Healthrob » Skincare

London Beauty Deal of the day: Hammam Rasul and champagne

Healthrob — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:30:55 +0000

If you are in London at Kuno Tierra, a wellknown Spa based in Central London, TODAY you can get a an Hammam Rasul, the ancient mud bathing ritual of royalty plus a glass of Champagne at Kuno Tierra for £22 instead of £75 (full price) – Save 71% buying the deal at the link below:

Hammam Rasul bathing ritual plus glass of champagne discount link

Hammam Rasul is a treatment that consists in applying different muds to specific areas of the body, leaving your skin cleansed and conditioned, while the steam infused with essential oils of the Hammam Rasul helps to detoxify the respiratory system. This mud has been used for over 1400 years by nobles in ancient Rome and Egypt as a soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner. It is great for cleansing, nourishing and conditioning skin and hair.

You can get this deal at this great price only until 23:59 today 7th of September, and the discount you get today will be valid for three months so hurry and enjoy !

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Non-Surgical Antiaging Skincare Treatments: DPL Light Therapy

Healthrob — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:30:46 +0000

DPL Light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that activates skin cells with pulsating or continuous low-level, non-thermal light energy . It then converts light energy within the skin cells, as it happens with photosynthesis in plants (taking sunlight and converting it into food energy).

Skin absorbs LED light and uses it as a source of energy to stimulate cellular regeneration. Infrared LED light therapy, first researched by NASA, can reverse and control the visible signs of aging and help you look years younger. This type of treatment promotes skin tightening, smoothing of wrinkles and rough spots, softening of redness, and shrinking of pore size can be achieved with this natural light treatment.

In addition, the LED light unit can be used to effectively treat minor muscle and joint aches, sprains, back pain, muscle spasms, the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and more.

The Red light produced by LED lamps, aka photo rejuvenation, stimulates fibroblast cell activity in the skin, which increases the production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for your skin’s even tone and elasticity. The effects of red LED light therapy on the skin have been reported in more than 2000 scientific reports and documents.

Laboratory studies have shown that skin cells grow 150-200 percent faster when exposed to certain LED light wavelengths. Red lights at a wavelength of 630-660 nanometers penetrate tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm. Lights at this wavelength have been proven to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissue. Both visible Red and Infrared light has been shown to affect at least 24 different positive changes at a deep level.
Visible Red light is very beneficial in treating skin texture problems such as wounds, cuts, and scars. Monochromatic Light increases oxygen and blood flow facilitating wound healing.

The LED light units can be used safely at home but treatments shouldn’t exceed sessions of 15 or 20 minutes to give optimal results. The regeneration of the skin with these treatment is a gradual process and can take weeks before giving highly visible results.

Read my next post for LED light therapy for Acne and blemishes.

Non-Surgical Antiaging Skincare Treatments: Microdermabrasion

Healthrob — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:40 +0000

If you suffer from skin discoloration caused by liver spots, acne or surface scars, maybe you would benefit from microdermabrasion. The treatment is quite effective and is about removing the top layers of skin, revealing a new, fresh skin layer beneath. It is a little easier to perform than chemical peels or more aggressive methods. Its effects are visible after the first week of treatment although in some cases just days after the treatment the skin will appear slightly rawer because the treatment will bring up and after clear out the problems in the first layer of the skin just below the surface. Microdermabrasion is most commonly used to correct more superficial skin problems as stretch marks from sudden weight gain and pregnancy, age spots and other discolorations, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and large pores. It is not very effective on deeper tissue problems such as deep scars or tattoos, which require more powerful treatments. It is also quite effective on the decollete’ although you’ll find on this website in the next weeks that there are also other interesting options.
The main benefit given by microdermabrasion is retexturizing the skin and its effect on smoothing skin and evening out acne scars is permanent, while the collagen stimulation is temporary and lasts about one year or so. Because of this the treatment can be repeated in a milder form also at home with the following tools:

The treatment itself is based on the concept of sandblasting. Micro-crystals, usually of aluminum-oxide crystals, are used to remove the top layers of skin. The newly exposed cells are then encouraged to grow quickly and form a new, smooth and even-toned skin. Aspirin or anything similar and also smoking should be avoided beforehand for a few days, in order to get the best results, to help plenty of blood flow to the area treated. This helps promote rapid regrowth of the skin.
The treatment is not painful but a numbing gel can be used topically to prevent discomfort.

Bamboo wear: Sensitive Fashion

Healthrob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:17 +0000

Bamboo fabric is a breakthrough in the clothing industry for its breathability, high absorption, comfort, durability, natural antibacterial qualities and eco-friendliness.

• Bamboo clothing is UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and antibacterial. This makes it ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skin.
This quality has helped bamboo become incredibly successful in the wild. The plant itself kills on contact almost all types of bacterial pests that try to grow on it.

Bamboo fiber made into socks can stop foot odor and prevent athletes’ foot. Operating masks and gowns have been produced to help prevent cross infection in sterile environments. Bamboo fabric will also resist yeast, mould and fungus cultivation.

No other fabric has this quality so where your cotton shirts will eventually show signs of yellowing in the pits, the antibacterial matter will kill the bacteria in sweat thus ensuring that your shirts retain a clean, fresh appearance. The natural antibacterial qualities of bamboo will also help naturally eliminate odors.

• Bamboo fabric absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second, is anti static, so it sits very well next to skin because it doesn’t stick to it. Its extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.
It’s well documented that bamboo absorbs moisture far more efficiently than cotton.
Most active individuals, whether hikers, cyclists, climbers or fisherman, will tell you that cotton is the best textile to use as a base layer because it breathes and it absorbs moisture, thus keeping the wearer warm, dry and comfortable. Bamboo breathes as well as cotton, but it absorbs moisture twice more than cotton and let’s it evaporate in seconds, keeping the wearer dry for far longer than cotton has ever been able to.

• Bamboo Thermo-control qualities: bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold keeping you more comfortable in all temperatures.
One of the reasons why bamboo garments are taking the fashion industry by a storm is the fabric’s amazing breathability.
If you’ve ever touched bamboo you’ll have noticed that even when the air temperature’s soaring, bamboo remains cool. The bamboo plant’s fiber has the ability to remain cool even in its fabric form. In fact, compared with cotton and other comparable fabrics, bamboo garments are 2-3 degrees cooler in warm weather.

Each fiber in bamboo plants is filled with thousands of micro-openings (tiny holes), each of which acts as an insulator offering excellent moisture absorption and increased ventilation.
When worn during hot weather, bamboo clothing helps keep the wearer feeling cooler and fresher, especially because the fabric doesn’t stick to the skin, a problem that’s guaranteed to make you feel uncomfortable during summer.

Because bamboo garments breathe, they’re also useful during winter. Most of us have heard that several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer but if those layers don’t breathe, we can soon start feeling clammy and moisture rashes can appear on the skin. Thanks to the fact that bamboo garments breathe, the air circulates easily and moisture escapes, keeping us warm, dry and comfortable.

•Bamboo is set to revolutionize the clothing industry because, quite simply, it has all the advantages of cotton plus durability.
There’s absolutely no doubt that cotton is comfortable to wear but because bamboo fiber is very thin, hollow and perfectly round, it’s much lighter and softer than cotton. By twisting several fibers together, bamboo can be made into clothing of the same thickness ranges as cotton but will feel much softer against the skin. The thinness of its fibers doesn’t make bamboo clothing less resilient to wear and tear. Bamboo fibers are actually extremely resistant. One of the reasons cotton is such a popular textile is due to its ease of maintenance. You can throw it in the washing machine, put it in the tumble dryer and iron it time and time again and it still looks good. So it is with bamboo textiles, too.

Bamboo clothes are easier to iron at lower temperature in order to keep them looking good, which will ultimately save on energy use. Because of its deodorizing qualities, bamboo fabrics will also refresh with just a rinse in cold water.

•Bamboo is 100% naturally grown, 100% sustainable and the bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable
According to the World Wildlife Federation, the carcinogenic and ecologically unfriendly agrochemicals used in large scale cotton production have been associated with the loss of bio-diversity in the regions where cotton is grown while bamboo propagation doesn’t require fungicides or pesticides and could provide a sustainable income to farmers in some of the world’s poorest areas.
As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. It spreads rapidly across large areas. Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

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5 – Seaweeds: Blue-green algae and Spirulina

Healthrob — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:54 +0000

Blue-green algae is a well known source of over 64 vitamins and mineralsand is known for its immune and anti-inflammatory benefits.
However, now it appears that even more positive research is emerging that demonstrates its positive effects on immunity, inflammation, and nervous functions, which encompasses a staggering list of health conditions. It also is looking like it can benefit conditions that don’t seem to have anything to do with immunity or inflammation, such as depression, and even blindness.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae containing complete, balanced protein and a wide range of valuable nutrients. Spirulina is approximately 70% easily digestible protein and contains 18 out of 22 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids, making it a great vegetarian source of complete protein. Even better, spirulina protein is 95% digestible compared to meat sources, which may be only 20% digestible. In addition, spirulina is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E, highly bioavailable iron, and 14 naturally chelated minerals and numerous trace elements.

Phycocyanin, the blue pigment in spirulina, can act as a free radical scavenger and powerful antioxidant. Rat studies have demonstrated that phycocyanin can exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects. Experiments in mice show that phycocyanin can accelerate wound healing and may help in the healing of ulcers. A heaping tablespoon of spirulina provides about 100 mg of phycocyanin.
The non-toxic pigment, phycocyanin, is used in the food and beverage industry as a natural blue coloring agent. It is used in sweets, soft drinks, chewing gum, ice cream, and other desserts as well as cosmetics. Spirulina is also added to health drinks.

There is data showing that spirulina possesses some anti-viral and anti-tumor properties. Preliminary animal data also suggests it may be useful as a lipid-lowering agent.

Typically, blue-green algae is sold in tablet, capsule, or powder form. It is safe to use when consumed in recommended doses of 1 to 2 grams taken three times a day. Side effects are few, but allergies are known. Skin reactions, nausea and upset stomach have also been reported. Because of its high nucleic acid content, excessive consumption of spirulina may increase blood uric acid levels to undesirable levels. Due to the high iodine content of spirulina, patients with thyroid conditions should not use spirulina as it may decrease the action of thyroid hormone.

4 – Seaweeds: popular types of brown seaweeds

Healthrob — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:08 +0000

Brown seaweed is a type of algae with a high content of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame and hijiki.
Fucoxanthin can also be found in red and green seaweed, but in much smaller amounts. Although the richest source of fucoxanthin is brown seaweed, a person would have to eat an unrealistic amount of it daily to get fucoxanthin levels close to those used in research studies. In fact, to eat the proper amount of fucoxanthin could be very dangerous as the iodine levels would be extremely high. By consuming too much edible seaweed at once, you’re running the risk of iodine poisoning. Fucoxanthin is a popular nutrient in Asia and Europe. One of the first benefits discovered by scientists was the ability of fucoxanthin to help us lose belly fat.

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack.It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency. In the 1860s, it was claimed that bladder wrack, as a thyroid stimulant, could counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and, since then, it has been featured in numerous weight-loss remedies.

Kelp is high in iodine (great for treating thyroid issues) which must be present for proper glandular function and metabolism. It also contains phosphorus and calcium, as well as magnesium and potassium. Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, plus amino acids. Because kelp is the saltiest of sea veggies, it makes a popular salt substitute. However, it’s been tested to be low in sodium. there are thousands of different types of kelp and it is exceptionally rich in iodine,. It is also rich in iron, magnesium and folate.

Wakame has anti-obesity properties and is very high in EPA, an essential fatty acid. It can be added to soups and stews. This seaweed is iron-rich and 10 times more calcium than a glass of milk!

Arame (a type of kelp) like all other seaweed, is a rich source of calcium, zinc and iodine. It is also a good source of Lignans which help fight cancer.

3 – Seaweeds: popular types of Laver

Healthrob — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:56 +0000

Laver is a type of alga local to the British isles. Green or red, this type of sea green is particularly rich in iodine and iron.

Nori is commonly used in sushi.It is rich in iodine, iron, protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin.It has twice as much Vitamin C as oranges, packed with beta-carotene like carrots, rich in calcium for your bones, iodine and iron for thyroid, and are great in making sushi.

Dulse is very nutritious, with around 10 to 20 percent protein and many vitamins and mineral including iron, magnesium, and beta-carotene.As well as its health benefits, it is used in skin care and cosmetics. Dulse grows widely along the shorelines of the North Atlantic. It has been harvested as a source of food for thousands of years, and continues to be popular in Northern Ireland, Iceland, and parts of Canada. In addition to being eaten plain as a food source, dulse seaweed and other algae are processed for inclusion in various packaged foods, typically as a thickener or stretcher.

Carrageen is rich in retinol and minerals and is used to thicken foods. It is the vegetarian equivalent of gelatine.Known also under the common name Irish moss, or carrageen moss (Irish carraigín, “little rock”), is a species of red alga which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. The principal constituent of Irish moss is a mucilaginous body, made of the polysaccharide carrageenan of which it contains about 55%; the plant also has nearly 10% of protein and about 15% of mineral matter, and is rich in iodine and sulfur. When softened in water it has a sea-like odour, and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a jelly when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of water.

2 – Seaweeds: their benefits on health and nutrition

Healthrob — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:05 +0000

Seaweeds have innumerable benefits deriving mainly by their high content of minerals and antioxidants (carotenoids).
Let’s see where they are most beneficial:

To Keep the mind sharp.
Significant amount of vitamins, protein, ionic minerals and trace minerals enhances your brain’s performance (specifically Asparagine, which energizes the brain and also boosts the immune system, while Boron improves mental clarity as it assists in unclogging arteries).

To preserve good eyesight.
Sea vegetables are the leading sources of natural carotenes like Vitamin A (beta carotene) and bioflavonoids – antioxidants that help clear up the cellular debris that accumulate in the eyes. Bioflavonoids for one, works with prolonging Vitamin C action in the eyes, which help prevent swelling and inflammation of ocular tissues. Vitamins A and C keep vision 20/20 and help prevent “dry eye” syndrome.

To improve gum health and strengthen teeth.
Aside from calcium, sea vegetables are also rich in vitamin C, one of the most essential vitamins, which keeps the gums in the pink of health. 26x the calcium of milk, seaweed strengthens teeth (and bones!). It also has Fluorine that fights tooth decay.

To strengthen the immune system.
Polynutrients in ocean vegetables help strengthen the immune system and keep the body resistant to illness.
Overflowing with vitamin B, C, minerals and amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties, sea plants enhance resistance to allergies and other infection.
Seaweed’s strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties help prevent against colds, flu and other respiratory problems.
An army of antioxidants fights dangerous free radicals (cells that go wayward) for a super strong and protected immune system.

To reduce cancer risks and stops tumor growth..
Powerful antioxidants (lignans) and anti-cancer properties help inhibit abnormal cell growth by a whopping 95%! Iodine and amino acids combine to significantly reduce breast and uterine fibroids; help prevent cysts from forming.

To promote energy
Energy-boosting B vitamins, Vitamin C and minerals fight stress and fatigue so you stay active and alert.
Promote beauty and rejuvenation, beautiful and healthy skin, hair and nails and help eliminate cellulite
Replete with phytochemicals and anti-ageing properties, sea plants enhance cell regeneration and rejuvenation thus, delaying ageing.
Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, minerals and amino acids, sea veggies maintain collagen (a property necessary for smooth functioning of connective tissues) making skin supple, soft to touch. Laugh lines and wrinkles are reduced.
Amino acid, minerals and vitamin content of sea vegetables nourish the skin. Trace mineral Serine enhances skin beauty while Theonine improves skin tone.
Antioxidants in seaweed increase your body’s fat-burning ability; help skin tissue and fat cells absorb minerals. These minerals then break the chemical bond that seals the fat cells and hasten their release out of the body (through the kidneys and bladder) halting cellulite build-up.
Amino acids, vitamins and minerals help strengthen hair strands and texture resulting in lustrous hair. Biotin, which belongs to the family of B vitamins, promotes healthier and shiny hair.
Vitamins, amino acids, minerals and enzymes in seaweed keep nails strong and healthy.

To lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
Sea vegetables are a very good source of magnesium, which has also been known to reduce high blood pressure; prevent stroke.
Seaweed curbs the formation of blood clots to help prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the heart vessels.

To normalize cholesterol levels.
Effectively lowers blood cholesterol;

To support bone health and joint function.
High magnesium content stimulates production of calcitonin (hormone), which helps increase calcium in the bones. Seaweed is also a terrific source of natural vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption, bone health and muscle function. Its Fluorine content improves bone density helping prevent osteoporosis (bone disease) in the process.

To fuel weight loss naturally by aiding digestion.
Virtually fat-free, essential fatty acids (EFAs), plant fiber and algin fuel weight loss and amazingly continue to do so even as you age.
Polysaccharides (a form of soluble fiber) in sea greens, aid in digestion by soothing the digestive and intestinal tracts.

To maintain healthy thyroid, liver, kidneys and prostate.
Abundant natural, organically-bond iodine extracts maintain healthy thyroid function, help prevent goiter.
Seaweeds contain important vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, which help prevent fatty liver development, toxic build-up and other related diseases.
Minerals in seaweed act like electrolytes, which help kidneys regain optimum function. Then, too, its fiber content aids in kidney stone prevention.
High in mineral content, seaweed helps maintain healthy prostate (gland) especially in middle-aged men.
Detoxify heavy metals and pollutants.
Minerals, amino acids and fiber work in unison to detoxify heavy metals and pollutants that enter the body through food and the air we breathe (Chlorella).

To maintain the body’s natural equilibrium.
Major and trace minerals, which are plentiful in ocean vegetables, keep life-sustaining activities in the body and maintain proper PH balance for optimal health. Sea vegetables alkalize the body, making it less acidic. And the more alkaline the body, the younger it is!