Pedicures….Bliss for your feet

Kitten heels, funky and open toed sandals require toes and feet to look perfect and polished. A pedicure is a method to get better looking feet and nails. The word pedicure comes from the Latin word which means care of the foot. A Pedicure is helpful to prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. Pedicures are not only limited for nails, the dead skin of feet is also rubbed off using a rough stone called pumice stone under this process.

Like other beauty treatments, the Pedicure also has a long and rich history and reference in the past. In the current time more and more people are opting for pedicures for different reasons world over. Pedicures are actually a set of foot caring procedures which include foot exfoliation, foot care, nail care, foot massage and foot bath. There are two great reasons for a pedicure; the first reason is to give the feet a well-deserved pampering and deep cleaning and the second reason is to add a sexy look to the toes for summer sandals.

Soft and supple feet can be had by regular use of pumice stone and massaging with moisturizers to counter the effect of daily wear and tear on the feet. Medicated creams or Vaseline applied to the feet before retiring to bed work wonders. The problems related to feet that have occurred over long period of time should be referred to a foot care specialist. We feel our feet also deserve a bit of pampering.
The process of the pedicure begins with the foot bath along with exfoliation, both are done simultaneously. After that foot is gently dried with the help of clean, germfree towels and some deep action moisturizers are applied. Now for the nails, a cotton pad soaked with nail-polish remover is used to take off old polish. After the old polish is removed toenails are clipped straight across with clippers and a nail file is used to smooth the edges, including the sides.

Feet are soaked again in the hot water for five minutes, and then they are rested on the edge of the foot bath. A foot file is dipped in the water, and then it is used to smooth heels, the balls of feet and the outsides of pinkie toes. Now they are patted dry with a clean towel. To get cuticles under control a nail brush dipped in an exfoliating scrub is applied where nail meets skin to clean the area.

Feet are again rinsed and dried; now a generous amount of super-moisturizing foot lotion or cream is applied and massaged into feet and calves. Feet and leg massage are an important part of pedicures. The technique helps to relax the person having the treatment. Foot reflexology is extensively used while giving the foot massage; it relieves many nerves that end in feet. Therapists may also massage with hot stones in their hands, and use special creams that have menthol in them and which are said to help rejuvenate the foot. The moisturizer is now washed off the toenails with soap and water and then dried.

Now it time for beautification of nails, space is created between toes with a foam toe separator and one coat of base coat, two coats of color and one coat of top coat is applied to the nails. Nail-polish remover is applied to remove any polish that missed the target and is on the skin. Polish is now allowed to dry for a few hours before putting on close-toed shoes. It is advisable to apply one coat of top coat three days after the pedicure, then every third day after that to keep polish from chipping. If feet are going to be exposed in the sun, a top coat with sunscreen keeps the polish from fading.

It is advisable that proper care for hygiene should be maintained during your pedicure and all the tools to be used should be properly sanitized and sterilized to avoid the bacterial and microorganism infections. During the process of the pedicure if any cut or skin damage is done, it should be immediately treated with antiseptics.

Pedicures….Bliss for your feet

Kitten heels, funky and open toed sandals require toes and feet to look perfect and polished. A pedicure is a method to get better looking feet and nails. The word pedicure comes from the Latin word which means care of the foot. A Pedicure is helpful to prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. Pedicures are not only limited for nails, the dead skin of feet is also rubbed off using a rough stone called pumice stone under this process.

Like other beauty treatments, the Pedicure also has a long and rich history and reference in the past. In the current time more and more people are opting for pedicures for different reasons world over. Pedicures are actually a set of foot caring procedures which include foot exfoliation, foot care, nail care, foot massage and foot bath. There are two great reasons for a pedicure; the first reason is to give the feet a well-deserved pampering and deep cleaning and the second reason is to add a sexy look to the toes for summer sandals.

Soft and supple feet can be had by regular use of pumice stone and massaging with moisturizers to counter the effect of daily wear and tear on the feet. Medicated creams or Vaseline applied to the feet before retiring to bed work wonders. The problems related to feet that have occurred over long period of time should be referred to a foot care specialist. We feel our feet also deserve a bit of pampering.
The process of the pedicure begins with the foot bath along with exfoliation, both are done simultaneously. After that foot is gently dried with the help of clean, germfree towels and some deep action moisturizers are applied. Now for the nails, a cotton pad soaked with nail-polish remover is used to take off old polish. After the old polish is removed toenails are clipped straight across with clippers and a nail file is used to smooth the edges, including the sides.

Feet are soaked again in the hot water for five minutes, and then they are rested on the edge of the foot bath. A foot file is dipped in the water, and then it is used to smooth heels, the balls of feet and the outsides of pinkie toes. Now they are patted dry with a clean towel. To get cuticles under control a nail brush dipped in an exfoliating scrub is applied where nail meets skin to clean the area.

Feet are again rinsed and dried; now a generous amount of super-moisturizing foot lotion or cream is applied and massaged into feet and calves. Feet and leg massage are an important part of pedicures. The technique helps to relax the person having the treatment. Foot reflexology is extensively used while giving the foot massage; it relieves many nerves that end in feet. Therapists may also massage with hot stones in their hands, and use special creams that have menthol in them and which are said to help rejuvenate the foot. The moisturizer is now washed off the toenails with soap and water and then dried.

Now it time for beautification of nails, space is created between toes with a foam toe separator and one coat of base coat, two coats of color and one coat of top coat is applied to the nails. Nail-polish remover is applied to remove any polish that missed the target and is on the skin. Polish is now allowed to dry for a few hours before putting on close-toed shoes. It is advisable to apply one coat of top coat three days after the pedicure, then every third day after that to keep polish from chipping. If feet are going to be exposed in the sun, a top coat with sunscreen keeps the polish from fading.

It is advisable that proper care for hygiene should be maintained during your pedicure and all the tools to be used should be properly sanitized and sterilized to avoid the bacterial and microorganism infections. During the process of the pedicure if any cut or skin damage is done, it should be immediately treated with antiseptics.

Skin Care – Keep your skin healthy!

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It is made up of many layers of epithelial tissues which guard the muscles and other important organs of the body. The color of the skin varies among populations and it is largely dependent on the atmospheric conditions and heredity. There are different types of skins which ranges from the dry to oily types and this also depends upon heredity. It plays a vital role in protecting the body from pathogens and provides the body insulation and thermal regulation against heat. It also helps the body to synthesize the vitamin D and vitamin B. It helps the body to discard many toxic materials through sweat. The sensitivity of the skin also varies from person to person.

Overexposure to the sun may harm the skin severely and lead to problems like skin cancer, sun burn and wrinkles due to the presence of UV rays in the sunrays. The exposure of the skin to very high temperatures may result in dead skin and severe capillary damage. This part of our body always remains in contact with the outer atmosphere which contains polluting gases, germs, different types of infections, dust etc. Therefore it always remains under threat of catching infections and damage. For the protection of this layer of the body we cover it by clothes but some of the portions always remain in the open and carry a great risk of skin damage and getting infections.

From the ancient time various measures were adopted world over for the protection of the skin, which included lubricating it with the help of different oils and herbs, application of toning, moisturizing and cleansing preparations etc. Most of the time only washing of the skin with water or soap doesn’t help much it requires nourishment also.

Today every one desires to have the glowing healthy skin often portrayed by the professional models but only few of us know about the real facts. These professional models do not always have healthy skin, what we see in the pictures is the work of very talented makeup artists or the photo technicians. There are lots and lots of exaggerated claims by the companies producing skin care products, but in real terms they do not offer what they actually claim. Here are some facts for you:

Cleansers: Clean skin definitely offers some protection against pimples but too much cleansing actually damages the skin. Careful application of good cleanser removes the impurities partially and also removes the excess of the skin oils which helps to prevent pimples and blemishes but this job can be done quite effectively with a god quality of soap and water or with water alone.

Toners: There are lots of claims by the companies that toners make the skins pores large and therefore make it easier to remove the excess oil within them. To some extent it is true that toners remove the excess oil left by the cleansers but here again the same action can be achieved with the help of soap and water or water alone. As far as the statement that it assists by making the pores of the skin large is a fake claim.

Moisturizers: Most of us do not require the moisturizers as our skin has its own way to achieve the correct level of balance of the moisture levels. Some evidence was found that some of the commercial moisturizers really have skin protecting ingredients. As such there is no need to use the moisturizers but if you have a fancy feeling about it, go ahead.

The best products for your skin are the natural and herbal products that really nourish and maintain your skin. There are some more precautions about the skin protection if you follow them you can minimize the damage up to certain extent.

Protect your skin from the exposure to sun as this will help to reduce the risk of aging of the skin layer as long as other dangers to the skin are also minimized. Avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol as this also helps to lesson the skin from the damages. Eat healthy food this helps to nourish the skin.

For the protection of your skin you require only natural care, you can’t get healthy skin by spending lots of money.

Skin Care – Keep your skin healthy!

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It is made up of many layers of epithelial tissues which guard the muscles and other important organs of the body. The color of the skin varies among populations and it is largely dependent on the atmospheric conditions and heredity. There are different types of skins which ranges from the dry to oily types and this also depends upon heredity. It plays a vital role in protecting the body from pathogens and provides the body insulation and thermal regulation against heat. It also helps the body to synthesize the vitamin D and vitamin B. It helps the body to discard many toxic materials through sweat. The sensitivity of the skin also varies from person to person.

Overexposure to the sun may harm the skin severely and lead to problems like skin cancer, sun burn and wrinkles due to the presence of UV rays in the sunrays. The exposure of the skin to very high temperatures may result in dead skin and severe capillary damage. This part of our body always remains in contact with the outer atmosphere which contains polluting gases, germs, different types of infections, dust etc. Therefore it always remains under threat of catching infections and damage. For the protection of this layer of the body we cover it by clothes but some of the portions always remain in the open and carry a great risk of skin damage and getting infections.

From the ancient time various measures were adopted world over for the protection of the skin, which included lubricating it with the help of different oils and herbs, application of toning, moisturizing and cleansing preparations etc. Most of the time only washing of the skin with water or soap doesn’t help much it requires nourishment also.

Today every one desires to have the glowing healthy skin often portrayed by the professional models but only few of us know about the real facts. These professional models do not always have healthy skin, what we see in the pictures is the work of very talented makeup artists or the photo technicians. There are lots and lots of exaggerated claims by the companies producing skin care products, but in real terms they do not offer what they actually claim. Here are some facts for you:

Cleansers: Clean skin definitely offers some protection against pimples but too much cleansing actually damages the skin. Careful application of good cleanser removes the impurities partially and also removes the excess of the skin oils which helps to prevent pimples and blemishes but this job can be done quite effectively with a god quality of soap and water or with water alone.

Toners: There are lots of claims by the companies that toners make the skins pores large and therefore make it easier to remove the excess oil within them. To some extent it is true that toners remove the excess oil left by the cleansers but here again the same action can be achieved with the help of soap and water or water alone. As far as the statement that it assists by making the pores of the skin large is a fake claim.

Moisturizers: Most of us do not require the moisturizers as our skin has its own way to achieve the correct level of balance of the moisture levels. Some evidence was found that some of the commercial moisturizers really have skin protecting ingredients. As such there is no need to use the moisturizers but if you have a fancy feeling about it, go ahead.

The best products for your skin are the natural and herbal products that really nourish and maintain your skin. There are some more precautions about the skin protection if you follow them you can minimize the damage up to certain extent.

Protect your skin from the exposure to sun as this will help to reduce the risk of aging of the skin layer as long as other dangers to the skin are also minimized. Avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol as this also helps to lesson the skin from the damages. Eat healthy food this helps to nourish the skin.

For the protection of your skin you require only natural care, you can’t get healthy skin by spending lots of money.

Start breastfeeding

We at GreatDad.com are big believers in breastfeeding and strongly urge you to do all you can to support mom. The first meals, especially, can be a challenge as milk may not come in right away. The baby may not know what to do and the mom, if she has not breastfed before, may be equally lost.


Here is a simple beginner’s guide to breastfeeding:

• The mother usually holds the breast with the thumb on top and the other fingers below the breast. The areola, the circle of dark skin around the nipple should be free to enter the baby’s mouth.

• Holding the breast, the mother encourages the baby to suckle by touching the nipple to the baby’s lips. Once the baby’s jaw is around the nipple, she needs to hold the baby close to her. This will squeeze the breast and enable the baby to start suckling.

• The areola should be completely inside the baby’s mouth. The baby’s lips should pout out over the breast, rather than be pulled in. If the baby is correctly latched on and drinking, swallowing sounds will be audible.

• In case of any concerns regarding the baby’s breathing, the mother may press down on the breast near the baby’s nose to facilitate easy breathing.

• Whichever position the mother chooses, she should ensure that there is no strain to the baby’s head or neck.


Is it safe for the mother to take medications while breastfeeding?
Always talk with your doctor before your spouse starts taking any medications. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, most medications pass into her milk in small amounts. If she takes medication for a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma, her medication may already have been studied in breastfeeding women, so she should be able to find information to help her make an informed decision with the help of the doctor.

Newer medications and medications for rare disorders may have less information available.


How long should my spouse breastfeed?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, babies should be fed with breast milk only – no formula – for the first six months of life. The longer a mom and baby breastfeeds, the greater the benefits are for both mom and baby. Ideally, babies should receive breast milk through the first year of life, or for as long as both you and your baby wish. Solid foods can be added to your baby’s diet, while you continue to breastfeed, when your baby is six months old.

For at least the first six months, breastfed babies don't need supplements of water, juice, or other fluids (according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Service). These can interfere with your spouse’s milk supply if they are introduced during this time. One of the best things that only the mother can do is to breastfeed her baby for as long as possible.

Find features advice from experienced dads on parenting, pregnancy, breastfeeding, newborn baby, child development and on raising kids and teens.

Mineral Make Up : A Cosmetic Revolution

In the mid 1970's, a major change in the field of cosmetics occurred. The change was the evolution of mineral makeup. This product is made from natural minerals that are found in the earth and are finely ground to use as cosmetics. No unnatural dyes, chemicals, or preservatives are need. Today, this makeup continues to be extremely popular within the cosmetic industry. As with any product, there are those who can't stop telling others how wonderful it is, and then there are others who won't stop in criticizing it. The ones who do love mineral make up will tell you how wonderful it is, how light, natural ,and how long lasting the glow lasts, a glow that just isn't offered by other makeup. However, there are those who complain that it's drying, irritating, and emphasizes wrinkles, adding years to your appearance. They also say the colors have an pasty undertone that can be problem for exotic skin tones. For safer, and better skin, many consumers are initially drawn to try out mineral make up, its skin health claims offer the promise of a formulation that will work well with sensitive, acne or rosaceous prone skin. You can stay true to who you are with bare mineral make up. All of these products--including foundation--are crushed to a creamy powder form that's not quite a powder. These powders are natural, free of oils, harmful chemicals, scents, or anything else that might be damaging to your skin. So these formulas protect you from the sun and give you a great look no matter your skin's color or sensitivity, all while keeping you safe from the chemicals found in other types of makeup. For a totally natural look that brings out the sparkle in your skin, try sheer cover makeup powders. The mineral pigments within the powder work to cover imperfections and give skin an even look, whilst remaining light and avoiding that 'cakey' feeling. There are no dyes or perfumes used; the sheer cover formula works with your skin's natural oils and produces a flawless finish. Fine lines disappear like magic! Millions of women have discovered the advantages of using makeup that is natural, pure, and good for their skin. Mineral make up looks great and feels great. Minerals give skin a youthful glow, while still looking natural, not heavy or "made up." It is a pure product that contains no oil, talc, perfume, dyes, alcohol. Bare mineral is "Makeup so pure you can sleep in it".

Spray Tanning – Sunless Tanning Solution

From very early days tanning is very popular among the masses. To achieve the tanning effect on the skin long solar exposure was required. Regular visits to the beaches were a regular feature for weekends and holidays to get a nice sun tanned body. All of a sudden skin cancer and its relationship with sun tanning were discovered in 1960s. This made the sun tanning a vulnerable proposition for the masses. Since the tanning had become very popular till that point of time, hence people immediately started looking for the alternatives. As a result popularity of solariums was considerably increased, but solariums had problems of their own. There was constant risk of skin damage and broken capillaries due to constant exposure of the body in high temperatures. The next alternative discovered was the artificial or synthetic tanning, spray tanning being part of it. Spray tanning was quite safe and got the nod from Skin Cancer Organizations, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association etc.

The spray tans are applied by professional technicians using specialized equipment designed for applying self tanning sprays, such as an LVLP spray gun, and HVLP spray gun equipment types. The technician hand sprays the client from head to toe with a gentle tan solution misting. This technique generally used to spray the bronzed tan solutions. The manual spray tanning had few short comings, the most important of all being the client had to stand nude before a complete stranger for a period of 20 minutes or so to get the spray tanning. Beside that the spray solution use to contain Bronzers, which was responsible for innumerable problems like most of it comes down on first shower itself, it may leave dark stains on hands and legs and these stains are irremovable in a jiffy. The brown dye present in the tanning solution readily spoils your clothes and undergarments. If you have large pores on your face you will end up with a blackhead effect for a prolonged period. The brown dye can keep coming out for days which can spoil your sheets and towels, also the white clothes you wear, if you happen to sweat.

To offer a better solution for spray tanning, colorless tan solutions were developed; which allows the skin to develop the tan color itself. The tan obtained by these solutions last for longer duration of time and they do not come off readily. The positive point of this process is that you get the spray done in a booth within a minute there is no requirement of baring yourself before some stranger.

There are numerous solution types available for spray tanning each having some specialty over other, it is advisable to do a patch test whenever trying any new brand of spray tan. If there is no redness or irritation then you can go in for that particular brand otherwise stick to your own brand. The clear spray tans develop color 5 to 6 hours after the actual spraying in contrast to the tans containing bronzers.

As far as the sun tanning is concerned it doesn’t cost you a single penny but you always carry the risk of developing the skin cancer and various other skin problems- time required to get a good tan is 5 to 6 days. The solariums are another option with lesser amount of risk, they cost you roughly $120 and above per month – time required to develop a good tan is 10 sessions. In comparison to these methods the clear spray tanning costs you roughly around $ 100 per month that too without any risk and time required is just a minute.

This is the reason why the clear spray tanning is gaining popularity day by day. If you want to protect yourself while enjoying the gorgeous tanning effect then you should go in for the spray tanning today.