few minutes. So how does that translate to you shaving at home? Razors should always be wet and warm. Keep rinsing the razor off in hot water as you shave. When you are finished, put on a post-shave treatment that reduces the chance of inflammation ever occurring.

TAKE DIRECTION. The No. 1 mistake is to drag a razor against the hair growth. Face mapping determines the right direction and is fundamental to my Directional Shave Method. Typically, hair grows down from the temple to about the Adam’s apple, where it changes direction. However, each beard is different and should be mapped and shaved accordingly.

KEEP SHARP. The No. 2 shaving mistake is to use a dull blade. Dull blades tug at hairs and cause skin irritation. Choose a high-quality multi-blade razor for ample ease of gliding, and let your razor do the work. Replace blades before they begin to tug. Rinse them often while shaving to extend their lifespan and to prevent dirt and hair from entering pores.

STAY WET AND LUBRICATED. Mistake No. 3 is not wetting and lubricating the face sufficiently. Never use soap when shaving; instead, liberally apply a formula with aloe or menthol, to moisturize and lift the hairs.

DO IT DAILY. Shave every day or at least every other day. If men don’t shave regularly, their beards grow too long, making it harder to shave without tugging. Tugging causes irritation, and irritation causes bumps.

DON’T LINGER. Shaving should take only about three minutes. Any longer means a man is needlessly shaving over the same areas, which could irritate the skin. Use light strokes, and never pull or stretch the skin while shaving. Use sidestrokes to finish for an extra clean shave.

TREAT YOURSELF. Treat yourself everywhere you shave, every time you shave, to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and hydrate and soften the skin. If your beard is prone to razor bumps, use therapeutic aftershave consistently after each shave.

So you feel inspired to give razor shaving a try. But even after getting these guidelines and the 411 on what does or doesn’t cause razor bumps you feel like you need to see how to do it before you actually put that blade on your face? Don’t worry, I got you. Go to http://www.bumppatrol.com and check out my video Smooth Moves for shaving tips.

Master Barber Will Williams
Director of Education
M&M Products Company

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