The Nitrogen Family Elements at a Glance

Author: Valerie Rosenbaumbr
Source: isnare.combr
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The disadvantage of age spot lotions is that can lighten any part of the skin that they touch. This means that you could still end up with uneven pigmentation. Why not instead look for a cream that will even out pigmentation on your face or body. This article looks at the natural ingredients that have been proven to even out pigmentation and make the skin look younger, at the same time.

No matter your skin type, you should be using a moisturizer on your face and body every day, right after you shower. What’s the reason?

Showering strips away the skin’s natural moisturizers. Even plain tap water, without any cleanser strips away protective oils. Dry skin looks older and more wrinkled. If your moisturizer contains the right ingredients, it will even out pigmentation, reduce wrinkles and improver moisture content, as well as firmness.

If that sounds like more than you could expect, then you are used to cosmetic companies that make grandiose claims, without any real basis. But, you really can expect age spot lotions to de-age your skin. The latest research has proven it.

One of the ingredients that you must look for is coenzyme Q10, just be sure that it is natural COQ10 and not synthetic. Some scientists might argue, but there is no way that a synthetic nutrient could be as effective as a natural one.

Research has shown that coenzyme Q10 repairs sun damage and that’s what age spots actually are. They aren’t related to your liver or even how old you are. They are melanin clumps caused by overexposure to the sun.

When you are out in the sun, UV rays cause an overproduction and excitement of free radical molecules within the skin’s cells. Research has shown that levels of COQ10 are quickly depleted as the molecules try to neutralize the free radicals, before they can damage the skin cells and collagen fibers. But, if you continue to stay outdoors, without protection, they lose the battle.

Most age spot lotions do not repair free radical damage. They simply inhibit melanin production, which is why they lighten other areas of the skin. Creams containing a special formulated all natural coenzyme Q10 can repair free radical damage, as well as preventing further damage from occurring. They have been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve hydration and soften.

If all that you want to do is fade the spots, please be careful when you are shopping for age spot lotions. Many of them contain an ingredient called hydroquinone. Lots of sources will tell you that’s a safe ingredient. But, if it’s safe, why has it been banned from skincare products manufactured in the European Union? It has been banned, because it is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.

A safer ingredient, that also inhibits melanin production, is a natural extract from a plant called cyperus rotundus, nut grass or Motha. Hopefully, you see that you have many choices, other than hydroquinone age spot lotions. Take my advice and shop for safe all natural ingredients. In the long run, you’ll be glad that you did.br
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Valerie Rosenbaum studies a href=http://www.defendyourskin.com rel=nofollowanti aging skin care/a products and the natural ingredients proven to be clinically effective in slowing or reversing the aging of the skin. These ingredients include a href=http://www.defendyourskin.com rel=nofollowphytessence of wakame/a, Extrapone nutgrass root, functional keratin Cynergy TK. If you want to look younger then visit a href=http://www.defendyourskin.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.DefendYourSkin.com/abr
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Author: ashubr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Definition

Freckles are small spots of melanin on the skin. Freckle is also known as mole. Actually it is a flat circular spot on the skin about the size of the head of a nail. It mostly develops after repeated exposure to sunlight, particularly in someone of fair complexion.

Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigmented cells. Although they often appear as small, dark brown spots, moles come in a range of colors and sizes. They can be raised or flat and can develop almost anywhere on your body even between your fingers and toes.

Causes

Freckles are commonly found on the face and hands, and any other part of the body that has been overexposed to the sun. Freckles are among the many signs of photoaging. Photoaging occurs when excessive sun exposure speeds the skins natural aging process. After exposure to sunlight, the outer layer of the skin thickens and the pigment-producing cells in the skin produce the pigment melanin at an increased rate.
On the other hand, people with dark complexions are relatively less sensitive to sun exposure than fair-skinned persons. However, persons with dark skin are not entirely resistant to the effects of the sun, and they, too, can become sunburned with prolonged exposure.
For those who already have any brown, discolored lesions, an in-depth consultation should be scheduled with a physician. He or she will perform a careful examination to determine that these spots are not pre-cancerous. This can develop on the skin causing growths that have irregular borders and strange colors such as black, red or pink.

Symptoms

Some of the Possible Symptoms of Freckles are :-

There may be change in the skin color and shape.
Diarrhea is another common symptom which is accompanied with freckles.
The skin cancer may be a possible symptom of freckles.
Moles are often produced at the affected area of skin.
In men, melanoma most often occurs on the trunk. In women, melanoma is most often found on the arms and lower legs. It is found most often in people with fair skin. African-Americans and people with dark skin are more likely to have melanoma on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Treatment

Treatment of melanoma that has not spread beyond the original area of growth is highly effective, and most of these cancers can be cured. In some cases, melanoma that has spread to nearby lymph nodes also can be treated effectively.

Most prescription creams used to lighten the skin contain hydroquinone. Bleaches lighten and fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin so those dark spots gradually fade to match normal skin coloration. Prescription bleaches contain twice the amount of hydroquinone, the active ingredient, as over-the-counter skin bleaches. In more severe cases prescription creams with tretinoin and a cortisone cream are added. These are somewhat irritating to sensitive skin and will take 3-6 months to produce improvement./pbr
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Author: Dave Stringhambr
Source: articlerich.combr
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Patients of all ages may desire improvement in the fullness or bulk of the vermilion (the red part of the lip). Several techniques are available to reproduce fullness of the lips. These include augmentation (Alloderm and Softform/UltraSoft) and fat injections. Each patient must be evaluated on an individual bases to determine which technique will work best for their desired results.

As we age, the distance between the base of the nose and the pigmented portion of the lip increases, causing a thinning appearance. This can often be corrected through a procedure know as a lift. Aging lips also have deep vertical lines or lipstick lines. These lines can be corrected through the use of injectable collagen or synthetic dermis.

Some patients desire increased definition of the vermilion border (red pigmented portion) of the lip. This definition is usually accomplished using collagen injections or several new products currently under evaluation.

During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss what you would like to change about your lips. After the examine of your lips, you will both decide on the technique that best suits your needs. At the end of your consultation, our professional photographers will take pictures of your lips. These photographs are used to plan your procedure and will remain confidential in your medical chart.

Typically procedures are done at the doctors office, unless they are done with another associated procedure that requires the outpatient surgery center. Your lips will be sore and swollen for the next 1-2 weeks. You will need to return in 7 days following surgery and your doctor will do routine follow up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after your surgery.

Am I a good candidate? The answer to this question can only be answered by your plastic surgeon after careful review of your complete health history and a thorough consultation.

You should avoid or be off all diet or over the counter weight medications. The only homeopathic medications are those recommended by your plastic surgeon. It is especially important to be off St. Johns Wort and Ginseng, which can cause adverse effects during anesthesia. Please stop taking all aspirin-like products, Advil, and ibuprofen as these medications can cause bleeding problems. Please tell your surgeon what medications you are taking (prescription or non-prescription) to ensure the safety of any surgery. As with any procedure, you should consult your plastic surgeon for any additional questions or concerns you may have.br
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Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about a href=http://dr-adams.com/ target=_blank rel=nofollowplastic surgery in Dallas/a, Texas and plastic surgery procedures such as a href=http://dr-adams.com/Procedures/Lipaugmentation/lipaugmentation.html target=_blank rel=nofollowdallas lip augmentation/a, rhytidectomy, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, and liposuction.br
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Author: Marilynn Syrettbr
Source: articlesbase.combr
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The appearance of age spots is a prominent sign of skin aging. Just like wrinkles and fine lines, age spots appear on the skin surface and stay there as a tell-tale sign of your age, or in some cases cause you to look older than your actual age. Age spots can make you look much older than you actually are. However, the damage is not irreversible. With appropriate prevention measures and treatment methodologies, you can seek to diminish the appearance of age spots and acquire clean and toned skin. Age spots are flat brown or gray specks on the skin that either appears on its own or along with other spots on the skin. They are most common on areas of your body that are exposed most frequently to the sun like your face, arms, hands etc. Formation of Age Spots As we age, the exposure of our bodies to sunlight increases and age spots develop. This is because the ultraviolet radiation of the sun accelerates melanin synthesis. Melanin is a chemical responsible for the color or pigment of the skin. When the production of melanin increases, age spots are formed as a natural consequence. Because melanin levels in individuals depend on genetics, age spots can be hereditary feature. Prevention of Age Spots Prevention is always better than the cure. Therefore, it is better you take appropriate steps and prevent the occurrence of age spots rather than trying to cure them after they have appeared on the skin surface. Here are some tips to help prevent their occurrence. Use Sunscreens Age spots are a direct consequence of unprotected sun exposure. Therefore, you should make sure that you always apply a good quality sunscreen when venturing out in the sun. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or more that guarantees broad spectrum protection against the UVA as well as the UVB rays of the sun. Make sure you apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before your venture out in the sun. Slather sunscreen on all the exposed parts of your face and body like neck, ears, hands and feet. Be sure to reapply sunscreens after every 2-3 hours. Here are some popular sunscreens you can choose from: Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention SPF 30 †This is a physician recommended sunscreen that has a double-action formula that protects the skin against sun damage and at the same time also heals it. It is weightless, oil free, and a 100% mineral sunscreen lotion that gets absorbed into the skin instantly and begins work. It is suitable for all skin types and delivers Pro-Niacin to the various skin layers strengthening the barrier function. The Pro Niacin improves the skin texture and tone and heals pigmentation conditions. It contains micronized Titanium Dioxide and micronized Zinc Oxide in addition to Vitamin C that repairs and protects the skin. Moreover, it contains Alpha Bisabolol that soothes the skin and hydrates it. Obagi C-Sunguard SPF 30 †It is a unique formulation that contains ultra-sheer Z-Cote, an effective barrier that provides superior protection against the ultraviolet radiation of the sun that are responsible for premature aging of the skin. iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen †It is a revolutionary powder sunscreen formulation that contains special UV blockers comprising of 25% titanium dioxide and 20% zinc oxide in a special nanotechnology formulation. It protects the skin against a broad spectrum of sunlight and contains micronized mineral filters that prevent sun burn and protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB radiation that cause premature aging and skin damage. It is non-comedogenic and does not clog skin pores. Avoid Unprotected Sun Exposure Never venture out in the sun without applying sunscreen. If possible, try to avoid sun exposure between 10 am. and 4 pm. This is because during this time the suns rays are the strongest and most damaging. Always wear protective clothing along with sunglasses and scarves if necessary. Treatment of Age Spots There are many skin care products that aim to treat signs of aging such as age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. These products have specialized ingredients to solve the specific problems of the skin. Here are some ingredients that can effectively treat age spots. Hydroquinone †A popular lightening agent, hydroquinone reduces the formation of melanin and has a bleaching effect on the skin. Obagi C-Clarifying Serum †It is a one of its kind clarifying serum that contains 4% hydroquinone and Vitamin C serum along with L-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C reduces the melanosome activity and promotes an even skin tone. It also provides potent antioxidant therapy. Retinols and Retinoids †Both retinols and retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. They hamper the melanin production within the skin and helps reduce age spots and enhance the skins tone. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum †It is a powerful serum that contains Retinol along with Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It heals the skin and lightens the age spots. Apart from this, it also has anti-aging properties to it. Alpha hydroxy acids †Another great topical option for the treatment of age spots is Alpha Hydroxy Acids. It scrapes off dead skin cells and pigmented cells that form age spots. These are found in chemical peels.br
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pDr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has authored several articles about skin care products like a rel=nofollow,nofollow href=http://www.skincareheaven.com/ target=_blankAnti-aging skin care products/a, a rel=nofollow,nofollow href=http://www.skincareheaven.com/product_list.php?category_name=Sun_Care target=_blankSun Tanning amp; Sunscreens/a and so on. /pbr
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Author: Louise Forrestbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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It is very true that Caucasians are more affected by sun damage (photo aging) and the associated visible signs of aging more than many other ethnic groups, but the number of anti aging dermatological procedures being performed on people with diverse ethnic backgrounds has been on the rise in the past few years. Lack of protection from the sun accelerates the aging process for these patients in the same way it does in Caucasians, just at a slower rate. This may be due to the fact that paler skin is more susceptible to burning, which shows that the suns rays are more disruptive to this skin.

In 2005, the total number of American plastic surgery patients of ethnic backgrounds, which includes those who utilize this for reasons other than anti aging, there was a total of 2.3 million out of the total 10.2 million surgeries and routine treatments performed. This total reflects a total increase of 65% for procedures performed on ethnic patients. Hispanics and African Americans both had an increase of 67% over the 2004 numbers while Asians had a 58% increase.
These increases may be due to a number of factors which affect all minority groups. These factors include: more acceptance of plastic surgery and other dermatological enhancement treatments, increased awareness of the benefits of the wide range of dermatological treatments, and the rising economic power of ethnic groups. The increase in awareness most likely stems from stories about breakthroughs in the field both in newspapers and on television news and from the informative television shows which often look in detail at various forms and techniques in the dermatological processes which are now available to patients.

Today, approximately 20% of all dermatological procedures in America are performed on a variety of racial and ethnic groups; some of the most requested procedures for this group are treatments which are specifically designed to reverse damage caused by the sun. People of all races are affected by sun damage. Effects from the full spectrum of ultraviolet light are mainly photo aging and skin cancer. The rise in anti aging among ethnic groups does not stop with dermatological procedures; there has also been a steady increase in sales of anti-aging the skin care products which are specifically marketed with ethnicity in mind.

Skin is affected more according to the level of pigmentation in it. The darker the skin (or the more amount of pigment in the skin), the less anti-aging processes and skin care products are needed. Black skin absorbs only about 18% of the suns rays and this percentage rises up to about 56% in very pale skin.
Of all plastic surgery, Hispanics have the highest percentage (9%) in those utilizing the many anti-aging procedures and skin-care products. African Americans rate second highest (8%), while Asians represent the smallest percentage (4%) of people who need to address the visible signs of aging. Laser procedures seem to be the most commonly requested treatments for sun damage in most races, while the highest cosmetic treatment request of all anti aging cosmetic procedures is the injection of Botox which reduces wrinkles. Chemical peels run a close second to the famous Botox injections. The success of treatments remains steady no matter the skin pigmentation but changes in technique are required when performed on more pigmented skin.
No matter your race, choosing the right plastic surgeon is of the utmost importance, especially when dealing with ethnic skin (which is more susceptible to scaring). Research your potential surgeons, paying close attention to their experience with plastic surgery done on ethnic skin (if you have ethnic skin). Listen to what he has to say.

If he is promising you the world on a silver platter, he is more interested in your money than anything, while plastic surgery can greatly affect your anti aging desires, it cannot give you the face of your youth. Ask others about their surgeons; how did they feel about the results, did it take multiple surgeries (or need any corrective surgeries), were they comfortable with the surgeon, and were they referred to the surgeon by someone else who had a good experience with the doctor?/pbr
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Author: Dr. Paul Grossbr
Source: isnare.combr
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One of the newly discovered berry stars of antioxidant plants is the acai (ah-sigh-ee) palm berry (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) that comes from the tropical regions of Central and South America.
The genus is named after the muse Euterpe of Greek mythology and the major plant family is Arecaceae. The vernacular name is sometimes called Assai Palm.

Acai is well-known in the exotic functional food industry as a rich tasting, darkly pigmented (deep blue-purple) fruit whose delicious juice is either consumed from bottles or combined with yogurt and other health foods to create smoothies.

Where do acai palms grow and what are the characteristics of the berries?

According to Wikipedia, acai is a genus of 25-30 palm species native to tropical Central and South America, from Belize to Brazil and Peru. It grows mainly along rivers, in floodplains and swamps. They are tall, slender, attractive palms that grow 15-30 m tall, with pinnate leaves up to 3 m long. The fruit is a small, round, black-purple berry similar in size to a grape. They are produced in branched clusters of 700-900 fruits that must be picked by hand. Though its appearance is similar to that of a grape, the acai has a smaller amount of pulp and a single large seed about 7-10 mm in diameter.

What is it about the acai that has caught the attention of consumers?

Besides its deep blue color and delectable taste (hinting of chocolate), the preliminary analysis of nutrient content shows acai as one of the tropics most nutritious fruits and certainly an exceptional source of antioxidant pigments.

What nutrients stand out in the acai berry?

Although the data has not been published or independently verified, the early research on acai shows it is rich in vitamins A, B and C, minerals (particularly iron and calcium), dietary fiber and proteins. It also contains an omega-3 fatty acid, a beta-sitosterol (a phytosterol that inhibits cholesterol formation in humans) and essential amino acids. Oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid found in virgin olive oil, is especially rich in the acai.

What about the antioxidant strength of acai?

A manufacturer of acai products states on its website that acai has three times the antioxidant strength of blueberries and eight times that of strawberries. The likely source of such unusual antioxidant power would come from the dark blue pigments found in acai berry skin – the large class of flavonoids called anthocyanins and particularly from two (cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside), which are the main pigments isolated from acai.

What does medical research say about the health properties of acai?

As a relatively new discovery, acai has appeared in the online database of the US National Library of Medicine?PubMed?only since 2004. Since then, just five reports are listed (June 2006).

Three studies analyzed the antioxidant properties of acai, showing its powerful effects against specific oxidizing agents like peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. One interesting finding was that the total antioxidant capacity of acai could be accounted in just 10% of the identified anthocyanins. This finding indicates that acai is loaded with other, yet unidentified, antioxidant phytochemicals.

In 2006, a study performed at the University of Florida showed that acai antioxidants could induce more rapid death (apoptosis) of leukemia cells in vitro. This preliminary research indicates a possible anti-cancer effect of anthocyanins and other pigments, as shown for North American dark berries like the blueberry and black raspberry.

With research beginning to show remarkable benefits of acai, why not introduce this tasty berry into your diet?

Reading

* US National Library of Medicine, PubMed, http://pubmed.gov

* Acai Products, Sambazon, http://www.sambazon.com/acai.asp?pg=13

* Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acai

Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.br
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Author: Pearlin Siowbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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This is an ablative laser treatment that is suitable for older skin as well as deeper acne scars and wrinkles. There is a downtime of between three to five days for this treatment whereby the face will start peeling, revealing younger skin underneath.

This combination treatment is used to treat fine lines and pigmentation. It allows the aesthetic doctor to precisely vary the depth and effect of the treatment to match your skin condition and desired result. A thin layer of your skins surface is removed to allow younger skin to grow. After the treatment, your wrinkles will soften and become less noticeable, some will disappear; pigmentation will greatly improve. It can be used to treat the face, neck, chest and hands.

As this is a laser peel, it will take a few days for your skin to replace the outer layer skin. Redness is common and healing time takes about a week, depending on your treatment depth.

Process:

After cleansing the face to remove all make-up and debris, a numbing cream is applied and left for 10 minutes to allow the cream to work. Dr Vanessa Phua started with the Spectra VRM II to target pigmentation. After one round of laser treatment, she moved on to the laser peel which involved a heavy-duty looking laser machine and a smoke extractor to absorb smoke and dead skin cells.

Dr Vanessa Phua gently tests the laser peel on the patients hand first, warning about the loud sound and snapping sensation. After the initial round of laser treatment, she focuses on the rough skin and fine lines on the face and goes over them again using a deeper laser peel. Throughout the treatment, she reassures the patient and informs her about what she is doing.

An iced compress is placed on the face after the laser treatment to cool the skin down. This is followed by antiseptic creams and sunblock. The patients face looks pink and feels tight. It also stings slightly when the antiseptic creams are applied. Laser treatment creams will also be dispensed to the patient to minimize infection and ensure the shortest healing time.

Results:

According to the patient, her skin turned slightly darker, like she had a suntan, and felt taut. After two days, her skin started flaking to reveal the new skin underneath. Patients face now looks fairer and her skin tone is more even. The wrinkles under her eyes have also lessened considerably. For optimum results, the patient is advised to do two more peels.

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pHow you can get your dream body and face – read the latest reviews in a target=_new href=http://www.reviewantiaging.com rel=nofollowLaser Treatments/a, anti aging treatments and aesthetic doctors at a target=_new href=http://www.reviewantiaging.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.reviewantiaging.com/a/pbr
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Author: Emma Ralphbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Soft pastels are popular because they combine bright colors with being an easy medium to work with. You could be walking past the studio area in your home, decide on a whim that you can afford to devote five minutes to a work-in-progress, and be adding to it literally seconds later. However, this ease doesnt mean that working with pastels is free of technique – far from it. Here are three of the best.

1) Start with a drawing phase.

The ease with which you can add pastel pigment to your art paper actually means that more time should be devoted to planning and sketching than for other mediums. Otherwise you might find that you inadvertently wreck your artwork due to over-enthusiasm.

Artist Willow Charcoal is one of the best sketching tools for pastel artists, as it blends well with pastels and you can easily manipulate it on the surface or wipe it off using just your hand. Use it to sketch out your design, using a reference photo if you have one.

Once youve sketched out your design and you have the composition you want, you want to mark where the accents are – i.e. the brightest highlights and the deepest shadows. Use a white soft pastel for the highlights, and you can use either a dark soft pastel or just go on using the charcoal for the shadows. This step forces you to consider the number and position of your light sources, which is essential.

When you finish this sketching phase you should have a really good idea of where the artwork is going, even though theres barely any color on the paper yet. With that done, you can work more freely on adding color.

2) Vary your pressure to create different effects.

How hard you press your pastel sticks against the paper is one of the big variables when working with pastels. Press harder and youll get a deeper, richer color. Back off the pressure and you can make delicate lines and shading effects.

Scumbling is the technique of using the side of a pastel stick and dragging it with light pressure across an area of a different color that youve already put down on your paper. This creates a sort of broken color effect that works really well to represent clouds, fog, or distant elements of a landscape.

Light pressure is also used for hatching, which is laying down a series of lines close together. Its great for shading.

Heavier pressure is used for laying down bold areas of color or shadow on your surface. You can put down layers on top of one another and then use a sgraffito technique (i.e. scratching or scraping through the top layer of pigment) to reveal the bottom layer through the top one.

3) Rubbing is your friend.

Rubbing is probably the most-used technique in pastels. Rubbing the pigment with a tool (like a paper stump) or with a finger or hand after it has been put down on the surface can have many effects. It can soften and blur the pigment (which otherwise can look quite defined due to the tooth of the surface), or to blend adjacent areas of color, or to create gradations, or all of those at the same time! Because pastel colors cant be mixed on a palette, they can only be mixed on the surface, and so rubbing and blending them together is also a way of creating new colors. Experiment with rubbing, and youll quickly find how useful it is.

Trying out different methods of pastel techniques can make all the difference in the world to your paintings.

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pEmma Ralph is an experienced pastel artist. To discover other a target=_new href=http://paintingwithpastels.com/ pastel-painting-techniques.php rel=nofollowpastel painting techniques/a visit a target=_new href=http://paintingwithpastels.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.paintingwithpastels.com/a/pbr
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Author: Tracy Armstrongbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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In 2002 I was diagnosed with Krukenbergs Spindle. I had never heard of it before, so I tried to find out exactly what it was on the internet. Initially, all I could find were veterinarians case notes, about a cat that had the same thing! Now, two years later, there is more information available online, but the sites seem a little cold and impersonal, written by professionals for professionals. What I wanted, especially at first, was to find a site written by someone that actually had Krukenbergs Spindle, someone who was going through the same emotions as I was, rather than just feel that I was a statistic with an unusual eye condition, spoken about, rather than to!

Why is it called Krukenbergs Spindle, and what is it?

Krukenbergs Spindle is named after Friedrich Ernst Krukenberg (1871-1946), a German gynaecologist and pathologist, specialising in Ophthalmology. He was a fellow of the German ophthalmologist Karl Theodor Paul Polykarpus Axenfeld (1867-1930). Krukenbergs Spindle is also referred to as Axenfeld-Krukenberg Spindle.

KS is a spindle-shaped, vertical deposit of chocolate-brown coloured pigment in the cornea of the eye, created by flakes of pigment rubbed off the back of the iris. The reasons for this arent exactly known… some researchers believe it to be congenital, and there is research in progress to try to find the gene(s) responsible for this condition.

Krukenbergs Spindle is an early indicator of Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, which can lead to Pigmentary Glaucoma. Usually, it is detected during a routine eye examination; there are usually no symptoms that KS or PDS are present until an examination is undertaken.

Pigment Dispersion Syndrome is usually detected during routine eye examinations. An early indication that PDS is present is the observation of a Krukenberg Spindle in the eye.

Pigment Dispersion Syndrome occurs when flakes of the coloured part of the eye, the iris, detach from the back of the iris and float freely in the liquid in the eye (the aqueous humor). This, in itself, wouldnt cause problems; however, if these flakes make their way to the drainage channel in the eye, they can block or damage the meshwork covering the channel and cause the pressure in the eye (the IOP, or intra-ocular pressure) to rise, damaging the optic nerve. This can lead to Pigmentary Glaucoma.

Not everyone with PDS will get Pigmentary Glaucoma. Regular eye examinations and medication can prevent the onset of glaucoma. Eye drops such as Latanoprost, used once a day (usually at night) are prescibed to lower the pressure in the eye. Laser treatment to break up the larger particles of pigmentation can prevent the drainage channel becoming blocked and/or the IOP rising. An operation to create a new drainage channel is also available.

It seems unclear as to why PDS occurs in some people and not others. Some schools of thought believe that PDS is genetic, passed on through a faulty gene(s). Others believe that the shape of the iris itself is a contributory factor.

It appears that a common denominator in all patients diagnosed with PDS is myopia (short-sightedness). There may be other common factors, as yet undiscovered, that link those diagnosed with this syndrome.

What can be done?

If you have been diagnosed with Krukenbergs Spindle or Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, youve got it for life. However, to avoid heightening the risk of getting Pigmentary Glaucoma, there are things that can be done.

The first thing to remember is DONT PANIC!! Its scary when you first find out, and the main word that sticks in your head is glaucoma. There is a chance that you will never get glaucoma – all you are doing by worrying about it is increasing your blood pressure!

Once diagnosed, have regular eye checks with an opthalmic optician. The eye checks will be free in the UK as the risk of getting glaucoma has increased. Just tell them youre entitled to a free eye test (reason: glaucoma risk) when you make the appointment.

Try to avoid excessive exercise – the friction will cause more pigment to break off. Dont over-use your eyes: I recently drove for 7 hours with just a half-hour rest midway… I then spent all night trying to stop the pain behind my eyes.

If you start to experience pain behind the eye/s, see an opthalmic optician as soon as you can, or go to the nearest hospital to get the IOP (intra-occular pressure) measured. High pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve.

If the eye pressure has increased, you may be prescribed eye drops (Xalatan – Latanoprost) to take each evening. (I have these, and they have really helped.)

Other treatments available, if the eye drops dont work, are:

Laser treatment – the laser breaks up the particles of pigment blocking the drainage channel in the eye. As far as I am aware, this is done in the same manner as having an eye examination – the laser is a very thin beam of light that is shone into your eye when the doctor has located the position of the particles. After the operation you will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops for a short while to avoid any infection from occuring.

Eye operation – this is done under a local anaesthetic. A new drainage channel is made so that the pressure in the eye can reduce. Again, you will be prescribed antibiotic drops to avoid infection.

Scientists are trying to find out if a specific gene is responsible for Pigment Dispersion/Krukenbergs. One day, there may be a cure!

38 year old mum-of-two, living in Devon, UK. Recently diagnosed with Krukenbergs Spindle, which puts me on the high-risk glaucoma list! Have started a website related to both KS and PDS, written for others diagnosed with the above. www.krukenbergs-spindle.co.ukbr
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Author: Frank Langellabr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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If you are from the western world, you already have half the battle won in having a beautiful pale skin. Pale skin is largely dependent on the skin color. A light colored skin is needed to have a pale skin.

While largely your skin color depends on factors like heredity and climatic conditions, still there are ways to further lighten your skin. There are products that are available in the market which can help you in having a beautiful pale skin, only you need to know how to choose the right one.

Many creams available in the market contain harmful chemicals inside. Parabens can be frequently found in these products being used as preservatives. The problem is, they can cause serious diseases like cancer in the long run. Fragrances used in these creams are chemicals too which can cause skin allergies and irritation. Make sure you avoid any product that contains such dangerous chemicals.

Using a whitening cream containing natural ingredients only is the best option here. The natural ingredients will make sure you wont have to worry about any side effects at all. Lets take a look at what these ingredients are.

Extrapone Nutgrass – This amazing plant has been used in Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine for centuries. Its effective at lowering the Melanin content in the skin by up to 40%. Since melanin is the pigment that determines our skin color, less melanin translates into having a lighter, beautiful pale skin.

Phytessence Wakame – This Japanese sea kelp keeps our skin healthy by providing it with a host of mineral and vitamins. It also helps in keeping the skin firm and smooth.

Cynergy TK – Cynergy TK keeps our skin in shape by promoting the production of Collagen and Elastin in it. This keeps the skin youthful and wrinkle free.

Now that you know this, you can easily have that beautiful pale skin you have always wanted. Just find out a good, natural cream and let it work its magic on you.

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pVisit my website today to learn about more natural and beneficial skin substances Ive discovered that Id like to share with you./ppFrank Langella is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website – a target=_new href=http://www.totalskinsolution.com rel=nofollowTotal Skin Solution/a. If you want to know how to turn back the clock for your skin, visit – a target=_new href=http://www.totalskinsolution.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.totalskinsolution.com/a and learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend./pbr
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