Copyright (c) 2008 Pat Brill

Are you in need of a little bit of “you” time? Would you like to take a few hours to escape from the real world? Would you like to be pampered, instead of you doing the pampering for someone else? If so, you may want to schedule an appointment at one of your local day spas.

As nice as it is to hear that you should schedule an appointment at one of your local day spas, you may be curious as to what they can do for you. Day spas are designed to provide customers with a good sense of health and relaxation. One of the many ways that this is done is through a large selection of body treatments.

One of the most popular body treatments offered at a day spa is that of a massage. When it comes to massages, you should know that it could be more than just having your body rubbed down for an hour or so. Many day spas provide you with options, as well as many accessories. For example, some spas have what is commonly known as breathe easy massages. These often involve the use of scented lavender oil towels. Hot stones can also be applied to your face, back, stomach, or all three areas.

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Psoriasis effects over six million people in the states and the immune system turns on it’s skin it seems. The skin develops into patches and scales which some experts say has a genetic basis. There are prescription creams that you can get from your physician. There are also those who find relief using natural products.

Because the skin is the largest organ of elimination, look at what you are eating. Be conscious of eating nutritionally and
avoiding foods that can aggravate the condition. Be sure to get regular exercise to help the body eliminate better. We know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, but many find this hard to do. Water is also critical. Coffee has been noted by some people as an irritant for their psoriasis skin.

For your skin care, keep the water warm rather than hot and check the ingredients of soaps and what you use to wash your hair. You can find natural products in the health food store to avoid additives and products that may cause further inflammation. A drug store remedy some have found helpful is using vicks vapor rub on the skin.

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CELLULITE

“Cellulite” is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin. The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.

“Cellulite” is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a rippled appearance of the skin.

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CELLULITE
“Cellulite” is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin.  The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.

“Cellulite” is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a rippled  appearance of the skin.

Women tend to have cellulite more often than men because they have a vertical pattern of collagen in the underlying layer that holds the fat cells, and when the fat cells become very large, they bulge out of the chambers and appear as cellulite.  In men, the pattern of collagen is tighter, in a diagonal pattern, and they have thicker skin, so there is less bulging of the individual fat cells.  Another factor in cellulite is high levels of estrogen, since this hormone has a direct effect on the holding capacity of fat cells through the increase of alpha-adrenoreceptors, the chemical doorways that tell your fat cells to hold on to their contents.  Poor diet, bad circulation, and poor lymphatic circulation can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.  

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STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks (striae) are relatively common, even in males. It is not completely understood how they form, but there are several theories. One is that stretch marks form simply when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking and a scar is formed. Another interesting theory is that stretch marks are caused by an increased level of glucocorticoids (cortisol). Glucocorticoids prevent connective tissues from forming the collagen and elastin fibers need to keep the skin tight, and dermal layer then tears. Some people may be more genetically prone to stretch marks than others. Skin type may be a factor; dryer skin has less elasticity than oily skin, and is more prone to stretch marks.

TREATING STRETCH MARKS

There are several extra steps you can take for the reduction of your stretch marks. Consider your skin care regimen, and fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that is damaged, requires cellular repair and the stimulation of collagen and elastin production.

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