WHAT IS A TATTOO

It seems like everyone has a tattoo these days. What used to be the property of sailors, outlaws, and biker gangs is now a popular body decoration for many people. And it's not just anchors, skulls, and battleships anymore — from school emblems to Celtic designs to personalized symbols, people have found many ways to express themselves with their tattoos. Maybe you've thought about getting one. But before you head down to the nearest tattoo shop and roll up your sleeve, there are a few things you need to know.

So What Exactly Is a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a puncture wound, made deep in your skin, that's filled with ink. It's made by penetrating your skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area, usually creating some sort of design. What makes tattoos so long-lasting is they're so deep — the ink isn't injected into the epidermis (the top layer of skin that you continue to produce and shed throughout your lifetime). Instead, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically permanent.

Tattoos used to be done manually — that is, the tattoo artist would puncture the skin with a needle and inject the ink by hand. Though this process is still used in some parts of the world, most tattoo shops use a tattoo machine these days. A tattoo machine is a handheld electric instrument that uses a tube and needle system. On one end is a sterilized needle, which is attached to tubes that contain ink. A foot switch is used to turn on the machine, which moves the needle in and out while driving the ink about 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) into your skin.

Most tattoo artists know how deep to drive the needle into your skin, but not going deep enough will produce a ragged tattoo, and going too deep can cause bleeding and intense pain. Getting a tattoo can take several hours, depending on the size and design chosen.

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Does It Hurt to Get a Tattoo?

Getting a tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain can vary. Because getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. Some people describe the tattoo sensation as "tingling." It all depends on your pain threshold, how good the person wielding the tattoo machine is, and where exactly on your body you're getting the tattoo. Also, keep in mind that you'll probably bleed a little.

If You're Thinking About It

If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, there is one very important thing you have to keep in mind — getting it done safely. Although it might look a whole lot cooler than a big scab, a new tattoo is also a wound. Like any other slice, scrape, puncture, cut, or penetration to your skin, a tattoo is at risk for infections and disease.

First, make sure you're up to date with your immunizations (especially hepatitis and tetanus shots) and plan where you'll get medical care if your tattoo becomes infected (signs of infection include excessive redness or tenderness around the tattoo, prolonged bleeding, pus, or changes in your skin color around the tattoo).

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, a condition that affects your immune system, or infections — or if you are pregnant — ask your doctor if there are any special concerns you should have or precautions you should take beforehand. Also, if you're prone to getting keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue in the area of the wound), it's probably best to avoid getting a tattoo altogether.

HAIR FALL

HOLLYWOOD HAIR STYLES

GREAT POINTS IN SKIN CARE

Great Points On The Top 5 Skin Care Info Tips

The cosmetic business is alive and well and you will undoubtedly have noticed a lot more than your share of ads and commercials, motivating you to choose a particular product or other. There is a lot of misinformation available and you could be forgiven for an element of misunderstanding while you try to steer your route through all the choices. You could be simply searching for skin care info that will tell you what you should do and just how you ought to do it, but must be sure that you do your research so the items that you finally select are scientifically shown to do what they assert.

1. There are several fundamental steps that you need to consider on a daily basis. The very first of these is that you should keep the skin as clean as you can. Lots of the concerns, flaws and skin conditions that we view today may be tracked back to deficiencies in appropriate cleanliness. The skin comes under assault from a variety of air-borne pollutants when you’re out and about doing all of your normal business. Grime, dust and grit abound, to say nothing of what you cannot see with your naked eye. Most of all, be sure that you’ve got good cleansing products suitable for your skin type and you do this process twice each day.

2. After you have made sure that your skin is clean you ought to use a good toner to renew and reinvigorate it. If you like, you can classify this as a “pick me up” for the skin. It’ll make your skin far more open to the next effort that you’ll make, which is to hydrate and replenish it.

3. It’s easy for the skin to get dried out and brittle. We live in an environment which is frequently artificially conditioned. Heating systems and A/C will dry the air within our homes and places of work and one of the very first organs to suffer will be the skin. A moisturizer solution is not just a luxury, but it has to be applied to your skin regularly. You can help prevent several facial defects and problems if you hydrate correctly like this.

4. Always be sure that you remove makeup and other enhancers that you use. This should be done very carefully but diligently towards the end of the day when you are preparing to turn in for the night. If you don’t remove these properly the skin will never be in the best situation to rejuvenate itself and also to regrow through the night.

5. While we are all aware that we ought to apply day cream and moisturizing products whenever we go out to work, an important part of the skin care info problem that many miss is the use of night creams whenever you go to bed. Carefully chosen creams with active components will help enhance your body’s natural repair and replenishment mechanism, providing you with a head start for the entire day ahead.

When you are selecting products, read the manufacturer’s background and theory to make your decision about practicality for your use.

FACE MAKE-UP

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Face Makeup

1. Face makeup: The first step to flawless beauty.

By Debbie Vasen

Like paint on the walls, face makeup is the stage for the rest of your cosmetic applications. Whether you desire natural beauty or serious coverage, there are truly limitless options in foundations today. Thanks to the advancements in cosmetology, face makeup opportunities have essentially exploded.

Discover Your Skin Type

The first step in selecting face makeup is to determine the type of skin you have and the look you are hoping to obtain. Skin changes as you age, during the day, and through the seasons - therefore, you may need a variety of products to satisfy your face's needs.

Start with your skin's basic composition: oily, dry or combination. Most skin falls in the combination category with oil on the T-zone and the rest dry. Some facial skins also change their composition with hormone changes or humidity. Next, determine the amount of coverage you need based on the condition of your skin and your age. More coverage is necessary for skins with multiple imperfections and wrinkles that come with age.

Now that you have determined the texture of your skin, it is time to find the perfect foundation color. Always test shades of foundation on your face at the jaw line, as you want your face makeup color to match your neck. Try at least three different shades and test the true color in natural light. Even better, ask for a sample to take home and wear all day. Also, keep in mind that the color of your skin will change with the seasons - spring and fall are great times to reevaluate your chosen foundation palette.

Once you have resolved these three main points - the skin's composition, condition and color - you are ready to go shopping. Remember, the right makeup will make your complexion look naturally flawless - like you woke up that way.

Face Makeup to Fit Your Skin

The following outlines the best face makeup products to match typical skin types.

Oily Skin with Acne

• Blotting papers
• Loose Face Powder
• Oil Control Liquid Foundation
• Stick Foundation - to hide blemishes

Dry Aging Skin

• Luminescent and Dewy Foundation Styles
• Concealer
• Pressed Powder

Combination Skin

• Liquid or Cream Foundation
• Balancing Products
• Matte Products - to balance skin texture

Ruddy Red Skin

• Yellow Based Foundation - to combat redness
• Stick or Cream Products - blend evenly into skin

Skin of Color

• Lighter Colors of Foundation
• Warm Honey Tones

Good Skin

• Sheer Liquid Foundation
• Tinted Moisturizer

Application Tips

Foundation is a key step.

Before beginning with your makeup routine, always cleanse and moisturize your face and neck. Then, let the skin rest before tackling any makeup steps. This will help the skin to restore its most natural texture and color to ensure the makeup you apply will look right all day long. Also consider a face primer, as it seals in the moisture and smoothes the skin before applying the foundation.Whichever type of foundation you choose; the steps for application are relatively the same. Place a small amount of the makeup on your finger - about the size of the finger tip. Always start at the middle of the face with dots along the T-zone. Blend out and down toward the neck. For lighter coverage apply with a damp sponge, or in general, you can also use your fingertips. Ideally, place the face makeup over the entire face including your eyelids, nose corners and lips. This will provide a solid base for the rest of your makeup and ensure even color distribution. If you end up applying too much, you can always blot the excess with a tissue - a good practice for oilier skin types as it also absorbs some of the excess oil before the foundation has set.

For some, this application process might be a little more makeup then desired. Don't feel that face makeup must completely cover your face. Many women apply where needed, cover the imperfections, and blend with a damp sponge. This process works well for younger, relatively clear face complexions - just be sure that you blend well.

The last crucial step is the face powder. Find one that matches your foundation and place on top of your face when you are satisfied with the look of your face makeup. The powder helps to seal in the foundation and ensure a flawless finish all day. Depending on your needs, powder is available either loose or pressed. For less overall coverage use a large powder brush; for more, use the puff.

INDIAN MAKE-UP (IMAGES)

INDIAN MAKE UP(IMAGES)

Types of acne

There are many variations of acne, ranging in severity from mild to severely disfiguring.

Acne Vulgaris - mild/moderate

Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne. Acne vulgaris lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots:

Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads. You can view a diagram of a whitehead on the what is acne page. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat whiteheads.

Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear. You can view a diagram of a blackhead on the what is acne page. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat blackheads.

Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scarring. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat papules.

Pustules: A pustule is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit. Before you pop or squeeze such a lesion, be sure to read about how to pop a pimple. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat pustules.

Acne Vulgaris - Severe

Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful, and can sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common. Unresolved nodules can sometimes leave an impaction behind, which can flare again and again. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring, such as injecting the lesion with cortisone.
Cysts: An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and is described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring, such as administering a cortisone shot.

Acne Rosacea

Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.
Rosacea affects millions of people, most of whom are over the age of 30. It appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become more visible on the skin. Blackheads are not part of rosacea. It is more prevalent in women, but often more severe when found in men. Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for rosacea than for acne, and it is important that you consult a dermatologist if you suspect you are experiencing rosacea.
Acne Rosacea message board

Severe forms of acne

Severe forms of acne are rare, but they inflict great hardship to the people who experience them.
Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18 to 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many years. As with all forms of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is unknown. Treatment usually includes isotretinoin (Accutane), and although acne conglobata is sometimes resistant to treatment, it can often be controlled through aggressive treatment over time.

Acne Fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans is unique in that it also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics. Isotretinoin (Accutane) and oral steroids are normally prescribed.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.

Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful nodules, pustules, and sores, all of which may scar. It begins abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time. Doctors often prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) and systemic corticosteroids are sometimes use an an adjunct.

References
Bettoli, Vincenzo, Alison M. Layton, and Diane Thiboutot. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004.
Farmer, Evan R., and Antoinette F. Hood. Pathology of the Skin. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.
Fry, Lionel. The Encyclopedia of Visual Medicine Series: An Atlas of Dermatology. New York: The Parthenon Publishing Group, 1997.
Helm TN, Schecter J. "Biopsy may help identify early pyoderma faciale (rosacea fulminans)." Cutis. 2006 Apr;77(4):225-7.
Jansen T, Plewig G, Kligman AM. "Diagnosis and treatment of rosacea fulminans." Dermatology. 1994;188(4): 251-4.
Kligman, Albert M., and Gerd Plewig. Acne and Rosacea. Berlin: Springer, 2000.
"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Jan. 2006. National Institutes of Health. 2001. link.

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