The Quick And Easy Way To Rebatch Soap

There are many people today who are choosing natural bath and body products because of sensitivities they may have to the chemicals and detergents used in many of these off the shelf products. I discovered the world of natural body care when my daughter developed eczema at nine months - I found that the detergents used in regular soap can be very drying to her skin, as well as mine. This is when I began researching handmade soap and its benefits.

Handmade soap has many benefits for your skin. When making soap, you can choose the oils that you feel will suit your skin's needs. As I read soap recipes online, the process seems quite simple - choose your oils, run it through a soap calculator, weigh your ingredients, mix them, add the lye water, stir, pour into molds. However, as a mother of three little inquisitive minds ages five and under, working with the saponifying agent in soap, namely sodium hydroxide, aka lye, was not an option for me. How, then could I have the benefits of handmade soap without the dangers of lye?

Further research brought me to the practice of rebatching. Rebatching soap was a great option as I could get all the benefits of handmade soap without having to work with or store lye in my home. Rebatching soap is the process of taking fresh handmade soap, melting it down, adding your chosen oils, scent and color, then allowing to harden.

Rebatching soap is not the same as melt and pour soap, which is vegetable glycerin soap. In fact, I like to call rebatching soap, melt, wait, stir, melt, wait,stir, then spread soap. There are a few methods one can use for rebatching, but here I am going to outline the oven rebatching method that I used.

First, obtain some fresh (10 days or less) handmade soap. There are many vendors online that sell soap specifically for rebatching - find the one that works for you. The older the soap, the harder it will be to grate or chop up and the more liquid you will have to add to get it to melt smoothly. Because the soap is so fresh, it is advised that you wear gloves while handling it to avoid any irritation from the saponifying soap.

Preheat your oven to 150-200 degrees. The hotter the oven, the more you have to watch over the soap. I set my oven to the space right before the 200 degrees.

Chop or grate the soap into the smallest pieces possible - the smaller the pieces, the faster the melting process. For each pound of soap, I add about 2-3 tbs of distilled water or milk. (When I made my coffee soap, coffee was my liquid of choice.) Place the pieces into a glass casserole dish with a lid. Pour the liquid over and place into the preheated oven.

Now you wait. Check your soap every 10-15 minutes, depending on the temperature of your oven. Stir the soap pieces with a sturdy wooden or plastic spoon. If you need to, add more liquid, but keep the adding liquid to a minimum. After about 30 minutes, your soap pieces should begin to turn to a substance like applesauce or softened petrolatum jelly. Keep it heating evenly and stir until the mixture is as smooth as possible with no unmelted pieces.

At this time, you can quickly add your fragrance or essential oils as well as your color. Follow your manufacturer's directions and be sure your additives are skin safe! Stir until the additives are incorporated, then spread the mixture into your molds. I prefer to use a plastic log mold or a box (yes, a box) lined with freezer paper. Tap the molds carefully (you don't want to splash hot soap on yourself) so that the soap settles - you don't want any air pockets in your soap. Set your mold or molds aside and let the soap solidify, usually overnight depending on the size of the mold. Once the soap has hardened, pop it out of the mold, let dry for about three days and you have your customized handmade soap!

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Christine Lowe-Woolard is a mother of three and the owner of neosoul.essentials, llc. Founded on the principles of natural skin and body care, neosoul.essentials, llc carries all natural, preservative free products for bath and body. Visit http://www.natural-skin-products.net for product information.

Read more...

Red Scar After Mole Removal - 2 Myths About The Dreaded Red Scar Effect

Hey [your name], You Still Have A Red Scar After Mole Removal?

Yes, the dreaded sentence that you receive from your family or friends after you've got rid of that mole. You are not alone and there is talk about ways to treat this as well.

Please be reminded that although you might get some advice about how to treat your red scar after mole removal you must always confirm this. Confirm this by going through the points you learned with a dermatologist.

Myth 1: There Is Nothing To Worry About That Red Scar

While the natural healing process of that red scar can be very predictable often times you have to take very good care. You have this because your skin is sensitive and prone to keloid formation.

For instance, a normal timeframe of the healing from this red scar phenomenon is 4-12 months it usually is not normal if you expose it like your other parts of your skin. Keep it protected from sunrays for at least a few months.

Myth 2: Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Heal It

This is a most common advice given out online and I've done some readings too. You have to remember that this is totally unprofessional advice. Anytime it involves your body you better cautious.

You cannot use some household items with a non proven method and instruction to use it to treat any red scar after mole removal in anyway. Vitamin E cream is a good suggestion but still talk to a pharmacist first.

Follow Professional Proven Advice

Of these two myths probably one of the more common ones is the advice that you see in discussion forums are user generated and not professionally approved. You need to have some sense of facts to count on before you treat that red scar after mole removal.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Learn More About Red Scar After Mole Removal, at a reliable website resource on Everything Mole Removal today.

Read more...

Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

When it comes to hypertrophic scars, there are very few successful treatments currently available. The reason for these limitations in available treatments mainly has to do with the difficulty of eradication the scar since it is most notably reported as a reoccurring scar. What this means is that while many of the treatments may seem like they work immediately following the procedure, after a few months they come back. It is not yet clear as to why the hypertrophic scars for this but many dermatologists have their theories associated with it.

In any type of injury to the dermis, the body's natural reaction to it is to form a scar. This scar being formed is similar to that of a callous forming when you work too hard. It is just a natural defense mechanism to prevent any further injuries. In most cases the outermost layers of skin are damaged and therefore the scar can easily be remedied by removing these layers of skin. Unfortunately with the hypertrophic scars, they form under the papillary layer of skin which means it cannot just be eradicated with the normal scar remedies.

The worst type of scar you can get is of course a keloid with the scar being in a close second. The reasons for this is that just like a regular scar the hypertrophic scar only affects the traumatized area of skin but the keloids affect outside of this area.

The reasons that many people are looking at remedying a scar is that it is more common than that of a keloid scar and can even occur as a direct result of a surgical procedure. While they are reoccurring the hypertrophic scars also digress quicker which means that they are more likely to respond to a scar treatment than a keloid would.

The treatments that are available for scars vary on the actual scar. If it is a very noticeable scar it is also more likely to be harder to eradicate. If you have a scar and are looking at getting rid of it then your best option is to seek out a certified dermatologist who is better equipped at giving you the best treatment options for your scar.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author:

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scar formation

Hypertrophic burn scars

Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to visit the above resources if you are interested in learning more about hypertrophic scars.

Read more...

How Permanent Is Permanent Hair Removal?

What does permanent mean? In the realm of hair it means that those follicles will not grow back. Ever. It means a life free of body hair. How does this apply to laser treatments, what kind of results do they offer? The simple answer is prettygood, lasers does offer fantastic results. However, just how great these results are is based on a person to person basis. The problem arises with the fact that that laser clinics, medical spas, plastic surgeons, and dermatologist are often fast and loose with the term "permanent hair removal."

Currently the FDA only allows for electrolysis to be marketed under that definition. That's not to say Laser Hair Removal is not FDA approved, it is, but it's approved for permanent hair reduction. Laser technology faces a much stiffer review process than electrolysis did, and lasers could very well be even more efficient.

The Difference Between Hair Removal and Hair Reduction

Permanent hair removal refers to the fact that hair will not grow back, you will be as bare today as the day you were born, whereas hair reduction allows for the chance of regrowth. Reduction says that it's long lasting, there's a possibility for permanency, but it allows for small chance that it's not. This does not mean that you should expect hair regrowth after laser treatments, most clients do not have any sort of regrowth. Some people experience results that can last a lifetime, while other patients the results may only be significant for 3 or 5 years.

Laser Hair Removal provides reduction of up to 90% of hair growth. You may not be able to remove all hairs with laser technology, but you can expect to loose the vast majority of it. Laser Hair Removal can't claim permanency without acknowledging that 10% chance. This is why the FDA would prefer the term permanent hair reduction over hair removal. And let's not forget that 90% hair loss is still vastly superior over waxing or tweezing, which offers a zero percent chance of permanent hair reduction.

Laser Technology vs. Electrolysis

Electrolysis accomplishes the removal of hair by individually electrocuting each hair, follicle by follicle. It's an effective process for getting rid of hair, but an extremely time consuming one as well. Expect a treatment to last 2 to 3 hours! While an effective method for small areas like the upper lip, electrolysis can become problematic for larger areas like the back or chest. And while the technology of electrolysis is long lasting in theory, it doesn't account for human error. Imagine having to pluck out all your leg hairs individually, after hours of plucking there's no way you could keep up a high level of focus. Laser epilation offers efficiency and control anywhere on the body: from the back to the face to the bikini line.

While, technically laser treatments may not be deemed permanent hair removal, it's as long lasting as hair removal can be. Nothing on the market today offers better results than Laser Hair Removal.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Check out what the FDA has to say about Laser Hair Removal and permanent hair reduction.

Mia Hepburn is a former health care liaison and writes the Cosmetic Blog at SignatureForum.com

Read more...

Acne Vitamins

In the section on "Skin Diet," vitamins received needed mention. Still, the importance of vitamins can not be overstated. Vitamins contribute greatly to the maintenance of a healthy, acne-free skin. For that reason, this section offers even more details about the vitamins that help to prevent acne.

Starting with the vitamin of greatest importance for those concerned about acne (and also starting at the beginning of the alphabet), this article will first examine the benefits of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the skin cells to produce vital proteins, thus strengthening the protective tissue of the skin. At the same time, Vitamin A lowers the level of oil production in the sebaceous glands.

Toxins can form within the skin, If not eliminated from the skin; then those toxins can irritate the skin, adding to chances for the development of acne. Consumption of foods with Vitamin A helps to move toxins out of the body. Please note that this section has advised looking to foods (fruits and vegetables) as a source of Vitamin A. Do not look to supplements for Vitamin A that can work to prevent acne.

Each of the various B Vitamins plays a part in the effort to keep skin free of acne. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides cells with the tools for metabolism. Metabolism creates energy. A diet of only carbohydrates does not give the body its needed Vitamin B1. A body in need of thiamine can obtain that chemical from digested garlic, parsley, leek, oranges, kale, pineapple, plum, cauliflower and tangerine.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) lends assistance to Vitamin A. Those two vitamins work together to maintain the mucous membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract. Unlike Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 sources in food can be effectively supplemented by using the proper vitamin tablets. If you want to rely on such supplements, take 100 mg three times a day.

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) also contributes to the functioning of the cells' metabolic pathways. In addition, Vitamin B3 insures the smooth flow of blood through the circulatory system. For supplementation of B3 in the diet, take 200 mg three times a day.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) reduces stress, a condition that can cause acne. Vitamin B6 (pyroxidine) enhances the functioning of the immune system (the elements that fight the bacteria in the skin).

In addition to vitamins, skin cells need minerals. Chromium helps to speed the disappearance of infections. Most of today's processed foods lack chromium. To get enough, use tablets that provide your body with 150 micrograms per day.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Steve Stoark

Acne Treatments
Nodular Acne
Acne Inversia

Read more...

Acne has been tormenting millions of people in the US. Many acne products have been popping up in the market but there is one acne treatment that had existed for thousands of years. That is the chemical peel. It was recorded in history that Cleopatra had been bathing in sour milk to maintain her skin smooth and nice. Lactic acid found in sour milk is effective in peeling the skin removing dead skin. Lactic acid belongs to a group called Alpha-hydroxy acid.

A recent study by researchers from Saint Louis University School of Medicine has found that Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels are found to be both equally highly effective in combating mild to moderate facial acne.

20 patients suffering from mild to moderated acne were studied in that research. There are 17 males and 13 female in the studied group. Alpha-hydroxy acid peel (30% concentration of glycolic acid) was applied on one half of the face, while Beta-hydroxy acid peel (30% concentration of salicylic acid) was applied on the other half of the face of each patient. The treatments are done every two weeks for duration of three months. A non-bias evaluator was used to examine the effectiveness of each acid peels on the reduction of acne. Both the evaluator and the patients did not know which sides of the faces were applied with Alpha-hydroxy acid or Beta-hydroxy acid.

At the examination during the second treatment, both sides of the faces have found to have significantly reduced the numbers of pimples. However there are more severe side effects found on the sides of the faces that were applied with Alpha-hydroxy acid during the first examination. All these side effects generally were reduced to minimal after further treatments. Some common side effects of Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid are stinging sensation, redness, dryness and peeling.

An examination was done to check for post treatment effect one month after all 6 treatments had been completed. It was found that 94% of the patients still continued to see good reduction in the numbers of pimples on both sides of their faces. Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels were still able to maintain their effectiveness one month after all treatments had been done.

Another examination was done two months after all treatments had been done. Beta-hydroxy acid had shown a bigger improvement in treating acne than Alpha-hydroxy acid. The non-bias evaluator gave 81 percent of the sides of faces applied with salicylic acid chemical peel fair or good improvement in acne condition, while only 75 percent of the sides applied with glycolic acid received fair or good improvement. There were also a few numbers of new pimples popping up on the sides that were applied with glycolic acid. However the numbers of new pimples were insignificant to be bothered.

The researchers concluded that both salicylic acid and glycolic acid chemical peels are equally effective in acne treatment. Salicylic acid was able to continue its effectiveness and had lesser side effects than glycolic acid. Overall Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels are successful treatment of acne.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Related Post:

• acne vitamins
• 8 factors cause acne
• does toothpaste help get rid of acne?
  

Author: Visit How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast for more pimple treatment methods

Which Is The Better Chemical Peel For Acne Treatment, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Or Beta-Hydroxy Acid?

Read more...

Seeking an alternative health education in Chinese Medicine? Instructing students an ancient healing art; Chinese medicine schools teach students how to balance the body's "chi" (life force) through energy channels. These channels are believed to be the body's internal balancing mechanism; able to bring about natural and self healing.

Providing students with fundamental knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, herbal medicine, therapeutic exercise, and nutrition, Chinese medicine schools also provide comprehensive instruction on a variety of health treatments including moxibustion, a form of heat therapy application that is believed to prevent or possibly cure disease. Additionally, students who enroll in Chinese medicine schools may opt to take in-depth courses in Qi Gong and Tai Chi.

Educating students about dietary intake comprised of nutrient-rich foods; herbs; minerals; vitamins and other necessary supplements, Chinese medicine school philosophy and educational training is built upon the basis of the Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and Zang Fu.

Chinese Medicine Schools teach a wide curriculum of therapies that are used for allergies, arthritis, weight loss, quitting smoking, stress, TMJ, PMS and other menstrual problems, back pain, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, digestive problems, and urinary problems, in addition to many other common or chronic health issues.

Though over 2,000 years old, today Chinese medicine is still considered alternative or complementary to traditional Western medicine; but its remarkable treatments and therapies are gaining headway in mainstream healthcare. Prospective practitioners can anticipate great personal satisfaction and substantial growth in this particular career choice.

To learn more about Chinese Medicine Schools and other programs of study, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

PhotoCredit: http://www.tea-circle.com

Related Post:

• Chinese Herbalism and Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Natural Healing With Chinese Medicine
• Aging Well With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
  

Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Natural Healing Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Chinese Medicine Schools

Read more...

The Chinese herbal tradition is believed to date back some 4,000 years to the Emperor Shen Nong (or Chien Nung). He is said to have described over: 300 medicinal plants and their uses in a book called the Pen Tsao. Although versions of several ancient pharmacopoeia still exist today, the main surviving text on herbalism is the book by the physician Li Shih-chen describing almost 2,000 herbs and 10,000 herbal remedies, and written in the 16th century.

As well as the herbalism of trained physicians, there is also a folk tradition of herbal medicine in China. Many families had their own remedies, which were passed from generation to generation.

Traditional medicine came under question in the 20th century, but was reinstated under the communist regime. The barefoot doctors in the country districts were skilled in administering herbal prescriptions, the ingredients of which they had usually gathered and prepared themselves. Today, Chinese herbalism is very much an orthodox form of therapy and preventive treatment in China, and it is increasingly practiced in the West.

The so-called raw ingredients of herbal preparations are usually dried materials. They are often prescribed as "soups," decoctions, or teas but may be taken in their raw form or processed into pills, powders, ointments, liquid tonics, or teas.They are classified according to their properties, such as "warming" and "cooling," and by their taste. The majority are of plant origin but a few are derived from minerals or from animal sources.

Usually the herbs are combined into formulas that are often adapted to suit changing circumstances as the client progresses. The careful adjustment of the remedy to suit the individual client is characteristic of Chinese medicine. Chinese herbalism can be used for a wide range of ailments, including asthma, skin diseases, menstrual problems, digestive disturbances, and migraine, and is effective when used on its own or in conjunction with another therapy such as acupuncture.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

PhotoCredit: http://static.howstuffworks.com

Author: Read out for Natural herbs Check out home remedies and homeopathic remedies

Chinese Herbalism and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Read more...

Although Chinese medicine is conceived as alternative medicine outside of the Far East it is still considered the primary medical system in China, and has been for thousands of years. Because Chinese medicine relies on natural healing rather than synthetically produced drugs, more and more people in the Western world are turning to this branch of medicine.

Whilst Chinese medicine is thought to date back for 5,000 years the origins are far from clear. The first recorded history is thought to date back over 2,000 years with the first written document concerning Chinese medicine thought to be Hung-Di Nei-Jing(Cannon of Internal Medicine) and is attributed to the Yellow Emperor, although there is confusion over the dates and authors and is still the subject of much debate.

Most people are familiar with the primary methods of healing within Chinese medicine, which are herbal medicine and acupuncture with other methods such as massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. But few know that restoring harmony and regaining balance rather than treating the disease is the aim of all traditional treatment.

A lack of harmony is seen as the main cause of any illness. Whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines, Chinese medicine has a holistic view and targets the imbalance with the philosophy that well-balanced human bodies can resist most everyday illness and disease.

While more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between TCM and Western medicine is still contentious. Older Western doctors are far more likely than their Chinese counterparts to view Chinese medicine with superstition.

This is not to say that the techniques are of no value in the West. In fact, drug companies have acknowledged the value of traditional medicines and teams of scientists in many parts of the world are employed to accumulate knowledge from traditional medical practitioners. In addition, many Western hospitals and increasing numbers of clinics now offer T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong classes as part of their inpatient and health programs.

Chinese Medicine is not considered alternative medicine to over three quarters of the world’s population and it is precisely in the areas of prevention and dealing with physical or emotional illnesses that it excels. It has been developed over the years as a form of non-invasive, therapeutic and risk free treatment.

Attitudes towards Chinese medicine are changing by the day and an increasing number of people are finding relief in this form of alternative medicine after failing with modern medicine and prescription drugs. But rather than as a last resort as was often the case it is now becoming a first recourse and more and more people are having regular treatments to maintain their health at an optimum level or to help with addictions or dietary problems.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

PhotoCredit: http://static.howstuffworks.com

Author: John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more observations from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit http://www.chinese-healing.info

Natural healing With Chinese Medicine - An Alternative Medicine For Drug Free Health

Read more...