Shake it Baby

You may feel that having oily skin is a curse and a challenge to deal with. Oil production is completely natural and is the result of the sebaceous glands located in the dermis or middle layer of skin. Oil is produced to keep your skin moist and supple. However sometimes the sebaceous glands produce too much oil which in turn causes oily skin.

How do I know I have oily skin?

Oily skin is most prevalent in teenagers due to rampaging hormones. If your days as a teenager are well behind you there are other ways to determine whether or not you have oily skin.

T-Zone: First of look in the mirror to see if there is a sheen to your skin, particularly your “T-Zone”. For those who aren’t sure what a “T-Zone” is, it’s the area of skin that starts at your forehead and extends vertically down along your nose all the way to your chin. The Zone also includes the area of skin across the bridge of your nose, starting and ending at the centre point below each eye.

Oily Hair? While you’re standing at the mirror, take a look at your hair. If it’s oily, it’s another indication you likely have oily skin.

Makeup Sliding Off? If you find it difficult for your makeup to stay on your skin for anything more than a few hours then this is certainly an indicator. If you’re constantly patting your face with powder or even a handkerchief it’s probably because of oily skin.

Blemishes: The presence of blemishes is another good indication although stress, hormones and other factors can all cause outbreaks. And remember that oily skin isn’t found only on the face. The back, neck, chest, shoulders and arms can all be oily.

How to care for oily skin?

Be Gentle: Most people with really oily skin comment that they want to strip all their skin away with a blowtorch or at the very least use harsh soaps. Be careful about using harsh products, oils produced by the sebaceous glands are important because they act as the skin’s natural moisturiser.

Don’t Make Matters Worse: Another reason not to use harsh soaps that strip away oil is that doing so may cause the sebaceous glands to increase their oil production. It simply kick-starts your body into producing even more oil making matters worse.

Clear Pores: If your pores are clogged with dead cells, bacteria or dirt this can cause spots. Treat your skin with care, use a gently cleanser and warm water rather than hot water. Use a non-abrasive cleanser and stay away from toners which have alcohol in it.

Choose Products Carefully:Use products that moisturize in moderation and according to directions. Make sure the cosmetics and sun protection you use are oil-free. Look for skin care products with the words ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic’ on the labels.  Did you know about black skin acne scars?

• How a Simple Kitchen Product Revitalized my Hair in 30 Minutes – If you have oily skin then the chances are you also have oily hair, find out how bicarbonate of soda can help with both problems.

No Comments » Posted by April / Beauty

When drinking wine whether it be with friends at home, in a tasting room at a vineyard, or in a restaurant, there are certain things that should and should not be done. This will really help you, and those you are with, have an enjoyable experience.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting can be done at a vineyard or at a local wine shop, either way the correct etiquette should be followed.

When tasting wine it is customary to start with the white wines first. White wines are lighter in taste and body than their red counter parts. Red of course is next. These fuller bodied wines are always tried last.

When holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine. This could change the flavor.

Remember that even the smallest things can change the taste of the wine. Wine tasting is all about tasting and smelling so avoid wearing perfumes or other strong smells.

Eating any heavy foods before a tasting is also frowned upon. So is smoking. Both will limit the flavours you will be able to taste.

Restaurant Etiquette

When ordering wine out at dinner, keep in mind that it should compliment your dish. When asking the server, or better yet the restaurants sommeliers, for a recommendation, be sure to be specific. Ask for what type of wine would compliment your dish and include such things like if you prefer full bodied wine, what regions you prefer and anything else that will help them choose the perfect wine for you.

After a wine is chosen, the bottle will be opened at the table. The host or person choosing the wine will be poured a small amount. The host will then swirl and taste the wine. After the approval is given, wine is poured starting on the right with women having their glasses filled first. The host’s glass is topped off last.

Serving Guests at Home

When serving guests in your own home, some of the same things apply such as the way the glass is held and serving women and older guest first.

Choose a few wines that you feel the guest will enjoy. Just as in a tasting room, start the evening with the lighter bodied white wines. Choose foods that will go well with these wines such as cheese and fruit. Some chesses that go well with white wines are swiss, brie or gouda. If you are serving your guest dinner, a white wine would go well with the salad.

Next are the red wines. Reds have a heavier body then whites. Choose a red that goes well with your main dish if you are having a meal. If you are having a simple party, again, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine.

End the evening with a sweet dessert wine. A port would be a great choice. Make sure that you pick a dessert that will compliment the port.

No Comments » Posted by April / Food and Drink