One of the things that almost every woman on earth will attest to is unwanted body hair and when the hair is shaved off, trying to cure razor bumps is hard. Granted many women in live in other parts of the world embrace their underarm and leg hair, but for most of us, getting rid of it is high on the priority list.

Women spend a great deal of time and money trying to find something that will help them to get smooth, hair-free skin without any unwanted side-effects such as razor bumps. Shaving is an inexpensive and effective method but it can lead to some irritating results.

If you are a woman and have ever shaved you may have noticed some uncomfortable and unsightly small bumps after the job is done. Finding a way to cure razor bumps can be a bit tricky. There are several approaches though and they are worth trying until you find one that works for you.

The type of shaving lotion you are using is very important. Many women decide to forego the few dollars they would spend on good quality shaving cream and opt for bar soap instead. This can lead to all kinds of problems. If you want to cure razor bumps buy a moisturizing shaving cream. You certainly don't need to purchase the most expensive brand out there but in order to cure razor bumps you do need to use a product specifically formulated for shaving, and bar soap isn't.

There are countless types of razors being advertised for women. Some have very feminine names and come in lovely shades of pink. These might look great but they might not be helping to cure razor bumps. A razor with more than one head is the best type. This helps to cut the hair very close to the root without irritating the skin.

It's also really important for you to change the razor head often. As soon as you notice that it isn't gliding across the skin as smoothly or it isn't cutting the hair as closely, it's time for a replacement. Making certain that your razor is in tip-top shape will help cure razor bumps as well.

Shaving isn't over once you've rinsed off your leg and ran your hand across to feel the smoothness. Using a moisturizer afterwards can help cure razor bumps. The skin will be dry from shaving so it's important to apply a cream or lotion as soon as possible. Try to use something unscented as this can also help cure razor bumps.

Since it's a given that women are going to shave from time-to-time. Do your skin a favor and purchase products that are designed to help cure razor bumps.

Collagen injections are frequently thought of as a cosmetic surgery alternative treatment, but there are other types of injections that play an increasing role in enhancing the skin and facial features.

Collagen injections are mostly used to improve the appearance of mild to moderate facial wrinkles. Some people can be allergic to it, so a test is essential. The results may last from 3 months to a year, depending on the person. While collagen injections is a cosmetic surgery alternative that can make lips appear fuller and smooth out mild wrinkles, it is not suitable for the vertical wrinkles that often appear between the nose and lips.

Another cosmetic surgery alternative is wrinkle filler gel made from non-animal based hyaluronic acid, under the trade names Restylane and Hylaform. FDA approved in 2003/2004, it is integrated into the skin where it attracts and holds moisture to plump out moderate to severe wrinkles. It mostly lasts six months or longer, but is eventually degraded by the bodys own mechanism, leaving no trace.

Another similar cosmetic surgery alternative procedure is called Lipo-suction. While this is based on injection, the product injected is the patients own fat. Fat is taken from an area that is naturally dense in fat such as the thigh or buttocks, moisture is squeezed out and then it is injected into the area in need of treatment. An allergic reaction is impossible since the product is from the patients own body.

Lipo-suction can be used to re-contour the face, providing definition to the nose and chin, but its not suitable for those areas that move frequently. Nor can it be used to enhance the breasts because it makes the diagnoses of cancerous growths difficult. Lipo-suction is performed in an outpatients setting as local anaesthetic only is needed. It is possible to have the fat for this procedure harvested during another operation such as a tummy tuck, and frozen for later use.

A procedure called Thermalift is also a cosmetic surgery alternative that is even less invasive. It is used to tighten aging skin or clear acne with no injections or incisions. A form of radio frequency is used to heat the deep layers of the skin, which in turn shrinks the oil glands, improving the appearance of the skin and clearing acne. Cooling sprays are used at the same time to prevent the skin burning.

Botox is a very popular cosmetic surgery alternative treatment these days. It is a series of injections made that actually weaken the small muscles of the face, thus eliminating wrinkles. The effects last from four to six months.

If you are looking for an cosmetic surgery alternative be sure to consult with your doctor because some of these treatment may have undesirable side effects and can perhaps cause scarring which would defeat the purpose of having the cosmetic treatment in the first place.  

Tags: wrinkles, collagen injections, botox, thermalift, liposuction

While natural ingredients include an entire range of produces derived from plant leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and even extracted oils, herbal skin care products derive their beneficial effects from herbs. Herbs are low-growing aromatic plants that can be used either fresh or dried; these include annuals (which must be seeded each year) as well as perennial herbs (which survive the winter to grow again in the spring). Usually, it's herbs' leaves that are used to enhance skin care products' benefits.

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

It's a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There's a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King's effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb's toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King's effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.
To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board - a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: alternative treatment, herbal, herbal treatment, health, natural treatment