There are many ways to remove unwanted hair from your body like shaving tweezing and waxing it can be quite hard to know what is best for you especially with all the different types of hair removal products/methods available. There are two types of hair on the human body, terminal and vellus, terminal hair is dark, coarse and long and is what grows on our heads, pubic region, armpits and in men on their faces, chest, legs and back. Vellus hair is fine, soft and short women have vellus hair on their face, back and chest this type of hair provides insulation and helps the body maintain a steady temperature.

Shaving is the most common form of hair removal as it is easy and quick to do however the end results do not last that long normally only 1-3 days. Many women choose shaving for hair removal on their legs and their underarms as it can be easily done on a daily basis in the bath or in the shower, you will need a good razor which is not clogged or rusting and good shaving foam or shower gel.

If you don’t fancy shaving your legs every other day or everyday then there are other more long term hair removal products available, waxing is one of the most effective hair removal treatments although many people think it is a very painful process but if you have it done by a waxing London specialist then the treatment is over a lot quicker, waxing can leave your skin red and inflamed but that will subside after a day or so, with the results lasting 3-6 weeks. Before you visit a waxing London specialist the hairs need to be about ¼ inch long, you can get your legs, bikini area, eyebrows and any unwanted facial hair waxed.

Some people don’t always have the pain threshold for waxing if you feel you don’t then other long term hair removal methods include depilatory creams which remove hair from the skin’s surface by breaking down the bonds that give the hair it’s strength, which the hair so that it can be rinsed or wiped away, the results don’t last as long as waxing at around a couple of days to two weeks, however, some people may have a reaction to the chemicals in the cream. This could result in a rash or inflammation.

Some more permanent hair removal treatments are electrolysis and laser hair removal, with electrolysis, a needle is inserted into the hair follicle and an electric current is sent to the root of the hair to kill the root, results from electrolysis can be permanent when administered by a professional however it is a time consuming process. Laser hair removal treatment uses a laser aimed through the skin to the hair follicle where it stops hair growth, this procedure is effective and large areas can be done at one time however it can be expensive and like other methods can leave some redness after.

Most people cannot avoid stress however you can do things to relieve it by using relaxation techniques and relaxation practices, which used as often as you can manage will reduce your everyday stress levels and boost your feelings, from basic breathing exercises to massage therapy. To get the most out of your relaxation you need to try and put time aside each day for some basic relaxation exercises and try and do these when you are not feeling tired and sleepy as it will not have as much effect as if you were awake and alert.

Below are some basic relaxation methods and other practices that will help alleviate your stress.
Deep breathing – For a simple yet powerful, relaxation technique focus on full, cleansing breaths and deep breathing you will find that deep breathing provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is a main component to relaxation and is used in many practices and combined with other relaxation methods for full relaxation. To get the most out of deep breathing you need to take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, to inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel.

Progressive muscle relaxation – This is a great way to completely relax your body and involves a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body you can get audio instructions from many progressive muscle practitioners for this relaxation treatment to follow. They normally start at the feet and work their way up to the face.

Massage Therapy – This treatment is not necessarily an everyday treatment as not everyone has daily access to a personal masseuse however it’s a great treat once a month or when you are feeling particularly stressed.  Getting a massage will provide deep relaxation and as your muscles relax so will your mind. There are many types of massage but the most common is a Swedish massage which is a soothing technique specifically designed to relax and energize.

The MMR vaccine prevents the spread of Measles, Mumps and Rubella and is usually administered to children. There has been a recent debate where parents believe that the combined MMR vaccine that is widely used across the world can cause autism or bowel disease, but there has been no link found by any medical studies.

The government target for immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella is currently 95% for each age group, but recent figures shown that only 88% of children are being immunised, with that percentage dropping to around 80% for built-up cities like Glasgow and London.

Those parents who are worried about giving their children the combined MMR vaccine can choose to opt for the MMR single vaccine. These vaccines are given one at a time and it can take many months to immunise against all 3 diseases.

Those parents who opt for the single vaccines can contact an MMR single vaccines London specialist to talk through the procedure and book an appointment or alternatively they can look for a child doctor London clinic.

Getting a bit bored with the usual spa treatments you receive? Have a look below for some more unusual treatments available around the world.

Brewery spa – There are a number of brewery spas in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, in these you can have a good soak in a small swimming pool filled with beer, it seems that the vitamins and yeast in beer are quite cleansing for the skin, as well as indulging in the twenty minute dip in dark beer which is mixed with carbonated mineral water, yeast, hops and aromatic herbs, afterwards you can enjoy some relaxation time or an optional massage or treatment involving hot stones or being packed in hot grains.

Snake massage – Not for those who suffer from ophiophobia (fear of snakes) with this treatment you have various non-venomous snakes like California king, Florida king, milk and corn varieties slithering and sliding over your body to sooth aching muscles and joints. You can experience one of these treatments in Talmei Elazar which is in North Israel.

Geisha facial – You can now have a facial treatment that gives you the complexion of a geisha, the facial which uses the geisha skin care routine is available in New York and uses the secret ingredient geishas use, nightingale excrement (i.e. bird droppings). During the treatment you have a facemask made from the excrement which has been dried and sterilized, called uguisu no fun which exfoliates, nourishes and brightens the skin.

Cactus massage – This may sound like a very painful treatment however it’s not as prickly as you may think. This massage does involve Nopal paddles however they are spike free, they are used to massage in a mixture of prickly pear cactus, pulque (an alcoholic beverage similar to tequila but made from agave) and tuna (the cactus blossom, not the fish). These ingredients are known for their healing properties, removing toxins as well as moisturising the skin.

An extravagant facial – For those with an expensive and luxurious taste why not try a caviar facial or full body caviar treatment. You are covered in green gunk that contains sevruga fish eggs) extracts and “spirulina algae”, hence the colour. Another wallet busting treatment is a 24K Gold facial which involves covering your face with gold leaf or gold dust ala Cleopatra. The gold is thought to remove blemishes and purify the skin, and it apparently has anti-aging properties.

caviar

Picture courtsey of star5112

As we are in full swing of the festive party season countless numbers of women will be suffering from sore feet due to the high heels they will have been partying the night away in. However there is now a solution to this, collagen fillers, like what’s used to get rid of crow’s feat and any other lines you may not like on your face, this can now be injected into the balls of your feet to stop them aching whilst wearing towering high heels.

There has been an increase in the past year in the number of women opting for this treatment. Collagen is a natural protein that is found in skin tissue, it does break down over time but this can now be replenished with injections which ‘fill out’ the skin, the procedure involves protein being injected into the balls of the feet, it costs £240 for a pair and lasts 2-3 months. The collagen does not need removing or altering once it has been injected and any slight side effects tend to last less than 48 hours which is ideal for the party season, where some women may find they are wearing their high heels more that usual.

As designer heels such as Christian Louboutin now pass the 8 inch mark more women will find that their feet can’t take all the wear and now can opt for this non surgical treatment, the fillers have been popular in America, but they are only just taking off here. The cosmetic surgeons at the Harley Medical Group have found that a growing numbers of women are now choosing the treatment in the run-up to Christmas. The group’s director Liz Dale said “When they put on their shoe, the transformation is immediate and they feel more comfortable and more able to dance or mingle the night away. The injections are integral padding and last just the right amount of time for the party season. Though there’s nothing to stop women having top-ups to keep the comfort going.”

High Heels

Picture courtesy of Markusram

It is easy to make yourself feel good about your body, about yourself and the world around you. Women who take care of themselves have an inner glow that shows on their faces and in the way they carry themselves. A day spa treatment is about providing the time, space and expertise for women to renew that glow; this can apply whether you are coming in for a full day of treatments or just to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Thai day spa London with a close friend.

Drawing on ancient rituals with modern day touches, the unique Thai spa treatment creates luxurious treatments that recharge your body’s essential energies and envelop you in a world of new discovery. You will find that your muscles are eased, minds are restored and you are left feeling completely at ease. At the same time you can, if you wish, catch up with friends or indulge in some precious ‘me’ time. A day spa in London is the perfect retreat from the stresses of a busy London life.

Inspired by ancient traditions and philosophies and combined with modern day touches, the spa treatment provide a unique pampering and relaxation experience, allowing you to unwind, escape and fully rejuvenate. The trained therapists will work with you helping you leave the cares and worries of the day behind. Having skin treatment is certain to give you a lift and you will come away, not just with an inner glow, but boosting the skin’s own natural.

Footballers have found a new way to treat their injuries, Robin van Persie, Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio have all travelled to Serbia to have horse placenta massaged onto their injuries. Human placenta has been widely used mainly after birthing, its thought that it contains healing properties, it is generally customary among the Chinese and Vietnamese to prepare the placenta for the mother after child birth as it is thought that the nutrients in placenta help a mother recover more quickly.

Placenta has a high iron and zinc content and is rich in proteins which are useful for new mothers who have suffered a traumatic birth and lost a lot of blood, but they do not have to actually eat their placenta after birth as placenta pills are available. It’s thought that these pills can help increase energy, allow a quicker return to health after birth, increase the production of breast milk and decrease the likely hood of post natal depression. However these properties are now being used in new forms as the latest craze to hit Hollywood is a placenta facial where a cream contain placenta is used in the efforts of having younger looking skin.

Research into the benefits of using placenta is still in its infancy especially as a form of physio and many doctors have dismissed  the treatment, however that has not stopped many footballers using the method, we will no doubt have to wait and see if Van Persie and the others find it to be effective or not.