The truth about dark circles under the eyes

by Janet Martin


You've probably heard it all before - from your friend, lover, mother-in-law or even your next-door neighbor. Staying up late at night and stress can cause dark circles under the eyes. However, the truth may surprise you.

While fatigue and burning the midnight candle can contribute to the condition, dark circles under the eyes are often the result of nasal congestion, according to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Lawrence Gibson.

"You may be surprised to learn that fatigue usually isn't the cause of dark circles. Instead, the most common cause is nasal congestion. When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and darker," Gibson explained.

Eyelid swelling during sleep is another common cause. When you lie down, fluid collects in your lower eyelids because of gravity. As the eyelids swell, this may create the appearance of shadows or dark circles below your eyes.

Other possible causes are chronic skin conditions such as atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), a disease characterized by red, flaky, and itchy skin, and fluid retention due to excessive salt intake, too much smoking, and heart, kidney or liver disease. The condition may also be a sign of dehydration or iron deficiency anemia.

But don't panic! In most cases, the condition is temporary and not a serious medical problem. It tends to run in families so if one of your parents have it, chances are so will you. As blood passes through tiny capillaries close to the surface of the eyes, it becomes more noticeable in fair skinned people, contributing to dark circles. The problem becomes worse with aging since the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, making the blood vessels or dark circles more visible. If you love the outdoors and spend a lot of time under the sun, you may also develop dark circles below the eyes because the harmful rays of the sun can weaken the skin.

To get rid of those dark circles, here are some tips from Dr. Mark Van Wormer, a board certified diplomat of the American Board of Anti - Aging Medicine:

"Place cotton pads soaked in eye soothing fluid in the refrigerator. On the morning you wake up with puffy eyes or in the evening when you must go out after a long hard day's work but those dark circles are jumping out at you in the mirror, do the following:

* Start by removing all eye makeup. * Lie down with feet up. * Place the cool soaked pads over eyes. * Rest 10 minutes while listening to soft, soothing music.

"Ten minutes later, your puffiness will be gone and you will look rested," he said.

Some people swear by Eyevive, an eye cream for men and women that strengthens tiny vessels around the eyes to reduce the formation of dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. This breakthrough formula contains special ingredients enhanced with green tea extract, aloe and Pro-Vitamin B5 to give you a fresher and more vibrant look. For more information, visit http://www.eyevive.com.




About the Author
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine. http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.

Unusual sleep positions can cause puffy eyes

by Janet Martin


Do you toss and turn in bed during sleep? Are you always on the move when visiting dreamland? Do you shift from one position to another whenever the lights go out?

If you answered "yes" to the above questions, you may be a candidate for puffy eyes that can make you look older than you really are.

Puffy eyes can be caused by many things. Heredity, fluid retention due to changes in weather or hormone levels, and allergies are just a few reasons why people have them. Puffiness can also be a side effect of certain medications, according to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Lawrence Gibson.

"When we cry, it is often accompanied by swollen eyes. This is due to the fact that our body reacts to emotions and causes more blood to flow through the eyes which leads to swelling. The production of too many emotional tears can strain the eyes leading to puffiness. We can also get puffy eyes after sleeping. This can be caused by too much sodium in the diet that causes water retention and excessive drinking of alcohol," according to EyeCareSource.com.

In some, the reasons are less obvious. Persistent puffiness that is accompanied by pain and swelling in other parts of the body may signal kidney or thyroid problems - serious conditions that need a doctor's attention.

"The skin around the eyes is very thin and is full of blood vessels which make it very sensitive. Usually puffy eyes will go away after a little bit of time or some treatments done at home. However, puffy eyes are also symptoms of other eye conditions that may require examination by an eye care professional. In cases where puffy eyes are severe and persistent or are accompanied by pain, discomfort, blurry vision, or other conditions, a doctor should be contacted about the problem," added EyeCareSource.com.

Fortunately, in the majority of cases, the condition is harmless and temporary. Often it all bogs down to the way you sleep. Whenever you hit the sack, fluid accumulates in your eyes because of the force of gravity. If you stay up late at night and sleep in awkward positions that cause more fluid to accumulate in that area, you may wake one day with swollen or puffy eyes.

To avoid this, here are some practical tips from Gibson:

● Raise the head of your bed at night. This helps prevent fluids from accumulating around your eyes as you sleep.

● While sitting up, apply a cool tap water compress to the skin under your eyes for a few minutes. You can also use chilled cucumber slices, a refrigerated gel mask or chilled, damp tea bags.

Some say that hemorrhoid cream applied under the eyes can reduce puffiness. However, Gibson warned that this is not supported by scientific evidence. He added that the ingredients in hemorrhoid cream may irritate the skin around your eyes.

To be on the safe side, use Eyevive instead. This revolutionary eye cream contains special ingredients that can reduce if not totally eliminate puffiness, dark circles under the eyes, fine lines and wrinkles to give you a fresher, more vibrant, and smoother look. Check out http://www.eyevive.com for details.

About the Author
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine. http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.

Secrets To The Ultimate Anti-Aging Skin Routine

by Marcus Ryan


Anti-aging skin care is a topic that many men are now becoming interested in, as well as women have been, for so many decades.

Even centuries.

But why this fascination?

Well, wanting to look young at whatever age one is, is one thing, but the other motivation is probably just as important.

And that is, the goal to remain as healthy as possible.

You see, anti-aging care for the skin is not just about the skin, because the anti-aging steps we take, affects our entire body as well.

So in this article, let's look at how we can age more slowly when it comes to our skin, and also our body.

So the steps to anti aging involve 2 main things:

1. to reduce oxidative stress from the environment

2. to increase our antioxidants that we're getting

Let's have a look at oxidative stress in this article.

Oxidative stress can be reduced in over 7 ways.

We'll talk about one of them here.

Let's talk about an important source of excessive free radicals: unhealthy foods.

A surprise? Well, you see, science has been catching up with what many cultures have known for a long time.

When we eat food that are low in antioxidants or high in saturated fats, this causes oxidation, or aging, of our cells.

In contrast, when we have healthy wholesome foods, the oxidation or aging effect is much lower.

High antioxidant foods include blueberries, figs, leafy green vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and others.

So really, our foods are both our building blocks for making our cells, as well as the ingredients protecting them from damage.

A good guideline is to think of how close to nature the food is. If it's unprocessed and preferably organic, then you're on the right track.

The other advantage of wholesome foods, is that you can lose weight much more easily on them!

In conclusion, anti-aging regimes to get younger looking skin is a combination of factors.

And antioxidants play a big role in this.

We age and our skin will age, but some people look years younger than they are all the time, whereas others are the opposite.

So learn the essential steps to antiaging, and your anti-aging routine will compliment very well the best anti-wrinkle creams on the market which work dramatically to reduce wrinkles and signs of skin aging.

Want to find out which wrinkle creams work? Then read Marcus Ryan's reviews of the best wrinkle creams at http://www.wrinklecreamsreview.com/anti-aging/ and get free samples to see the results for yourself!


About the Author
Want to learn more about wrinkle creams that work? Marcus Ryan helps you to find the wrinkle creams that gives results, on his review site about the best anti-aging wrinkle creams available. Plus get free wrinkle cream samples to see the results for yourself!

Uncovering The Oldest Antiaging Secret

by Michelle Bery


Who among us does not wish to grow old gracefully - with beautiful skin, strong muscles, and, most importantly, a healthy body? Cultures the world over each has their own secrets when it comes to staying young and vital. And the countless department store counters give credence to our quest as a society; displaying row upon row of anti-wrinkle cream, antiaging masks, and the like. Medically speaking, society pops all manner of pills in an effort to hold aging at bay. In all of the madness, it becomes easy to forget the very best antiaging secret - nature's own.

Living a life of health - of treating our bodies with respect - is the antiaging secret that will far outlast all of those pills and creams. It is a matter of choices - integrated into our daily lives - that will determine our aging process. From the food we eat, to the activity we perform, to the sleep we get - it all works together to decide the path of our futures.

The first antiaging secret that holds by far the most power in determining how we age is diet. Research has shown time and time again that the foods we eat largely determine our body's ability to fight disease and fight the aging process. A diet heavy in additives, preservatives, and saturated fat will work against our bodies and compromise the natural functions of our body. This can actually speed the process of aging.

Rather, eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients feeds the healthy cells of our bodies allowing them work at optimum efficiency. Nurtured by healthy nutrients and antioxidants these cells can keep disease at bay and allow our bodily systems to work efficiently even as we age.

These nutrients will also make themselves known on the outside of our bodies - in the form of glowing skin, shiny hair, and healthy nails and teeth. Drinking plenty of water will also feed healthy skin.

Additionally, exercise is another simple, yet effective, antiaging secret. Make an effort to combine cardiovascular work with strength training to keep muscles strong and to remain flexible throughout aging.

The best antiaging secret is that which works specifically for you. Integrate healthy eating, plenty of rest, consistent exercise, and enjoyable, stress-relieving activities into your life. Aging doesn't have to leave you old and tired; there are choices!


About the Author
For easy to understand, in depth information about antiaging visit our ezGuide 2 Antiaging.

Antiaging Nutrition - It's Your Best Defence Against Premature Aging!

by Dean Caporella


Antiaging goes deeper than just having plastic surgery, using superficial skin care treatment or applying facial creams; in fact, all of the above can be useful when applied as part of a total regime but in the main, they are short term and can cost you plenty of money.

Consider nutrition as a defence against aging. If we look after our bodies from the inside shouldn't the benefits show on the outside?

Antiaging Nutrition And The Benefits

Antiaging nutrition comes in the shape of antioxidants and minerals. By replenishing the source of nutrients our body cells require on a daily basis we are giving ourselves the best chance of slowing aging and staving off disease.

Free radicals will run rampant within our bodies if we don't send in the "body S.W.A.T team to neutralise them. They being antioxidants and minerals. Free radicals unchecked, will cause oxidative damage and if allowed to continue to bombard any given area of our bodies, will eventually cause any number of degenerative disease. The best method of defence is to maintain optimal amounts of nutrition, not once a week or once a month but on a daily basis.

Why Antiaging Antioxidants?

Without replenishing with optimal nutritional intake on a daily basis, our bodies are at the mercy of free radical damage. Apart from premature aging, diseases such as cancer, osteoparosis and diabetes could be the result and while it won't happen immediately, the chances are increased over time.

Just take a look at the statistics over the last 60 years and the emergence of these lifestyle diseases compared to 100 years ago. Once the human race fought infectious disease, now it's degenerative disease, so named because it's caused over time through oxidative stress within our bodies. Without feeding our cells the nutrition they need to stay healthy we are inviting not just these diseases, but an escalation in the aging process.

What's The Best Product?

Essentially, buying antioxidant and mineral products requires a little due diligence however, using the following three step process should steer you in the right direction.

- Look for products which contain the entire range of nutrients available. Not just some, not 20 but the entire range. The product should also be produced in-house by the company selling it.

- Antioxidants and minerals should come in separate form. There are a lot of nutrients in each family and claims it can be produced in one complete tablet form which can be swallowed are interesting.

- The product should be easily absorbed by the body.


About the Author
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. The secret to defying the aging process could lie in antiaging nutrition.We tell you how important it is plus, you'll get the latest antiaging news and reviews at:http://www.anti-aging-solutions.com

Practicing Antiaging Skin Care

by Michelle Bery


Our faces are our calling cards to the world. And when our skin doesn't reflect health and vitality our personality doesn't either. Our skin envelopes our entire body and its appearance can speak volumes about our health...and our age. As our skin ages, it begins to lose elasticity. That, combined with poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient water, lack of sleep, stress, sun exposure, and environmental pollutants speeds the aging process; the lack of care we are showing for ourselves is literally written all over us.

By following a comprehensive program of antiaging skin care, we can halt - and even reverse - the signs of aging skin. Antiaging skin care involves a synergistic program of healthy living inside and out to positively impact the way in which we age.

First and foremost, nothing does more to age the skin than exposure to the sun. The danger to fair skinned people is most significant. But even if you have darker skin, you are still at risk for earlier aging. One of the easiest ways to prevent wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancers is to use sunblock - every day, even in the winter. Sunblock can one of your most important tools in antiaging skin care.

Additionally, diet and exercise play tremendous roles in the look and feel of your skin. Maintaining a healthy diet - one that is rich in vitamins and minerals - will literally transform your skin. Concentrate on fresh vegetables and fruits, along with whole grains. And drink plenty of water. Drinking water allows your skin to flush any toxins. Further, a consistent exercise program - while doing wonders for your body and overall health - will also show on your skin.

Antiaging skin care also means the regular use of a proper skin care regime. The types of products are different for everyone - depending on your skin type - but include an exfoliating cleanser, astringent, and moisturizer. There are even antiaging skin care creams that will work to minimize lines and wrinkles. It is wise to work with a dermatologist to determine the antiaging skin care regime that will work for you.

When striving for good health, don't forget your skin. Take measures to increase the overall health of your body through antiaging skin care and you'll soon find your skin transformed.


About the Author
For easy to understand, in depth information about antiaging visit our ezGuide 2 Antiaging.

Antioxidants: The Best Antiaging Secret

by Korbin Newlyn


For people trying to stay young within themselves both their heart and their spirit are what matters. However, staying young on the outside has its challenges. Keeping your skin looking young is certainly a daunting task. Many people are successful in achieving this without anyone else even knowing, and when various people inquire as to what their antiaging secret is, they would answer with 'antioxidants'.

Many of us have noticed this type of phenomenon on TV or perhaps on the Internet, yet we all ponder what this secret is all about. An antioxidant is a form of chemical that counteracts what are known as free radicals into non-toxic elements, so the primary effect is to stop the body's cells from being destroyed and contributing to the aging process. In the human body there is a process known as the oxidizing process. From this process radicals are produced from our body's cells oxidizing and consequently producing energy which is called metabolism in the process of their normal functioning.

Well-Known Food Sources

The reality is antioxidants are not an antiaging secret after all. They exist universally in our day to day life, in practically all natural food sources that can be found, ranging from numerous types of vegetables to fruits and seafoods to oils.

The reason that antioxidants are sometimes referred to as antiaging secrets is due to the fact that it assists in reducing the aging process, with one of the most notable benefits being that there are minimal side effects compared to other forms of supplements that promise a more youthful looking appearance for your skin.

There are many fruits that contain numerous antioxidants within them, some of which include but are not limited to cherries, melons, prunes, apples, Strawberries, mangoes, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, and nearly all types of plums. Various vegetables that contain antioxidants are artichokes, red ball pepper, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, cantaloupe, beets, spinach as well as others. Fish as well as various other seafoods also contain many traces of antioxidants. Additionally, antioxidants (our antiaging secret) can be found in numerous types of oils, such as hazelnut, almond oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.

Antioxidant Vitamins

Essentially, what ever food incorporating any of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C, Folic acid, carotene, or Selenium would include antioxidants within them. Because most of the products that we consume on a daily basis have these natural antioxidants within them we can confidently assert that the true antiaging secret is the all-natural foods that we eat on a daily basis.

In addition to assisting in slowing the aging process, antioxidants actually have numerous other benefits as well. They help with the prevention of various diseases such as chronic infections, cataracts, stroke, heart disease, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease.


About the Author
Korbin Newlyn invites you to learn from his passion to guide individuals into healthy lifestyles. Visit our Antioxidant for Antiaging website as well as our Vitamins and Health site for more antiaging health information.

Dating when feeling a perfect beauty

by Celeste Ashley


Skimpy clothing, good looks and a lot of fun. Yep, you guessed what I'm talking about: summer dating. With summer already at the door, people start wearing as little clothing as possible. That means that a lot of skin is shown off by pretty much everybody. The question is; can you do the same? Beauty magazines, advertisements and TV stations are busy displaying tons of slim beauties and sexy young men, all looking like the world is theirs. And of course, all of us mortals are judged against these standards of beauty and expected to meet their criteria. Are you a bit overweight? Do you have pimples? Then finding the lost sword of King "What's-his-name" will be easier than finding a date.

Having to conceal your body is a painful experience. It doesn't matter if what you're trying to hide is pimples or extra pounds. The result is the same. The simple fact that you cannot enjoy the summer sun and the pleasure of going about in light and comfortable clothing just like everybody else is enough to spark anger and depression. But if you are going to get upset about this, you may at least take steps to solve the problem, too. After all, what's the use of identifying a problem if you aren't going to try and solve it? A slim body or a clean, soft skin are not that hard to get, especially when you have the power of science at your side.

For those who think a few extra pounds are the bane of their existence, we heartily recommend the high quality diet supplement called ProShape rx. There's no faster, nor better way to shed excess weight than this amazing pills. And don't think we're trying to swindle you into buying some hazardous product whose main ingredient is swamp grass. ProShape rx is a thoroughly researched weight loss solution based on Hoodia Gordonii, Chitosan and White Kidney Bean, three herbal extracts that help your body burn fat faster and prevent the storing of calories. You'll be amazed at how fast those unwanted pounds can go away.

And we also have an advice for those who are afraid of seeing their own face in the mirror. If pimples and red spots are standing between you and the sexy caresses of shared love, then try ClearPores. This skin cleansing solution is the perfect answer to your problem. ClearPores is made of deep facial and body washes, herbal pills and a protection cream. The system is designed to fight acne from the outside by cleaning the pores and removing excess sebum and from the inside by killing the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores. The protection cream acts as a shield that prevents future acne flare-ups and makes sure your skin stays clean and soft. Is this perfection or what?

For more info on state-of-the-art acne treatments please click HERE

The Basics Of Skincare - Lotions, Ointments And Masks

by Gisele Brosnan

With thousands of skin products on the market, the basics of skincare can seem overwhelming. The truth is that if you want great skin, you do need to gather information before you even step into a store, spa or cosmetic spa.

Our skins are plagued with sun damage, stress, poor diets, hormonal changes and air pollution. With so many skin damaging components in our everyday lives, there is a great need for counteraction. You can counteract these damaging components with great skin products. One of the basics of skincare is using lotion everyday. Lotion is extremely important because it helps the skin maintain its moisture. Hydration is a key to having great skin. Skin that is not properly hydrated will become dry, dull, and irritated.

There are different types of lotion for different areas of skin however. You should always use a lotion that is hypoallergenic as well as one that will not clog your pores. Facial lotions tend to be referred to as moisturizers. Lotions for other areas of your body are usually called body lotions. Make sure you are using the proper type of lotion on each area of your body. Body lotions are often too harsh for your face. Lotions are also broken up into moisturizing intensities. If you have dry skin, you will need more moisture.

If you have oily skin, do not make the mistake of thinking you don't need lotion, oily skin that is not hydrated will become troublesome. Your skin is producing oil because your hydration levels are off. Use a light moisturizer for oily skin.

Ointments are most often used for skin problems. You will often see ointments being used for eczema, rashes, or hives.

If you are looking for a once or twice a week pick-me-up for your skin, a mask is the way to go. Masks can be found for any skin type. They also come in many varieties containing many different ingredients. You can find masks with mud components to soothe and smooth your skin. You can also find masks that will help with acne. All masks work to help tighten your facial pores and smooth your skin's appearance.

Masks should be used once or twice a week. Most masks are made so that you just apply them to your skin and wait. While you wait the mask will begin to dry and you may feel your face tightening. This is normal and indicates the mask is doing its job. After waiting for 10 to 15 minutes, you will need to rinse the mask off of your face. You can do this with a wash cloth, or you can use water alone. After using your mask, dry your face completely and apply a moisturizer. Since masks take a little hydration from your face, you must replenish it.

In addition to face masks, you can also get full body masks. These masks work the same way as a facial mask and will rejuvenate your entire body. Many spas are now offering body masks. They can help tighten and smooth the skin on your entire body. Be sure to drink plenty of water after you get a full body mask however. Body masks draw toxins from your body and may leave you a little dehydrated, so drinking water is essential.

Knowing about lotions, ointments, and masks will help you get the skin you desire. The most important thing to remember is proper hydration. Be sure your skin is always hydrated with lotions. You can also drink water to help your skin hydrate from the inside. If you take care of your skin, you will notice that your skin will always look radiant.

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About the Author
Gisele Brosnan is a contributing Editor for http://www.mybeautymatch.com. Our site is dedicated to providing information on anti-aging treatments and about aging well options so you can keep feeling beautiful for as long as you want. Canada!