Beauty advices, informations, good links, questions

[Irkalla]

Originally Posted by Jinto

Well if this is not just for females, I actually want to ask for some advice.

I have dark shaded skin below the eyes... more at the inner side (next to the nose) than on the outer side. In summer I can compensate that a little by sunbathing while wearing sunglasses (this makes the skin tones become more equal).
The rest of the year however I look rather tired/sleepy, even though I am not (I don't sleep too long or too short).
Someone told me that is because my skin there is especially thin. Well that wasn't exactly a helpful advice, since I cannot just make my skin thicker there.
Oh and make-up is not an option for me... (really I mean it!)

Actually, the over the top sun exposure can as well contribute to those dark circles. Please, never try to cover skin imperfections with a tan, it will only worsen on a long run. Other factors might be a bad diet(lack of vitamin e and c),stress,smoking, alcohol... My personal recipe for dark circles is a mixture of almond oil, rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, works like a charm.(good for preventing/slowing wrinkles too) If you want a home remedy solution that you surely have, try putting a slice of potato or cucumber on the dark circles or just the juice of those so you don't need to lie down.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Actually, the over the top sun exposure can as well contribute to those dark circles. Please, never try to cover skin imperfections with a tan, it will only worsen on a long run. Other factors might be a bad diet(lack of vitamin e and c),stress,smoking, alcohol... My personal recipe for dark circles is a mixture of almond oil, rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, works like a charm.(good for preventing/slowing wrinkles too) If you want a home remedy solution that you surely have, try putting a slice of potato or cucumber on the dark circles or just the juice of those so you don't need to lie down.

If I am not wrong, tea leaves should do the same trick as well (I think it is tannic acid in the tea). It is used to treat black and puffy eyes, not sure if it works on that problem as well.

[Irkalla]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

If I am not wrong, tea leaves should do the same trick as well (I think it is tannic acid in the tea). It is used to treat black and puffy eyes, not sure if it works on that problem as well.

Yep, tea leaves are good too. Tomato juice should work too + lemon, but rather stay away from lemon.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Yep, tea leaves are good too. Tomato juice should work too + lemon, but rather stay away from lemon.

I don't recommend acidic juices on sensitive places like the eyes : it is no different from going for a pepper spray or teargas treatment and the aftermath of eye-rubbing does more damage than good overall.

[Irkalla]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

I don't recommend acidic juices on sensitive places like the eyes : it is no different from going for a pepper spray or teargas treatment and the aftermath of eye-rubbing does more damage than good overall.

Yep me neither, I don't want any acid around my eyes. But lemon is loaded with vitamin c, and acts kinda like a bleacher. It's better for blemishes though.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Yep me neither, I don't want any acid around my eyes. But lemon is loaded with vitamin c, and acts kinda like a bleacher. It's better for blemishes though.

Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. It is the acidity that acts like a bleacher. Similarly, tea leaves contain tannic acid, which is a significantly weaker bleacher, but still works.

Blemishes are harder to "wash off" because of a protective oil layer generated by your skin, so lemon works better and faster.

Or you can always use industrial grade Chlorox. Bleaches almost anything.

[Gin]

Originally Posted by Jinto

Well if this is not just for females, I actually want to ask for some advice.

I have dark shaded skin below the eyes... more at the inner side (next to the nose) than on the outer side. In summer I can compensate that a little by sunbathing while wearing sunglasses (this makes the skin tones become more equal).
The rest of the year however I look rather tired/sleepy, even though I am not (I don't sleep too long or too short).
Someone told me that is because my skin there is especially thin. Well that wasn't exactly a helpful advice, since I cannot just make my skin thicker there.
Oh and make-up is not an option for me... (really I mean it!)

I would suggest getting laser surgery, thats where they shoot laser into your eyes. I am trying to get really pale so that I can dress as a vampire for Halloween and people told me to shoot lasers at myself and throw acid in my own face. I know it doesn´t sound like a very good idea but I have to assume that the people here know what they are talking about. I wish I had dark skin under my eyes though, a lot of vampires have that look but I don´t know how to get it without getting tan on my whole face. I tried not sleeping for a few days but that just made me really tired and didn´t give me dark skin under my eyes. Do you think you could describe your daily routine for me so I could mimc it and hopefully get dark skin under my eyes as well?

[Irkalla]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. It is the acidity that acts like a bleacher. Similarly, tea leaves contain tannic acid, which is a significantly weaker bleacher, but still works.

Blemishes are harder to "wash off" because of a protective oil layer generated by your skin, so lemon works better and faster.

Or you can always use industrial grade Chlorox. Bleaches almost anything.

I think it is the citric acid that is actually doing the bleaching though xD

And you should tell Gin more about Chlorax, sounds like it could solve his problems!

[Gin]

Isn´t citric acid in oranges? If so, then why do people brush their teeth? I eat lots of oranges all the time, but I still have to brush my teeth or my teeth will get yellowish. Maybe you should o back to science class "Zaseka", because you clearly don´t know anything about bleeching things lol

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

I think it is the citric acid that is actually doing the bleaching though xD

And you should tell Gin more about Chlorax, sounds like it could solve his problems!

Eh no, citric acid is the weak organic acid and gives the sour taste. Ascorbic acid is the one that "bleaches" due to its antioxidant capabilities (reducing agent in Chemistry terms).

The bleaching effect is a way of removing a coloured stain, so it doesn't actually matter whatever form of solution, acidic or alkaline or neutral, is used. For example, rust stains cannot be removed by bleach, you have to use something acidic to reduce the iron oxide.

Industrial grade Chlorox is INDUSTRIAL GRADE BLEACH. Unless your skin is made of tree bark, I strongly suggest against using it!

P.S I made a mistake about tea. It is tannin, not tannic acid, and it acts as a light hemostat. Since the skin is a semi-permeable membrane, the tannin MAY be absorbed through it. The problem could be bad blood circulation or dehydration rather than internal bleeding, so I would think the BEST is still to see a doctor before trying any of these home cures and wasting time.

[Irkalla]

Originally Posted by Gin

Isn´t citric acid in oranges? If so, then why do people brush their teeth? I eat lots of oranges all the time, but I still have to brush my teeth or my teeth will get yellowish. Maybe you should o back to science class "Zaseka", because you clearly don´t know anything about bleeching things lol

Well, I know that peroxide helped me to bleach my hair. Why don't you try that on your skin and teeth, I'm sure it will work for you too.

edit.
@SaintessHeart Um, actually no. Citric acid fall under the group of AHA, which are used in cosmetics for exfoliating, which basically removes the top layer of the epidermis.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Well, I know that peroxide helped me to bleach my hair. Why don't you try that on your skin and teeth, I'm sure it will work for you too.

Peroxide is an oxidising agent which oxidises the melanin in your hair, creating a bleaching effect.

The colour on the teeth is caused by colouring stains from coffee, etc or even sugars consumed by the bacteria to create acids and break down your enamel. Peroxide can be used, but it also damages your enamel because it is an extremely strong oxidising agent. It is better to grind off the dirt with normal toothpaste.

[Zu Ra]

Actually Zaseka is correct on both counts counts H2O2 and its variants i.e. Carbadmide Peroxide are used for Teeth Bleaching (Ref) . Its the same thing thing as formalin and formaldehyde . One is diluted other is concentrated,

Rock Salt and Citric Acid are natural cleansing agents . If you have anything overly citric you experience a zing or sting in your teeth . They do have a slight bleaching effect due to its natural cleansing properties .



Bleaching is the last resort unless you want sparkle like Edward Cullen . There is an alternative called Scaling, which is quite effective and less risqué .

Here are the various methods used in Teeth Whitening

* Chemical Whitening or Bleaching .

* Abrasive Tooth Whitening

* Micro Abrasion (Mild Acid)

* Laser Bleaching

[Narona]

Originally Posted by ChainLegacy

If you're a powerlifter like me you'll unfortunately get those stretch marks all over Just think of them as trophies of achievement

Originally Posted by Kafriel

That's what I thought at first ("spares me the pain of a tattoo, coooool) but I happened to see a friend of mine who used to be overweight (240p) and lost it later...now he has a white-striped body (full thorax, stomach, arms, shoulders and back) and contrary to popular belief, it doesn't give off a very jungle-like feel

About the stretch marks, some people have a genetic predisposition. But any people can take some preventive actions to avoid getting any (or to avoid getting more of it):

- To drink a lot.
- To avoid getting/losing weight, at least not too abruptly.
- To hydrate your skin. Some creams using silicium and/or essential oils are said to be very effective.

About the cream, the anti-strech mark creams are usually more effective than a simple skin care cream because they usually hydrate, help to active the bloodstream, which help your skin to get oxygenated, and help to fight against the free radicals.

The goal is to improve the quality of the skin and to make it more flexible to distentions.

Originally Posted by synaesthetic

This is kind of a tall order, but... maybe the girls here (that means you, Narona-chan ) can help me out a little.

TBH, I don't really know what to advise you to do

As somebody said, depilation might be better than shaving because you'll not have to do it every day.

For your face, the best solution is sadly one that you can't afford right now: Laser. It's used in many countries to remove body hair definitely (it can't be done in only one session, though) edit;: Kusa-san told me it's not true. So you might check with a specialist for questions about it.

Originally Posted by Jinto

Well if this is not just for females, I actually want to ask for some advice.

I have dark shaded skin below the eyes... more at the inner side (next to the nose) than on the outer side. In summer I can compensate that a little by sunbathing while wearing sunglasses (this makes the skin tones become more equal).
The rest of the year however I look rather tired/sleepy, even though I am not (I don't sleep too long or too short).
Someone told me that is because my skin there is especially thin. Well that wasn't exactly a helpful advice, since I cannot just make my skin thicker there.
Oh and make-up is not an option for me... (really I mean it!)

Sounds like rings under the eyes to me, but you might ask a doctor to check it just to be sure. Ring under the eyes are not always the result of a lack of sleep, as zaseka said.

I wrote a bit about it there: http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost...8&postcount=12 sources of the advices: beauty/women magazines.

You might really ask a doctor if you have a bloodstream problem, and see if any plants (phytotherapy) can help you with it.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

edit.
@SaintessHeart Um, actually no. Citric acid fall under the group of AHA, which are used in cosmetics for exfoliating, which basically removes the top layer of the epidermis.

Erm not for the teeth. The dirt on the teeth, particularly sucrose from sweets, is broken down by bacteria into lactic acid which "eats away" the enamel. The calcium present in the teeth is rapidly dissolved in the acidic H+ ions present, causing tooth decay, so citric acid actually adds, to a small extent, the availability of H+ ions to corrode the teeth with.

Incidentally the sugars present in the citrus fruits (fructose I think) gives the bacteria more stuff to break down into, thus taking citrus fruits for ascorbic acid might stave away scurvy but the citric acid and sugars might damage your teeth!

Originally Posted by Zu Ra

Actually Zaseka is correct on both counts counts H2O2 and its variants i.e. Carbadmide Peroxide are used for Teeth Bleaching (Ref) . Its the same thing thing as formalin and formaldehyde . One is diluted other is concentrated,

Rock Salt and Citric Acid are natural cleansing agents . If you have anything overly citric you experience a zing or sting in your teeth . They do have a slight bleaching effect due to its natural cleansing properties .

Though acids are oxidising like peroxide, their oxidation strength depends on their ionisation, carboxylic acids are significantly less oxidising due to the its partial dissociation when dissolved in water, thus less H+ ions = less electrophiles available = less molecules to act as oxidising agents.

Bleaching effects are caused by oxidation, and the agent's oxidising strength is the factor that changes the oxidation state and carboxylic acids removes the dead skins by breaking the bonds that hold the skin cells together through the process of oxidation. Peroxide can similarly be used, but due to its high oxidation rate causing irritation at the dermal level, high concentration carboxylic scrubs are used instead.

So it would be a redox rather than concentration issue. Also this is the reason why dental bleaching can thin your teeth. Looks like two separate issues, but if you take into account the smaller details of Lewis Acid-Base and the fundamentals of organic chemistry, they are actually related at the atomic level.

P.S Maybe Gin can use peroxide if he wants to whiten his skin in a hurry. But he would have red skin instead because peroxide is corrosive, and causes the blood to rush to the bleached area because the body thinks it is bleeding there.

[Jinto]

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Actually, the over the top sun exposure can as well contribute to those dark circles. Please, never try to cover skin imperfections with a tan, it will only worsen on a long run. Other factors might be a bad diet(lack of vitamin e and c),stress,smoking, alcohol... My personal recipe for dark circles is a mixture of almond oil, rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, works like a charm.(good for preventing/slowing wrinkles too) If you want a home remedy solution that you surely have, try putting a slice of potato or cucumber on the dark circles or just the juice of those so you don't need to lie down.

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

If I am not wrong, tea leaves should do the same trick as well (I think it is tannic acid in the tea). It is used to treat black and puffy eyes, not sure if it works on that problem as well.

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Yep, tea leaves are good too. Tomato juice should work too + lemon, but rather stay away from lemon.

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

I don't recommend acidic juices on sensitive places like the eyes : it is no different from going for a pepper spray or teargas treatment and the aftermath of eye-rubbing does more damage than good overall.

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Yep me neither, I don't want any acid around my eyes. But lemon is loaded with vitamin c, and acts kinda like a bleacher. It's better for blemishes though.

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. It is the acidity that acts like a bleacher. Similarly, tea leaves contain tannic acid, which is a significantly weaker bleacher, but still works.

Blemishes are harder to "wash off" because of a protective oil layer generated by your skin, so lemon works better and faster.

Or you can always use industrial grade Chlorox. Bleaches almost anything.

I thank the two of you for your detailed explanation. Let me see, if I can break this down a little bit. I could try to "bleach" the skin using acids (I think citric/ascorbic acid will be best since it is also antioxidant). The lipids will be good to counteract wrinkles, which means it somehow bolsters up the skin. I think the combination of the two could work well (I will test it).

Originally Posted by Gin

I would suggest getting laser surgery, thats where they shoot laser into your eyes. I am trying to get really pale so that I can dress as a vampire for Halloween and people told me to shoot lasers at myself and throw acid in my own face. I know it doesn´t sound like a very good idea but I have to assume that the people here know what they are talking about. I wish I had dark skin under my eyes though, a lot of vampires have that look but I don´t know how to get it without getting tan on my whole face. I tried not sleeping for a few days but that just made me really tired and didn´t give me dark skin under my eyes. Do you think you could describe your daily routine for me so I could mimc it and hopefully get dark skin under my eyes as well?

I am not going for the laser stuff (I don't want to get skin cancer or something alike). I really cannot relate to your wish to look like a vampire (dead) but everyone has his/her own perception of beauty.

Originally Posted by Zaseka

I think it is the citric acid that is actually doing the bleaching though xD

And you should tell Gin more about Chlorax, sounds like it could solve his problems!

As in faster looking like dead (you don't suggest internal usage now do you)?

Originally Posted by Gin

Isn´t citric acid in oranges? If so, then why do people brush their teeth? I eat lots of oranges all the time, but I still have to brush my teeth or my teeth will get yellowish. Maybe you should o back to science class "Zaseka", because you clearly don´t know anything about bleeching things lol

Err, bleaching aside... acids will macerate the teeth, this makes them more vulnerable to all sorts of things (staining included)

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Eh no, citric acid is the weak organic acid and gives the sour taste. Ascorbic acid is the one that "bleaches" due to its antioxidant capabilities (reducing agent in Chemistry terms).

The bleaching effect is a way of removing a coloured stain, so it doesn't actually matter whatever form of solution, acidic or alkaline or neutral, is used. For example, rust stains cannot be removed by bleach, you have to use something acidic to reduce the iron oxide.

Industrial grade Chlorox is INDUSTRIAL GRADE BLEACH. Unless your skin is made of tree bark, I strongly suggest against using it!

P.S I made a mistake about tea. It is tannin, not tannic acid, and it acts as a light hemostat. Since the skin is a semi-permeable membrane, the tannin MAY be absorbed through it. The problem could be bad blood circulation or dehydration rather than internal bleeding, so I would think the BEST is still to see a doctor before trying any of these home cures and wasting time.

I think I did this already...

Originally Posted by Zaseka

Well, I know that peroxide helped me to bleach my hair. Why don't you try that on your skin and teeth, I'm sure it will work for you too.

edit.
@SaintessHeart Um, actually no. Citric acid fall under the group of AHA, which are used in cosmetics for exfoliating, which basically removes the top layer of the epidermis.

Maybe its not such good idea after all...

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Peroxide is an oxidising agent which oxidises the melanin in your hair, creating a bleaching effect.

The colour on the teeth is caused by colouring stains from coffee, etc or even sugars consumed by the bacteria to create acids and break down your enamel. Peroxide can be used, but it also damages your enamel because it is an extremely strong oxidising agent. It is better to grind off the dirt with normal toothpaste.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by Zu Ra

Actually Zaseka is correct on both counts counts H2O2 and its variants i.e. Carbadmide Peroxide are used for Teeth Bleaching (Ref) . Its the same thing thing as formalin and formaldehyde . One is diluted other is concentrated,

Rock Salt and Citric Acid are natural cleansing agents . If you have anything overly citric you experience a zing or sting in your teeth . They do have a slight bleaching effect due to its natural cleansing properties .



Bleaching is the last resort unless you want sparkle like Edward Cullen . There is an alternative called Scaling, which is quite effective and less risqué .

Here are the various methods used in Teeth Whitening

* Chemical Whitening or Bleaching .

* Abrasive Tooth Whitening

* Micro Abrasion (Mild Acid)

* Laser Bleaching

Acids and teeth don't go well together unless there is some sort of enamel hardening procedure after the bleaching.

Originally Posted by Narona

About the stretch marks, some people have a genetic predisposition. But any people can take some preventive actions to avoid getting any (or to avoid getting more of it):

- To drink a lot.
- To avoid getting/losing weight, at least not too abruptly.
- To hydrate your skin. Some creams using silicium and/or essential oils are said to be very effective.

About the cream, the anti-strech mark creams are usually more effective than a simple skin care cream because they usually hydrate, help to active the bloodstream, which help your skin to get oxygenated, and help to fight against the free radicals.

The goal is to improve the quality of the skin and to make it more flexible to distentions.



TBH, I don't really know what to advise you to do

As somebody said, depilation might be better than shaving because you'll not have to do it every day.

For your face, the best solution is sadly one that you can't afford right now: Laser. It's used in many countries to remove body hair definitely (it can't be done in only one session, though) edit;: Kusa-san told me it's not true. So you might check with a specialist for questions about it.



Sounds like rings under the eyes to me, but you might ask a doctor to check it just to be sure. Ring under the eyes are not always the result of a lack of sleep, as zaseka said.

I wrote a bit about it there: http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost...8&postcount=12 sources: beauty/women magazines, mostly.

You might really ask a doctor if you have a bloodstream problem, and see if any plants (phytotherapy) can help you with it.

Yes its basically rings under the eyes (I wasn't aware that this term also exists in english). Lets go through your list:

Originally Posted by Narona

- To get enough sleep.

[x] Most of the time.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To have an healthy lifestyle. Eat well, and avoid dishes full of fat since it will put stress on your liver. Drink a lot of water. And do a bit of sport.

[<] half check, I guess I eat a little bit too fatty and do not trink too much water...

Originally Posted by Narona

- No alcool, no drugs, no tabacco, never.

[x] alcohol sometimes... but basically check.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To see if you have any bloodstream/veins problems. To do things that can prevent any veins problems, like practicing a sport.

[x] not aware of veins problems. And I do sports.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To see if you have any little liver problems, and use medecine if that's the case. Ask your doctor, or see if you want to dare using bio/plant product such as black radish capsules.

Actually I have a liver problem its called Gilbert's syndrome. The doctor says I should eat well and drink alot (non alcoholic drinks). I must admit I am not drinking that much.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To use trace element such as Cobalt. To eat Aloe Vera pure Gel everyday. To use phytotherapy that can help you bloodstream and/or lymphatic system.

That does not sound very tasty ^^'

Originally Posted by Narona

- To use things that have drain effect such as vitamin K (you can find skin care to put on the rings/eyes)

I will look for this stuff next time.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To use anti-rings cream such as Anti-Rings Eclat by Yves saint-Laurent.

No way. That stuff is just overprized garbage in my oppinion.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To put something cold on your rings. You can use little metal cap or teaspoon that you put in your freezer for one or two hour before putting them on your rings. Or you can use ice cube but don't put ice directly on your eyes/rings. Becareful and use coton or tissue.

maybe it works in combination with acid.

Originally Posted by Narona

- To use de l'Eau de Bleuets by Christian Lenart on a coton that you put on your eyes. It is made of Essentials Oils.

I am irked because of the product's name (sounds like another case of paying more for the name than the ingredients).

Originally Posted by Narona

- Some vegetables can also help, like using sliced cucumber, or "cold" sliced potatoes.


Don't forget to hydrate your skin anyway-

I will keep that in mind. (or better I print it out... I cannot possibly memorize all of this).

I want to thank all of you for the advice. Give me some time trying this out, and I will give you a feedback on how it worked out.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Jinto

I think I did this already...

I made a mistake there. Should be oxidising agent instead of reducing. Chemistry always give me headaches because of the ridiculous number of technical terms used. Can't those idiot chemists keep the words simple like the physicists do?

I made another mistake about the iron oxide : should be acid + FeO = salt + water : acid-base reaction. Sorry.

Besides, it won't hurt. Tannin isn't excessively corrosive or something, though it has a slight dying effect, resulting in most stuff coming out brown-ish. But you might want to see a doctor to find out about the actual cause of those rings, different causes require different treatment methods.

P.S Reading back all my posts, I made an incredible number of scientific mistakes regarding this acid-base and oxidation, with only the last post before Jinto's being scientifically correct. Looks like I really need to SLEEP before doing any science...it is 5.30am here.

[Jinto]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

I made a mistake there. Should be oxidising agent instead of reducing. Chemistry always give me headaches because of the ridiculous number of technical terms used. Can't those idiot chemists keep the words simple like the physicists do?

I made another mistake about the iron oxide : should be acid + FeO = salt + water : acid-base reaction. Sorry.

Besides, it won't hurt. Tannin isn't excessively corrosive or something, though it has a slight dying effect, resulting in most stuff coming out brown-ish. But you might want to see a doctor to find out about the actual cause of those rings, different causes require different treatment methods.

P.S Reading back all my posts, I made an incredible number of scientific mistakes regarding this acid-base and oxidation, with only the last post before Jinto's being scientifically correct. Looks like I really need to SLEEP before doing any science...it is 5.30am here.

Ah sorry, I meant I was at the doctor. I did not do any of these home cures yet.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Jinto

Ah sorry, I meant I was at the doctor. I did not do any of these home cures yet.

Thank goodness. I don't want you to look like a raccoon for the rest of the week.

In which then I would kill you, take your flesh, then stuff you and put you in a soft-toy catching machine.

[Zu Ra]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

So it would be a redox rather than concentration issue.

H202 is the same H202 for Hair Bleaching varying in dilution 3-12 % . Dental Bleaching happens with 3%-10% Dilution .

Wiki :

If your talking about Enamel Damage excessive brushing can do the same

And now teeth bleaching can be done by at home . Here are the details

Originally Posted by Jinto

Acids and teeth don't go well together unless there is some sort of enamel hardening procedure after the bleaching.

If your talking about Mild Acid (Micro Abrasion) its a Dental Procedure

Acid used is 35% phosphoric and applied for two minutes

Here is a good read on the subject.