Benefits Of A Cold Shower

With the recent heat wave, I've been day dreaming about nice cold showers that wash away the humidity, sweat and general disgusting-ness that I've absorbed throughout the day. 

But apart from my own needs to counter the weather, turns out there are multiple health and beauty benefits associated with taking a cold shower:

• An instant change in temperature is said to increase your mental alertness and relieve your body of fatigue. So next time you're in the shower, start with a brief hot shower and quickly switch over to a cold shower. 

• Switching back and forth between hot and cold water is also said to improve circulation.

• Researchers have found that two to three minute cooler showers (around 68 degrees) daily can treat depression.

• Cold water makes the cuticles of your hair close so that its flat, making hair shiny and smooth. 

• Hot water showers open your pores, leaving them vulnerable to getting clogged. Thus, in theory, a cold water shower should shrink your pores. 

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Dry Skin: The Courtney Cox Solution

I have the driest skin so when I saw an article where Courtney Cox shares her dry skin woes, I was shocked. Mainly because anyone who has seen her in Cougar Town can attest that her skin looks anything but dry. 

What's her secret? Dry Brushing. 

Cox shared on xoJane.com, where she is (or was, as of last year) a beauty columnist: 

"I have the dryest skin!!! I know I need to drink more water, but until then another thing that really helps is to take a loofah or a thistle brush. I brush upwards and it hurts. Then I shower. While I'm still wet I put on almond oil -- Aura Cacia Sweet Almond. Don't rub it off with your towel, just pat your skin or let it dry naturally. If you’re crazy dry, then put on another cream or oil. I happen to be a coconut nut, so I use Pure Fiji coconut milk and honey."

Needless to say, I'm investing in a thistle brush and her suggested brand of oil ASAP.

Chemicals In Beauty Products Raise Diabetes Risk

Diabetes is no joking matter. So it's safe to say that when scientists link a chemical in nail polish and hair spray that raises the risk of women getting diabetes, it's time to reconsider the products in our beauty regimen. 

New research suggests that chemicals that are commonly found in beauty products (such as nail polish, perfume and hair spray). The researchers analyzed urine samples from 2,350 women and looked for concentrations of a chemical known as phthalates. 

What did they find? Women with concentrations of two specific types of phthalates (mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate) were twice as likely to have diabetes.

This naturally raises a valid question: Is a preliminary study enough to stop using products with phthalates? 

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