Eat your way to soft skin with Soybeans

Soybeans are not only good as a protein source for your system, but also for skin. The protein
and vitamin B2 in soybeans will help to metabolize amino acids, which in return rejuvenate the
skin and leave it soft and glowing. Moreover the essential fatty acids in soybeans, moisturize
your skin naturally without any claims of being organic or otherwise.
Facts provide that soy bean curd were used earlier to cure skin infections as the isoflavones
replaced the collagen into the skin, lost due to accident or physical damage. There are lots of
soy-based skin care products, but the best way of having a foodstuff work for your skin is eat it.
You can incorporate soybeans into your daily diet as stew, soups, curried, soybean milk or curd,
tofu, with vegetables, dips and also in salads.

Using sunscreen is far better than anti-wrinkle creams!

If you are using anti-wrinkle creams to suppress wrinkle formation on your face then you are
merely wasting your money and it would be far better to use sunscreen lotions if you really don’t
want those wrinkles on your face. A new study by the researchers has uncovered this fact.
Interestingly, it was also found that higher price of an anti-wrinkle cream doesn’t ensure that
anti-wrinkle cream is more effective, since, researchers found that some cheaper anti-wrinkle
creams like Olay Regenerist were more effective compared with other expensive anti-wrinkle
creams.
Before annunciating these facts, researchers conducted few tests and light-skinned women
between the ages of 30 and 70 were asked to apply anti-wrinkle creams on one side of their
face and moisturizer with sunscreen on the other side of their face and amazingly, it was found
that results, which were expected form anti-wrinkle creams not came from them but from
moisturizers with sunscreen.
Personally, I believe that this is a major blow to anti-wrinkle cream industry, since for years
women all over the world are using these creams to look young, which costs thousands of
dollars every year. Moreover, this finding presages a fulgent future for sunscreen producing
industry. But the most important thing that I pull out of this study is the shattering of the myth
that was constantly prompting women to go on with anti-wrinkle creams.

First spray to protect skin from electromagnetic radiation

French beauty group Clarins is reported to a skin spray in January next year, which it claims to
be world’s first spray targeted to save the skin from electromagnetic radiation created by mobile
phones and electronic devices like laptops. Facts provided claim that the content of the spray
is taken from undersea microorganisms in Siberia apparently reported to have strong survival
capacities.
There is however no scientific evidence backing the claim that the micro-organisms are
functional for skincare purposes and their relationship to electromagnetic damage to skin is
however implicit. The skin spray has a long way to prove itself by the way of protecting skin cells
from damage against various intensities of electromagnetic radiation.

Are the products you use for yourself and your baby really safe?

Scientists have found house-hold drugs and chemicals in rivers & lakes which are toxic to fish, wild life and people. These compounds are being flushed down drains and toilets bypassing sewage treatment plants and entering our rivers and lakes and drinking water. This phenomenon is beginning to show up across all of North America and trace amounts of estrogen, Prozac, antibiotics, dyes, pain killers and many others chemicals are being found in our water systems. And now recently personal body care product companies are also under scrutiny because they use silicone compounds in shampoos and lotions to make skin & hair soft, silky and shiny. All of these chemicals and additives are toxic and pose a danger to wild life, aquatic organisms and people! And worst of all, these chemicals and additives are entering our drinking water supplies! Although scientists say it is too early to worry and they cannot predict the long term affect, we ask why take the chance? Can we afford to wait when we can act now? Should we not think Global and act Local especially to avoid long term exposure to our children? At BBB we believe we are all responsible for each other’s well being, a responsible person is an informed consumer!


Belly Buttons & Babies Care about People and Our Environment! At BBB we do not add unnecessary ingredients or potentially harmful additives to our products. Our Promise to you is that our products are Safe, Healthy and Natural — as our tag line states that our products are “natural, pure, organic“. Please feel free to write us if you have any questions about our products. Thank you for trusting and buying Belly Buttons & Babies!
Some resource links:

http://www.drinktap.org/consumerdnn/Home/WaterInformation/WaterQuality/PharmaceuticalsPPCPs/tabid/73/Default.aspxhttp://www.qualityhealth.com/is-your-tap-water-safe-375/featuredArticlehttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june08/water_03-10.htmlhttp://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/chemical_regulations_090203/20090203?hub=TopStories

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its' elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the skin causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the epidermis (top layer of skin).

Stretch marks often occur in the normal course of development especially in women. They are frequently aggravated by rapid growth, pregnancy, hormones and some other natural causes. Severe stretch marks can be caused by some medications including steroids such as cortisone. Stretch marks are weaknesses in the supporting structure of the skin causing layers of the skin to separate leaving the skin grooved and discolored. Stretch marks develop when the skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight gain or growth spurts. Dermal collagen is damaged and blood vessel dilation results in the formation of red or purple-colored early stretch marks. Inflammation and collagen remodeling may lead to the loss of pigment-producing melanocyte cells or obscuring of melanin pigment. Over time, this lack of pigment results in the white or hypopigmented scars that most people associate with mature stretch marks.

One theory is that they develop when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, due to a dramatic increase in the size of tissue. This stretching of the skin is similar to elastic losing its elasticity. The actual stretch marks develop in the middle, elastic layer of the skin, called the dermis. It is made up of fibers called collagen that allow your skin to stretch and then shrink back into shape. If this layer of skin is continuously stretched over a long period of time, the elasticity breaks down and the skin tries to remedy the problem by increasing the amount of collagen in the over stretched area. This is what then creates the scars in the dermis which show through to the epidermis (top layer of the skin).

The stretching of the skin can come about from rapid weight gain over a short space of time, such as during pregnancy. Stretch marks can also be found on children who have become quickly obese or on adolescents who have had a growth spurt during puberty. Athletes and body builders can also develop stretch marks due to constant repetitive exercises. The most common areas affected by stretch marks are the hips, breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen However, some believe that the term stretch mark is a misnomer and they are not caused by the stretching of the skin at all. It has been suggested that stretch marks are caused due to an increased level of a hormone called glucocorticoids, circulating through the bloodstream. This hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands and it is increased during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, Cushing’s disease and weight lifting. The glucocorticoids affect the dermis by preventing the fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers that are required to keep growing skin taut. Dermal tearing then follows as there is a lack of supportive material when the skin is being stretched. So the stretching may determine where the stretch marks will occur but the actual stretching is not seen as cause of stretch marks. It has also been suggested that some people are more genetically prone to stretch marks than others. Skin type may be a factor; dryer skin has less elasticity than oily skin, and more prone to stretch marks. Stretch marks can also develop more easily in skin with a high proportion of rigid cross-lined collagen that occurs in teenagers.

Another theory on the cause of stretch marks is that they can occur due to the abnormal collagen formation as a result of medications or chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. It is also suggested that some medications that are hormonal or steroid based may cause stretch marks.

Are Pacifiers Good For My Daughter?

"A pacifier (known as a dummy in English speaking countries outside North America and Ireland - where it is known as both a dummy and also a soother) is a rubber, plastic, or silicone nipple given to an infant or other young child to suck upon. In its standard appearance it has a teat, mouth shield, and handle. The mouth shield and/or the handle is large enough to avoid the danger of the child choking on it or swallowing it."

Is it okay to use a pacifier?

Babies are born wanting to suck. Some even suck their thumb or fingers before they are born. This is a natural behaviour that allows them to feed and grow. It is also comforting and helps them settle.

A pacifier (or soother) can be used to satisfy a baby’s need to suck. However, it should never be used instead of feeding, and it should never be used without the extra comfort and cuddling a parent can provide. This is something I figured out finally!

There has to be some advantages of letting my little have a pacifier. What are they?

Apparently sucking on a pacifier is better than a thumb or finger because it causes fewer problems with future tooth development.

I'm supposed to be able to control the use of a pacifier. When it’s time to stop using a pacifier, you can throw it away. You can’t throw away a thumb! Won't my daughter go into withdrawal if I just throw it away? She's used to having it, how can I just throw it away?

Now I'm sure there are some disadvantages. What could they be? Here's what I found when I did a search:

Not using a pacifier properly can lead to problems with breastfeeding, teeth (cavities and overbite), and possibly, ear infections.

Homemade pacifiers, sweetened pacifiers or pacifiers tied around a baby’s neck are not safe and could lead to injury or death. If you choose to use a pacifier for your baby, use it wisely and safely.

Now I'm sure there are some "Do’s and Don’ts" for the use of pacifiers. Here's what I found:

Never start using a pacifier until breastfeeding is fully established. Talk to your doctor or lactation specialist if you feel your baby needs to use one at this early stage. An exception is for premature or sick babies in the hospital. They may use one for comfort.

Never give your baby a pacifier instead of feeding.

Always see if your baby is hungry, tired or bored before giving him the pacifier. Try solving these things first.

Always sterilize the pacifier by putting it in boiling water for 5 min before the first use. Make sure it’s completely cooled down before giving it to your baby. Then, keep it clean by washing it with hot, soapy water after each use. Do not attempt to "clean" the pacifier by sucking on it yourself; this may spread germs from you to your child.

Always check for cracks or tears before giving a pacifier to your baby. Sometimes, parents give their baby a pacifier right after giving a medicine (like a pain reliever, antibiotics or vitamins); some of these medicines can cause the material in the pacifier to break down. If there are cracks or tears, throw it out. Replace the pacifier every two months, before damage occurs.

Never dip the pacifier in sugar or honey. This will damage the teeth. Honey can lead to botulism, which is a type of food poisoning.

Never tie a pacifier around a baby’s neck. This can cause strangulation and death. Instead, you can use clips with short ribbons attached to them. These are available where you buy pacifiers and are safe to use.

Never make your own pacifier out of bottle nipples, caps or other materials. These can cause choking and death.

Never let your older child crawl or walk around with a pacifier all day long. This may interfere with speech development and may cause problems with their teeth.

Never let your baby or child chew on a pacifier. It could break down and cause choking and death.

These tips to get Kelly to stop using a pacifier sound good and I'm wondering if they really will help.

Limit the time you allow your child to use a pacifier. Use it only for sleep time and comfort until about 12 months old and then plan to give it up.

Never use punishment or humiliation to force your child to give up using a pacifier.

Involve your child in the decision to stop using it by giving him the choice of throwing it away, putting it away or leaving it under the pillow for the ‘tooth fairy’.

Start a reward chart to mark your child’s progress.

Praise your child when your child has given up the pacifier and tell her you are proud that she is growing up.

Allow your child to express his feelings and if your child is upset or angry, give him special cuddles to help him cope.

If your child asks for the pacifier again (and she probably will), don’t give in. Remind her that the pacifier is gone and that she is grown up now.

I'd love to know what has (and hasn't) worked for you. Send your comments please.

I have only one thing to do - get Kelly to give up her pacifier and I don't know if it will work. Keep your fingers crossed for me .... er, us!

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