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Most people care deeply about their appearance. When having a face to face conversation, it won't matter what you wear, how your body moves, whether you are standing, seated or lying down, your face will be the focal point. How your hair is styled and the general condition of it will form an impression of how you are feeling or how you prefer to be seen. Even a smudge on your nose tells another person something, like you've been working in the garden, reading a newspaper or cleaning the basement.
How do you make the most of your appearance and personal style if you cannot lift your arm due to arthritis or if low vision prevents you from seeing yourself clearly in the bathroom mirror? The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has some ideas and tools to help you accomplish basic grooming tasks with minimal effort.
Hair Care
Keep it short and simple. Longer hair takes more time to comb, dry and style. While it may only take half an hour to wash and style your long hair, shorter hair might only need 15 minutes and would be less tiring. A trim every six weeks or so helps eliminate frizz and split ends, keeping the style tidy. Discuss hair styles with your hairdresser or barber to find a cut that will compliment your facial structure as well as ease your daily routine. Hair growth slows with age, which means damaged hair will take longer to replace. The chemicals used for coloring, relaxing and perms take their toll on the hair and should probably be avoided. Choose a comb made of flexible plastic with smooth, rounded coarse teeth that easily slip through hair. Select a brush with smooth, coarse, bendable bristles with ball tips that prevent tangling. If reaching is difficult, use a long handled brush and comb. Avoid using a brush when your hair is wet; use a comb instead. If you have limited mobility in a hand or shoulder, a hair dryer holder lets you focus on styling, not struggling with a heavy hair dryer. Better yet, try a hairstyle that will look good if you let your hair dry naturally.
Skin Care
Three factors influence the aging of the skin: your family history, your age and the amount of exposure to the sun, which speeds up the normal aging process. Always wear sunscreen, even in the winter and on cloudy days. A daily morning moisturizer with an SPF of 15 will help retain your skin's elasticity and protect against sun damage. For general skin conditioning be careful not to over moisturize or wear too much makeup as it will clog your skin pores. Avoid using soap that might dry out your skin. Try a gentle cleanser or simply pat your face with a wet washcloth.
Shaving
If you haven't already, switch to an electric razor. There is less of an opportunity to cut yourself if your hand is not steady or your vision is not the best. Look for a rechargeable razor that is light and fits your hand comfortably. If you cannot pull your skin with your other hand for a close shave, stretch your neck in the opposite direction to tighten the skin. If you cannot reach up to shave, try a razor extension handle. The angles will be awkward at first, but you will develop a feel for the new method in no time.
Makeup
If you feel you must wear makeup, professionals recommend that you update your choice of makeup products every decade. Not only do styles change, but your skin changes too. For example, mature skin is better off without powder which exaggerates dry skin. Use pencil cushions to help hold eyebrow or lip pencils properly. Widen the handles of tiny brushes by wrapping them with cloths and rubber bands. Glue craft sticks to a short thin brush to give it length. In other words, don't be afraid to alter the brush handle with common household items. Be sure the result of the change still provides a secure grip and the makeup tool can not cause you harm.
Oral Hygiene
Cavities are not only for the young. Plaque continues to build throughout adulthood. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. If you have trouble holding the toothbrush or interdental cleaner, try wrapping the handle with a washcloth and rubber bands. tooth decay is also hastened by dry mouth, which is sometimes cause by medications. Saliva is needed to wash debris away and limit the production of plaque. This condition should be discussed with your doctor or dentist. A nice smile and clean breath aren't the only reasons to make sure you keep up with good oral hygiene. Some studies have linked poor oral hygiene with more serious diseases, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That's a lot scarier than figuring out how to floss and brush when your hands hurt.
A change in personal style and routine can be difficult, but your efforts will improve your sense of well being and your general health. Who knows, you may love the new look!
© Copyright 2005 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
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