Beauty Tips and Tricks
Eating disorders can lead to major malnutrition which affects your skin, teeth, eyes, hair, nails the whole package. There are vitamins and minerals that can assist with problematic areas, however taking supplements will not cure malnutrition deficiencies. The only way to look and be wholly healthy is to maintain a healthy, well-rounded, sufficient diet. For the meantime, here are some beautification tips and tricks to help you get and maintain a better appearance.
Skin
There are a lot of different vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids that work together to maintain healthy skin, they all work together so you can’t just focus on one and forget about the ones you don’t know about. Without the right nutrition your skin can become dry, dull and grayish looking. Some people also find that they break out when they’re not eating right. Eating disorders can make your skin look a lot older than you are because of a lack of antioxidants and fat which maintain the elasticity and glow of your skin. Essential fatty acids keep your skin moist and young. They are also very healthy and proven to assist weight loss in small amounts. Antioxidants vitamin A, C, and E are also very important for your skin. Basically vitamin A helps with acne, vitamin C prevents wrinkles, and vitamin E helps your skin retain moisture and prevent sun damage. Selenium (a mineral) is also important to assist vitamin E’s absorption and to prevent dandruff, and Zinc also works with vitamins A and E. B vitamins are helpful in preventing dry skin.
Besides what you’re eating, you should make sure you moisturize your skin and try to exfoliate, either by washing with a loofah, washcloth or something of the like, or by using an exfoliating wash. Exercising is also helpful because it increases your body’s circulation to give you a healthy glow instead of a tired whitish look.
Hair
Hair loss and dullness are probably the most common hair problems related to eating disorders. Protein, essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A and B vitamins are all really important to keep strong, healthy hair. Protein is a main building block of hair, without it your hair will probably become very thin and unhealthy. Fatty acids help hair retain moisture, B vitamins prevent hair loss, and zinc is important for the hair’s maintenance.
Another problem with malnutrition is that the body has trouble maintaining its body temperature and begins to grow lanugo, a light fluffy coat of hair all over the body, to act as kind of a jacket. If you’re concerned about this you could try a “shave-reducing” lotion. I don’t know how those lotions work with lanugo but I’ve used Jergen’s shave-reducing lotion and it works pretty well on thinning regular body hair.
Shampoo and conditioner is of course another thing that can help keep your hair healthy. I’m not sure, but doesn’t pro-v stand for protein-vitamin…? I don’t use Pantene Pro-V. Neutrogena also has protein conditioners, including an overnight spray-in conditioner which works well. The best haircare product line I have found is Joico. It costs a bit more but well worth it (and I do highly recommend it). Biotin supplements are also supposed to be very helpful to maintaining healthy hair.
Nails
Fingernails and toenails can become very thin, brittle and get a blueish tint when you’re not eating right. Essential fatty acids make nails glossier. Nails, like the hair, are also maintained with the help of Zinc. I don’t know how to get rid of the blueish tint other than through nutrition.
Another suggestion that I don’t have much personal experience with is nail-strengthening “polish.” Sally Hansen has a lot of different things like that to keep your nails in good shape. The best and one I do recommend is Witchcraft Nail Hardener.
Teeth
Teeth can be a big problem if you are bulimic or have had malnutrition for a very long period of time. Bulimia is terrible for your teeth, as the stomach acid comes up through your mouth and inevitably comes in contact with your teeth. Some people believe that if you brush your teeth after purging, you’re just rubbing in the acid and making it worse, but I disagree. If you don’t brush your teeth, there will still be stomach acid in your mouth, probably soaking into your teeth. I recommend using toothpaste with baking soda and fluoride, or dipping your toothbrush in baking soda because it will help neutralize the acid. If you think you’ll be rubbing acid into your teeth, swoosh a baking soda and water mixture in your mouth and spit it out.
Fasting or not eating regularly can create a lack of vitamins C, D, and B-12, calcium, proteins and other minerals which are all important for healthy teeth. Saliva flow also decreases when you aren’t eating which can increase the acid levels in the mouth and eventually deteriorate the teeth.
Eyes
I’m mostly talking about dark under eye circles, but if you’re not drinking enough water your actual eyes can become kind of dry and “unclear”. Drinking water is important for both of these problems; puffy eyes are caused by a build up of fluid that is retained by your body because of dehydration. Also you should try to avoid caffeine and salt because they can create dehydration, or make up for it by drinking enough water (e.g. one extra cup of water per cup of coffee you drink). Exercising can help flush the body’s retained fluids and make your skin look better overall. Getting enough sleep is obviously important but sometimes hard for people with eds. Your sleep cycle can get pretty messed up if you’re not eating enough (your body’s reaction is to stay awake to find food) or if you have some other kind of mental disorder (e.g., depression and anxiety. mental health has a huge impact on your sleep). If none of this works, you can try a moisturizer with vitamin C or a cold compress. I’ve heard that vitamin C helps with under eye bags because it protects skin cells and helps keep it strong, but I’m not sure how it works with dark circles. Of course makeup is always an option.
Biotin
Also known as vitamin H, biotin is good for hair, skin and nails. It’s also supposed to help control blood-sugar levels, treat yeast infections and aid metabolism of fat. I’ve heard great reviews of this.
Skin Moisturizers
The water content of the skin varies but for the epidermis it is approximately 80%, this is the same water content as in other cells. The very surface of the skin, the stratum corneum, is made up of dead skin cells and this layer is much drier, with the water content varying between 10-30%.
The stratum corneum, when it is dry, will tend to lose its luster and produce what we know as dry skin. In normal circumstances there will be movement of water from the dermis up through the more superficial layers of the skin, the water then in turn will evaporate. Skin that has low water content will dry and fissure, this makes it more prone to both bacterial and fungal infection.
Moisturizers are designed to reduce water loss from the epidermis. These do not reverse sun damage but they do prevent further dryness. They also can protect the barrier to soot and dirt and there is a temporary feeling of smoothness when these are used. The skin may swell slightly and cause some loss of fine wrinkles. The pores may appear to be smaller because of this swelling. Moisturizing is not required for those with oily skin.
Not every skin will be dry; there is the occlusive layer that waterproofs the skin. This is called the stratum corneum. This is essentially a fat protein sandwich; sebum that is secreted from the oil glands will also have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Moisturizers are essentially a combination of occlusive and humectants. There are a number of different skin types that require different skin care.
Dry Skin:
Dry skin is more commonly seen in lighter colored individuals. Moisturizing should be applied to the skin after washing. It should be used when the weather is cold, small amounts of moisturizer should be applied, and it is best to have multiple applications rather than using an excessive amount at one time.
Moisturizing Of the Hands:
Moisturizers that are best used for the hands will have an oil-based silicone. This is a water repellent. It also will not allow the normal fats of the surface of the skin to be washed away. These products protect the skin even after washing the hands.
For Different Skin Type
Dry Skin:
There are a small percentage of people who actually have dry skin on their face, these people will be dry on the cheeks and jaw line. Many of these patients work outside in rough elements, and many of these people are over 50 years of age. For these patients a creamy moisturizer in a lotion or cream is very effective. If they do not have sensitive skin, they can wear whatever products feels good.
The reason for the paucity of dry skin on the face is that there is an abundance of sebaceous glands on the face to prevent dryness. These are particularly active in young people, in men, and in many normal women. If a person is scaly in the center of the face central forehead, around the nose, and on the central chin, this may be seborrheic dermatitis. The use of a heavy moisturizer in people who have central facial dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) could lead to acne.
Normal – Combination Skin:
Most people have oily skin on the forehead, nose, and chin (called the T-zone), and dryer skin on the cheeks and neck. When the humidity is low, it may be necessary to moisturize the face. The most prudent of patients, male or female, will select a non-comedogenic moisturizer which contains a minimum SPF of 15 in it for daily use. There are legions of such products reasonably priced, which will prevent cancer and photo aging.
Moisturizers – Body Skin:
Because there are very few sebaceous (oil) glands on the arms and legs, moisturizers are very important. Winter, dry climates, and windy climates are very hard on the skin of the body. Many body lotions incorporate sun blocks for a daily routine. This is very important for sun exposed skin.
Often heavy moisturizers such as petrolatum Aquaphor, Cetaphil cream, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula, and other Jar or tube moisturizers are needed for dry climates. What may be appropriate for facial skin may be too thin for the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne may have started in your teen years, that time when age and hormones meet to cause those awful breakouts. Or, you may have begun experiencing acne breakouts in your adult years.
Either way, many people find acne bothersome or embarrassing. To reduce acne and its damage to your skin, follow these tips.
Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores.
Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture.
When you sleep at night, make sure you are sleeping on a clean pillowcase and that you are the only person using your pillowcase. Pillowcases absorb traces of oil during the night, and can aggravate breakouts if not changed regularly.
If you have longer hair, make sure to pull it back when you sleep at night. The oil in your hair can aggravate your skin as well.
If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. There are oil-free moisturizers on the market that contain anti-bacterial agents for acne-prone skin. This type of product may be your best option.
If you are a woman, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.
Whether it’s a unibrow, peach fuzz, or hair on your chinny-chin-chin, you probably don’t want it there. Here’s a guide to the best at-home methods for zapping facial hair.
Tweezing is quick, cheap, and precise for both brows and chin, but it’s not practical for large areas. Be sure to pluck one hair at a time in the direction it grows. The pros love Slant Tip tweezers from Tweezerman which offers free sharpening for life (dull tips don’t grab as easily).
Depilatory creams dissolve hair fast and effectively–results last for up to 2 weeks–but may irritate sensitive skin (pretest on your forearm before using). Choose one designed for faces, such as Nair No Touch Upper Lip Cream, and don’t apply to cuts or scratches.
Shaving is speedy, simple, and gaining popularity among women. Don’t worry, cut hair does not grow in thicker, but its blunt ends may seem so. Any razor will do as long as it’s clean and sharp. Never shave dry skin–use soap or shaving cream–and stay away from your brows to protect your eyes. A post-shave product such as Tend Skin Liquid (1-800-940-8423) will keep ingrown hairs and irritation in check.
Waxing gives you the best at-home results for eyebrows and upper lips. It’ll hurt for just a moment, but you’ll enjoy smooth skin for 2 to 4 weeks. The downside: waiting for hair to grow in at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch before re-waxing. Try one of the new no-heat gel waxing kits, such as Epil-Ease or One Touch.
Lotions can make hair finer and less visible. Use a hair-minimizing lotion with soy, like Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer.
Hair Tonics: Some of the tonics that will make your hair bouncy, healthy and shiny, i.e. just the way you always wanted them to be.
Fruit Hair Rinse
This tingling hair rinse helps put a shine on lackluster locks. It also controls any oily build up.
Ingredients:
1 orange
1 apple
1 small slice of melon
2 pints water
1 pint cider vinegar
Peel and slice the orange, apple and melon. Put both the fruit and peel in a pan with the water. Bring the boil, cover and shimmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let mixture stand for one hour, Strain well and add the cider vinegar. Bottle and leave for 24 hours before using as a rinse.
Yogurt and Egg Shine
Flyaway hair needs the right kind of conditioner to help reduce static and give it sheen. Use this recipe once a week.
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons natural yogurt
1 egg
Whisk yogurt and egg together in a bowl until well blended. Massage evenly into the scalp and hair for four minutes. Wrap the hair in a warm towel and leave for 10-15 minutes before rising the hair thoroughly.
Coconut Cocktail
it is a nourishing, penetrating treat for dry or damaged hair.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoon coconut oil
Mix ingredients together and massage into your scalp. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse out and shampoo your hair.
Moisturizing Mask for Hair
Coat the hair with mayonnaise. Cover head with a plastic hat and wrap in a towel. Leave for twenty minutes before shampooing. The vinegar in the mayonnaise will restore the hair’s PH and the egg proteins will have a nourishing effect.
Hair Thickening Mask
for thick glossy hair, soak wheat germ in hot water for five minutes. Drain and apply residue to hair for five minutes.
Hot Oil Wrap 1
Work olive or vegetable oil through hair.
Wrap head in a series of steaming towels for twenty minutes.
Shampoo and rinse well.
Hot Oil Wrap 2
Heat olive or vegetable oil until it’s warm. Do not boil.
Massage oil into scalp thoroughly.
Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Oily Hair Hints
Lemon juice and vinegar are both excellent for oily hair and will give it luster and bring out the highlights. Never pour vinegar or lemon juice directly onto your hair. Dilute them first with water. Rinse again with cool water to close the pores.
Hair Shine
Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.
Personal Dental Care
Flossing
Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. If you don’t floss, you are missing more than one-third of your tooth surface. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease. It is an invisible bacterial film that develops on your teeth every day.
Within 24 to 36 hours, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus) which can only be removed by professional cleaning. Floss at least once a day, and plaque never gets the chance to harden into tartar. Getting into the habit of daily flossing is easier when you floss while doing something else like watching TV or listening to music, for example.
Note: Gums sometimes bleed when you first begin to floss. Bleeding usually stops after a few days. If bleeding does not stop, see your dentist. Floss can shred if you snag it on an old filling or on the ragged edge of a tooth. Try another type of floss or dental tape. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice. If your floss still shreds, see your dentist.
Brushing
Regular, thorough brushing is a very important step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing removes the bacteria that promote tooth decay and the plaque that can cause gum disease.
Ideally, you should brush after every meal, because the bacterial attack on teeth begins minutes after eating. At the very least, brush once a day and always before you go to bed. Brushing your teeth isn’t complicated, but there is a right and a wrong way.
Nutrition
A balanced and nutritious diet is good for your general health and your dental health. Without the right nutrients, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Sugar is one of the main causes of dental problems. The average Canadian eats the equivalent of 40 kg of sugar each year.
Nail Care
The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nails help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects. Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection. Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week. Every 4-6 weeks it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional manicurist. A professional manicurist best knows how to keep your nails looking healthy and beautiful.
Weekly Nail Care (15-20 minutes each week):
1. Remove any old nail polish. To remove the old polish, first moisten cotton with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Then with a firm movement, bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat this process until all of the polish is gone.
2. Shape the nail, using a file or emery board. File each nail tip from corner to center; do not file in a see-saw motion with the emery board because doing so can cause ridges in the nail and nail splitting.
3. Soak the hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Clean under free edge of nail with orangewood stick.
4. The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root). We recommend that the cuticle not be pushed back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection of the nail growing tissue.
5. Now apply clear nail polish. There is no reason to waste money on several different kinds of clear polishes such as a ridge filler, base coat, and top coat or nail strengthener. They all do about the same job. After the clear polish dries, apply a color polish of your choice if you wish. Let dry. You may then reapply the clear polish as a top coat. This will help strengthen the nail and prevent chipping of the nail polish.
6. Finally, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of the nails.
Nail Care Tips:
A good time to do your manicure is after you have taken a shower, bath or after washing the dishes. This is because these activities remove the dirt from under the nail.
Nail polish thinner can be used to thin out nail polish that has become too thick. Keep the polish in the refrigerator to make it last longer.
Try not to use nail polish remover more than once a week. Nail polish remover causes the nails to dry out. Dry nails crack and split more easily than nails that are well hydrated (well-moisturized).
A top coat or sealer is a liquid that is applied over the nail polish. Any clear nail polish can be used as a top coat or sealer. This will minimize chipping or cracking of the nail. On natural nails, a clear coat can be used every day for seven days to give the nail protection and keep the moisture in.
After washing your hands, apply a cream or lotion. Hands and nails tend to get dried out from soaps and cleansers. You should try to keep your hands and cuticles well lubricated, with a moisturizer such as Aquaphor, Moisturel, Vaseline. You should use an oil or moisturizer at bedtime every night.
Sometimes nail polish, dirt and bacteria can stain the nails. This can be removed by using a Q-tip or an orangewood stick with a cotton tip. Soak the cotton in 10 parts water mixed with 1 part bleach, and then rub the nail where the stain is. This will remove most stains from the nails. Scrub under the nails with a nail brush or toothbrush with soap or bleach solution to remove stains under the nails.
A vitamin called biotin makes nails stronger in animals. Some studies suggest that it may help strengthen human nails. Biotin is available at health food stores.
