Synergy Beauty

We're passionate about sun protection at Allure (plus, we wouldn't be beauty editors if we weren't slightly obsessed with Jergens' Natural Glow line), so here's a celebrity endorsement that we can really get behind: Even though Rachel Bilson may best be known as a beach-lounging Orange County resident, she's teamed up with Jergens to promote their latest Glow in the Dark initiative. It's easy. Just by going online and promising to practice sun safety, the company will donate $1 to the Skin Cancer Foundation for every pledge made. In other words, everyone wins. Thanks, Sum!

Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus has been known to cure nail fungus infection effectively. As with any treatment, this has been met with skepticism by some people. What is the truth behind it?

Vicks Vapor Rub is commonly known as the over-the-counter medication made specifically for colds and cough. But there are a lot of people discovering new uses for Vicks vapor rub. Though there hasn’t been any major scientific studies to base these claims people made, the sheer number of positive testimonials gives a lot of circumstantial proof that vicks vapor rub is a promising cure for nail fungus infection.

There may be some valid reasons why Vicks for nail fungus works. Vicks contain natural oils that are derived from plants. These include, eucalyptus oil, myristica oil, oil of cedar leaf, as well as menthol and camphor. Maybe one or more of these ingredients have anti-fungal properties.

Healing Plants - The more promising cures for nail fungus are derived from plants as well. These include tea tree oil, lavender oil and oregano oil, among others. This should be a good time for scientists to conduct studies on the effectiveness of the different ingredients in Vicks vapor rub.

Vicks and Other Treatment - Usually, people use Vicks for toe nail fungus in conjunction with other treatments. They use Vicks vapor rub at night, before and during their sleep. They usually apply a generous amount of Vick vapor on the affected toes before bedtime, and then cover it with a sock. They leave this on overnight. Before doing this, one has to trim the nails as short as possible. Then, one applies hydrogen peroxide to the toes before applying Vicks vapor rub.

There are several theories that try to explain why Vicks work for nail fungus. Vicks vapor rub has a deep penetrating action and this can go inside the nail where the fungus often resides because it is warm, moist and dark. This has also a high success rate with children since they have softer nails, which lets the product penetrate much easier. This might be one of the reasons why some doctors even recommend Vicks vapor rubs to their patients to treat toe nail fungus infections.

While some believe it to be true, skeptics also say that these different testimonials of using Vicks vapor rub for nail fungus is just solicited advertisement for the company. There might be truth to this, but actual studies and research has to be conducted before anyone can make conclusions about this. There isn’t any particular strong evidence linking it to curing toe nail fungus except through people’s testimonials. So don’t get too excited about this.

Although it may be a cheap alternative in treating toe nail fungus, one still has to consult his/her doctor to get expert advice on what to take. Though there have been success stories with people using Vicks vapor rub, there are also complaints about this not working on some people. It is best recommended to try other natural products that are made specifically to treat toe nail fungus infections.

Do you get regular facials? According to the International Spa Association, they are the third most popular spa service. However, some estheticians feel that dermatologists often downplay the effectiveness of their services, the New York Times reports. On the flip side, some dermatologists feel that facials create unrealistic expectations and are just not worth the cost. Fight!

"Getting a facial is a great cost to cut," Dr. Leslie Baumann, a dermatology professor at University of Miami, told the newspaper. "It’s not doing anything preventative or anything long term for your skin." (Baumann does acknowledge that estheticians offer great advice sunscreen and home-care regimens.)

Dermatologists also worry that facials are too one size fits all, although many estheticians now pick the service for the patient, as opposed to having the patient pick the service themselves. "At the end of the day whether you’re spending $40 or $400," said Celeste Hilling, the founder of Skin Authority, "if that facial doesn’t have active ingredients for what you want, it’s not worth it."

Personally, I enjoy facials, but go to the dermatologist when I need serious skin care. Do you think facials help your skin, or are they just a fun spa treatment?

Dr. Laszlo once said that if water didn’t exist, he would have invented it.

Cleaning your face has never been so fun! Splash away using Erno Laszlo’s splashing technique. It deeply clenses, exfoliates, strengthens, stimulates collagen production, flushes out toxins, plums, softens and enhances your skin. The splashing technique utilizes the immense power of water, providing gorgeous, healthy looking skin. It involves only two items, water and Soap.

Splashing Technique:

Fill basin with comfortably hot/warm water.
Dip cleansing bar in water and gently rub on face. Massage on face and work into a lather.
Splash face 20 times with the “treatment water” from the basin. Drain.
Splash face 10 times with running water.
Pat face dry with clean, soft towel. Face will feel unbelievable fresh and clean.

Actresses wear all kinds of crazy things to get considered for parts, but Lisa Rinna takes the cake. Err, sandwich board. The soap star turned dancer turned television personality took it to the streets to get grass roots support to join the cast of "Melrose Place."

If you’re on a weight loss program, you could definitely use some appetite suppressor. In such case, you will have to consider a couple of techniques and methods. You would have to find the one that will work well for you. Here are some methods you can try:

Change Food Choices

Nutritious Diet - Eating a nutritious diet is always a good idea. This means eating the kinds of foods that are low in fat and simple sugars and high in vitamins and minerals. You should also avoid processed food and junk food. To successfully suppress your appetite however, you also need to change your food preferences. Some foods like apples, oatmeal, green vegetables and flaxseed for example are rich in fiber. They take longer to digest so you are less likely to look for food at different times of the day.

Modify Eating Practices

Schedule of Meals - The way you eat or your schedule for eating may also affect your appetite. Skipping meals for example may increase your inclination to eat more at odd hours of the day. So can eating large infrequent meals. If you change your habits and ate all your major meals or ate frequent small meals, you could reduce your craving for food. Other eating practices that you should consider adopting include eating salads and drinking soup and water before a meal.

Take Appetite Suppressants

Appetite Reduction - There are some appetite suppressor medications available. These medicines however have to be prescribed. This is because some people who are under certain types of medication or who have underlying medical conditions may not be good candidates for suppressant medication. Prescription is also required because some of these medicines can lead to side effects or even dependence. A doctor?s advice is needed to ensure the proper and safe use of medication.

Remember that appetite suppressants are not meant for long term use. They should not also be used as the only methods for weight loss. These medications are only meant to assist individuals into adjusting to a new weight loss or diet program.

Strengthen Your Inner Mind

Technique of Meditation - Appetite suppression is also possible through meditation. This technique is often used to promote relaxation but it can also be modified to promote stronger willpower to resist the temptation to eat. Naturally, this technique requires careful supervision to be both successful and safe. The disadvantage of this technique is that there are some individuals who have very strong cravings that may easily overpower whatever is achieved in a meditation session.

Take Natural Supplements

Going Natural - A final option would be to take a natural supplement such as those containing Caralluma. Caralluma is a plant that has been known for its ability to suppress the appetite. It is important to make sure though that you have a reputable brand. Make sure it really contains Caralluma and that it is all natural to reduce your risk of experiencing side effects.

We can't wait to see the Valentino: The Last Emperor documentary that opens today in select cities. Those crimson dresses! The entourage of five pugs! That tan! What's most intriguing about the film—besides all those villas and chateaus; the private jets and yachts; and champagne/celebrity/canape-fueled parties, of course—is that there's substance as well as style. Director Matt Tyrnauer chronicles not only the fashion legend's personal life, but his behind-the-scenes dealings with the group that purchased the House of Valentino, and the tensions regarding the future. But oh, the dresses...

Are you planning to lose weight? Then you should learn more about appetite suppression and how it can help you. When one’s appetite is held in check, you are better able to pursue your goals of weight management or weight loss. Aside from the many different techniques and medications for appetite control, there is also the option to use the plant Caralluma. What exactly is this plant and how does it suppress appetite?

The Plant

The plant’s complete name is Caralluma fimbriata. It is a succulent plant that belongs to the cactus Asdepiadeceae family. You will easily recognize the plant by its flowers that are purplish red in color and are shaped like five pointed stars. Some of these plants may grow much like other wild plants do without having to be specifically planted or tended. In India it is eaten as a vegetable. It can also be eaten raw mixed with other herbs or spices which is the preferred mode of consumption.

Appetite Control

Suppresses Appetite - Aside from being an edible plant in itself, the plant is also prized for its ability to control appetite. Caralluma has an effect on the release of certain hormones that regulate appetite. The desired effect is a reduction in the desire to consume food. Aside from controlling the appetite, the plant has also been known to have an impact on fat stores. It impedes fat build up thereby forcing the body to use whatever fat is left stored in the body. When used correctly, Caralluma can indeed be the ultimate natural weight management tool.

Plant History

The history of the plant will tell you a lot about its appetite suppression properties. It was often eaten during times of famine or low food supply. The succulent plant served to dampen the appetite when there was nothing else to eat. Aside from being a staple during famines, the plant was also popularly used by hunters in India. The plant?s ability to suppress the appetite was a necessity especially during long and difficult hunts.

Natural Safety

Most people take natural supplements because they feel safer doing so. This is not to say though that all natural supplements, plants or herbs are 100% safe. There are also some herbs that may cause minor side effects. It is also a fact though that many natural plants and herbs are by far safer to take than many non-natural preparations and medications. Caralluma in particular has been proven generally safe for consumption. Studies conducted both in India and in the U.S. have discovered that the plant does not seem to pose any health risks.

Using it Properly

A Vegetable - In the western world Caralluma has never been a staple vegetable. Unless you would like to go to India, harvest your own Caralluma and cook it for dinner, you probably would prefer taking the plant in product supplement form. Always remember though that real weight management involves more than just Caralluma intake. You still have to maintain a regular exercise program and a nutritious diet plan.

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