What Are The Best Skincare Ingredients to Look For?

With SO many skincare products on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. It is hard to trust pretty packaging and marketing promises so the best place to see if a product is worthy of its use is to look at its ingredients. Good ingredients are the true indicator of a quality skin care product, but which ingredients are the best? Proven explains the best skincare ingredients. Here are the top ten ingredients to look for in skincare products. 

1. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is sugar that naturally occurs in the body and is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It works to draw moisture to the skin which allows the skin to appear fuller and moisturized. Continuous use is necessary to maintain the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Because it occurs naturally in the skin, it is generally safe for all skin types. 

2. Sunscreen

The impact of UV rays on the skin are well-known so finding a skincare product that has UV protection is vital. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, converts the rays into energy, and then releases them from the body. Mineral sunscreen acts as a barrier to the skin and deflects UV rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common ingredients found in sunscreen for sunlight protection. Avoid sunscreen with alcohol. This will dry out your skin and cause irritation. Daily use is necessary to ensure sun protection, even on days you aren’t planning an outdoor outing. 

3. Retinol

Retinol is another common ingredient found in skincare products. Retinol is a type of retinoid which is found in Vitamin A. It also occurs naturally in the body. Retinol is found in many anti-aging products because it speeds up the production of cell production leading to increased collagen in the skin. Retinol is an FDA-approved ingredient, but overuse can lead to dry or irritated skin. Be sure if you try a new product with retinol, you remain mindful of potential side effects. 

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another naturally occurring collagen producer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to brighten and restore dull skin. Products with a high concentration of Vitamin C can irritate skin or cause reactions to sun exposure. 

5. Ceramides

Your skin acts as a barrier, keeping hydration in and damage out. Ceramides are lipids that work to restore and maintain this barrier. This is a great ingredient look for in skincare products because if your skin is struggling to maintain its barrier, it can lead to dry skin and wrinkles. Products with ceramides can help your skin reinforces the barrier and lock in moisture.  

6. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is found in many exfoliating products. It is generally less abrasive and safer for sensitive skin than other exfoliating ingredients. It works to remove dead skin cells and help your skin naturally produce moisture. 

7. Collagen

Collagen is huge for healthy, glowing skin. It is a protein found in the skin that keeps it elastic and firm. It’s important to know that topical collagen application is less effective than ingested or injectable collagen. 

8. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that protects your skin from free radicals, sunlight, and pollution. It is commonly found in acne products because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Elastin

Elastin is a protein that supports the structure of your skin. It is shown to help lock in moisture and encourage your skin to naturally produce more elastin. 

10. Argan Oil

Argan oil is derived from tree plants and tons and hydrates skin. It also has anti-sebum properties. Sebum is the oil made from sweat and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts and a greasy appearance. 

There you have it! Keep an eye out for these ten ingredients when looking for skincare products!

Tips On The Proper Placement Of Water Fountains At Home

Water fountains are a great accessory to include in your home because of their several benefits and aesthetics.

Although the design, size, and type of your chosen water fountain play a massive role in its overall appeal, it is also a factor for its installation in your home.

What makes a perfect spot?

There are tons of potential areas where you could install your new home accessory, but some would like to get their indoor water fountain ideas from the rules of Vastu Shastra.

The Vastu is a traditional architecture system that originated in India, where it described the principles of spatial geometry, design, measurements, layout, arrangement of space, and ground preparation. This system incorporated both the Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, closely similar to the Chinese people's Feng Shui.

According to the Vastu, flowing water symbolizes the abundance of love, money, and happiness, so keeping one in your home is suggested if you're after luck and positivity.

Although the Vastu is quite strict with the placement of water fountains, for them, the location of where you installed the material plays a significant role in its impact on the home owner's life.

Follow the Northeast direction.

The Vastu recommends that a water fountain be placed in this area since the Northeast zone is correlated with intuition, foresight, meditation, wisdom, inspiration, and vision.

It is said that space provides inner strength during worship, which helps people to succeed and inspire their growth as human beings. Moreover, it clarifies thought while aiding with the spiritual journey to visualize the right path for themselves.

The homeowner must never install their water fountain in the west or southwest direction as this opposite to the original order of water. In this way, the person invites problems into their house that could eventually affect all family members.

Install it near the entrance.

The main entrance is a vital section of your home, and the Vastu appreciates this location so much that the system dictates that the water fountain must be placed near the main entrance.

Since water embodies purity, followers of the Vastu system believe that putting a fountain at the entrance hinders negative energies from entering their home. Thus, only luck and other good things would be received by the homeowners.

A few reminders

The Vastu system has also described a couple of "don'ts" when it comes to water fountains so that homeowners wouldn't have to suffer loss or lousy luck throughout the existence of this accessory in their house.

#1 Avoid placing it in the center

Typically, the middle section of our home is a great place to install some accessories, as this highlights the entirety of your home's design and compliments the current changes that have been made in the house.

Yet, in Vastu, it's unlucky to install a water fountain in the center as they believe that it bars "luck" from reaching their full potential that'll serve the homeowners.

#2 Don't put in the bedroom

Although water fountains could be relaxing, the Vastu strongly disagrees with the idea of installing one in your bedroom since it harms your relationships, especially with your spouse who's sleeping next to you.

Vastu experts even warned people from keeping a water fountain poster because of the same reason.

#3 Don't turn it off

The water fountain symbolizes wealth, and for the Vastu, turning it off could lead to economic or financial loss that could lead the family to an unfavorable situation, such as losing a job or being in debt.

On the other hand, running water could attract money to you. Hence, you'll enjoy the benefits of financial stability for a long time.

Customizing Your Apartment for a Unique Look

Have you ever wanted a new look for your outdated apartment? Are you done with the style that was trendy at the turn of the century but now just isn’t welcoming?  Your home is your sanctuary, it’s time to liven things up and create a space that represents who you are. 

It doesn’t take a degree in interior decorating to make your living space custom and unique, sometimes just a few changes or additions can make a big difference. If you’re ready to get going on your makeover, these ideas for customizing your apartment for a unique look are a great place to get started.

Start With a Plan

This might sound like a no-brainer, but having a plan is vital to the success of your customizing project. Sometimes the prospect of changing things up in our homes lands us at the home decor store spending tons of money on items you like, only to find out they don’t really compliment each other, or your style for that matter. Having a solid plan will inevitably save you valuable time and money. 

Having a plan doesn’t mean you have to go all out and hire a decorator or start measuring the dimensions of every room and piece of furniture in your home; but having a good idea of colors, textures, and styles you want to include is a solid start. Also, it’s a good idea to consider the budget you have to work with as well as the estimated costs of supplies and furnishings you would like to purchase. 

Clear the Clutter

The first thing you need to do after you have a solid plan is clear the clutter. Many apartment dwellers keep their home pretty clutter-free, others will jam in enough furniture and appliances to furnish a mansion. By taking some time to evaluate what you have in your home, and then making a decision on whether or not to include it, will open some space for new items that are more reflective of your unique style. 

When deciding on whether or not to keep, recycle, upcycle or donate an item, there are some steps you can take to help with this process. Since you already have a plan and idea of what your final outcome will be, evaluate each item to see if it fits into your plan. For instance, if you're thinking of customizing your apartment for a unique country-style look, you probably won’t need to keep the retro dining set. Sometimes just adding some paint or upcycling an existing item will work with your theme or style. 

Paint! Paint! Paint!

One of the easiest ways to customize your apartment for a unique look is to add some paint. Even a fresh coat of white paint over the current white (which is probably off-white by now) can enhance your apartment by starting with fresh walls. Don’t be afraid to go all out and choose colors that reflect your unique style, just make sure it complements the furniture and decorative pieces you plan on using. 

Paint doesn’t have to be for walls only, consider upcycling current pieces by adding a coat of paint to match your theme or style. For example, if you’re going for a new shabby-chic look, sanding and painting your brown wooden chairs with a coat of white or yellow paint can make the perfect accompaniment to your dining room. Even painting wooden picture frames to match a style can make a big difference. 

Add Textiles to Enhance Your Look

If you’re one of those people who want to customize your apartment for a unique look but are on a limited budget, using textiles to enhance your look is a great way to create big change for a relatively small amount of money. Textiles can include rugs, pillows, curtains, and things like tapestries and throw blankets.

Consider the look you’re going for and find textural items to complement the style. A few frilly cushions on your couch can elevate a Victorian-style whereas a soft plaid throw blanket on that same couch will match a cozy cabin feel. Replacing outdated prints on your living room walls with a well-made tapestry can add a lot to a boho or Eastern-style room. 

Adding an Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace 

Adding a wall-mounted electric fireplace is the perfect way to make your apartment feel more unique and customized. Since most apartments these days don’t have a traditional fireplace, adding the electric counterpart makes it very easy to add warmth and style to your living room or even bedroom for that matter. 

There are so many varieties of electric fireplace inserts to choose from, finding one to match the look you’re going for should be pretty easy. Think of using sleeker-designed electric fireplaces for spaces with a more modern feel, or something more ornate for a fancier style. There are even electric fireplaces that replicate small wood stoves from back in the day that are perfect for a cabin or cozy style space. 

Use Mirrors to Enhance Your Decor

It’s a well-known fact that mirrors can make small spaces look bigger—if placed strategically though.  That being said, placing a large mirror in a small cluttered apartment bedroom for instance, is only going to reflect the clutter that’s already suffocating the space.  On the other hand, placing a mirror sized to scale adjacent to a window or reflecting a more minimalist design can certainly create a more open and airy effect. 

When using mirrors to create the illusion of space, it’s good to consider what’s being reflected. If you’re going for a look that complements your unique style, think about the areas or items in the room you’d like to showcase. For instance, if your style involves an equestrian, farm, cowboy, or even country theme, having the mirror reflecting the vintage custom saddle on a stand next to an indoor plant will most certainly be reflective of your style. 

Final Thoughts 

It’s never too late to start customizing your apartment for a unique look. If you're planning on making drastic changes to an existing space, your plan can include weekly projects that move you in the direction of your desired final outcome; you don’t have to do it all in a day or weekend. Starting from scratch in a new home allows you to execute your plan starting from a clean slate. 

Whether your goal is to slowly change the master bedroom from outdated decor to a tropical paradise or revamp your entire apartment retro-style in a weekend, these ideas for customizing your apartment for a unique look will help you make a dent in the process. 

How To Figure Out What Tasks To Outsource And What Not To

All companies are looking to make a profit, and in a globalized market, where everything is connected, sharing and dividing the workload abroad has become one of the ways you can achieve this. Of course, some may open new businesses abroad to be present in another market, though here we specifically mean - outsourcing.

This isn’t anything new, business owners have been outsourcing work to other workshops or regions for centuries, it is inevitable in a dynamic and healthy economy. And though it is sometimes shunned for “destroying jobs”, it is not destroying but just placing them somewhere else and later creating even more jobs.

But the question remains - what should be outsourced and what shouldn’t be touched?

Why Are Companies Outsourcing?

In short - to save money. The long answer, however, is a bit more complicated. The main motivation behind outsourcing should be reaching out to skilled labor you cannot otherwise obtain. If you, for example, have a complex product that is made from many different parts but you don’t have the machines or know-how to make a certain part, then you need to outsource to someone who can. 

Also, if a part of a company is deemed temporary, or non-essential, such as for a project with a relatively short deadline, outsourcing should be considered, instead of hiring or training someone for that job yourself. 

Essential VS. Non-essential

Essential work, a definition that has drawn much attention during lockdowns, is usually seen as that without which other sectors cannot function at all. So depending on the specific field, an essential worker could be an engineer, a truck driver, or a production line worker whereas roles that are integral to every business, like financial support, could be outsourced to a payroll company since it's a less niche task.

Those who are directly in the production chain should preferably be employed directly and not outsourced. On the other hand, the service sector, as well as counseling such as HR, are usually considered non-essential and can be found elsewhere. Companies that are providing HR to Australian firms can be found all over the English-speaking world, and even further. They offer a chance to cut costs while securing a high-quality and dedicated resource. 

Freedom to Concentrate 

While trying to solve this puzzle, consider the following - what are you able to outsource that will boost your efficiency? Being able to concentrate on finishing projects means you have to have certain things done quickly and professionally, that is without a delay that may be caused by negotiating with customers or having to solve inner-company conflicts. One of the ways can be to outsource permanent bid staff recruitment, which can free up valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on core business activities. This ensures that critical functions are handled by experts, improving your overall operational efficiency. Delegating such tasks to professionals can also lead to better outcomes for the growth of the business.

Using conference calls to save time is one option, though this could also be done by outsourcing client support. By not having a hotline open 24/7 to receive angry calls and clumsy complaints, you can spend the time concentrating on actually running the company and earning money. 

Counting on Efficiency 

Efficiency is key in providing any service or product, so besides looking out for what will boost your efficiency, the reverse question is important too - what is bringing it down? Doing a regular analysis of a firm’s structure, profit, and other factors, you can determine where the weakest points are located. Working from there, it is easy to determine which sector, or area, is ready to be outsourced. 

For example, a low income, and low-efficiency position in a company should be outsourced to somewhere where it will be done better for less money. In the meantime, the worker in that position should be trained to do a transfer to a higher income position, where their new skills will do greater good for the company.

Any Legal Restrictions?

In free markets such as Australia, there are no laws that explicitly regulate outsourcing, and it is therefore up to specific government job regulations, or regulations that deal with a certain industry to better define this category. Some politicians try and make careers out of stopping outsourcing and promising to implement various laws to put an end to such a practice, though truth be told - the economy and business owners have long before decided that they like it the way it is. 

The only real legal issue here is tax evasion, as sometimes it happens that an outsourced foreign workforce is not receiving their gross salary, only the net salary, though that, in essence, is a concern for the recipient country. 

Outsourcing, co-working, migrating offices… whatever you want to call it, it’s a legitimate business tactic and should be used when there is a need for it. Carefully calculating your position will show you the best possible option when it comes to this, so don’t rush it, but don’t refuse to accept that it may be a good thing for the firm. 

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself When Browsing Online

Nowadays, online spaces are extremely large and available to a lot of people, this also means that danger lurks behind every corner! The Internet can be a scary place, cyber-attacks and hacking are becoming more and more prominent, but if you follow the basic safety precautions you’ll be just fine! So here’s what you can do to protect yourself when browsing online!

Stir clear from sketchy websites

Buying from sketchy and unknown websites can be dangerous, you are putting valuable and sensitive information like your credit card info on the line, so you should only make purchases from credible sites! But, this should be applied to browsing as well - by clicking on a strange website you might contract a virus and make your information vulnerable! Usually, if you have any sort of protection software, it would block you from connecting to a page that might pose a threat to you! So your best bet would be sticking to already known web pages and adding to that by having strong protection software! 

Protect your devices

There are so many benefits of using an antivirus on your devices! Starting from the obvious, as All Things Secured explains how easy people can fall victims to cyberattacks, having security software that does the job for you is the best option! As mentioned, some security websites can alert you from possible dangers and block you from connecting to a certain website, while others simply scan your device in search of possible breaches! All in all, having a good anti-virus is a must, regardless if you browse the web a lot or do it casually, doing it without any form of security is not an option! 

Don’t click on unknown links from strangers

We’ve all been there, clicking on random links sent by unknown email addresses claiming to be promotional or coupons, it’s totally normal to spark your curiosity! But, this can be pretty dangerous, you might not even realize that your device has been hacked, or that your sensitive data is being tightly monitored! It’s best that you ignore anything that seems out of the ordinary, if you are not expecting an email from a company or individual, especially any kinds of links, you’ll avoid possible breaches! 

Keep your software up to date

Developers are always putting up new patches and enhancing the programs, so it is extremely important to be up to date with these enhancements and update your software on time! This can help to lessen the chances of hacking or bugs by filling in any security holes and possible breaches, and it’s extremely simple to do with one click! So don’t be lazy and ignore the update alerts, but take them seriously! 

Use strong passwords

A lot of people think that passwords have little to no impact when securing your internet browsing, but think about it - the better your password is the less it’s likely going to be broken by hackers! Pet names and an additional one through five numerals are not going to cut it! This might not directly apply to the browsing itself, but putting strong passwords on your accounts might help if you accidentally click on a bad link - even little steps can help! 

Avoid using public wi-fi

Hackers are here to stay and they are only getting better and better at their job! When using a public network, especially when doing important things like money transactions and shopping, your sensitive information is in danger. By adding a special layer of protection and using a VPN, you can help your sensitive data stay sheltered and out of reach from possible hackings. It’s always better to use your own internet than to use the public one, but if you absolutely have no other choice, a VPN is your best option! 

Be wary of downloads 

Probably the easiest way someone can track and steal your data is by targeting your downloads. By downloading something from a sketchy side, you might risk the chances of getting a computer virus or malware, which can result in a lot of problems. From stolen identities to losing all data from your computer, the hackers are merciless and tricky! So try avoiding any kind of downloads from unknown websites, regardless if you are downloading a song, a movie, or an application, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Browsing the web should be generally safe, but there’s a reason why you should take an extra step to secure yourself! A lot of things are at stake, your device, your sensitive information, even your identity! You never know what kind of trouble you can find by doing something as small as a click of a button! So make sure you are aware of the risk and the precautions to stop them!

Dui Offense: What to Expect From the Legal Process

You can get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and face charges for a DUI offense in court. This could have some major consequences on your life. Charges range from mild to strict ones, and the offense can leave a bad impression on your permanent driving record. In case you do have to face DUI charges, it’s always good to be aware of every consequence and charge. To help, here’s a detailed guide about what to expect from the legal process of a DUI offense.

The Basics 

DUI stands for driving under the influence, and it is applicable to people who are arrested because of suspicious activity during driving while being under the influence of either alcohol or drugs to the extent that it makes the driving process unsafe. The whole process can be quite intimidating if it’s your first time, and it leaves a permanent mark on your record. All drivers should spend time understanding what an extreme DUI is in Arizona and in other states, so they know the consequences!

DUI Arrest 

If you’re arrested on a DUI charge, officers would need to have solid proof of suspicious or law-breaking activity from your side while you’re driving. For example, if they see you run a red light and notice alcoholic containers or drugged behavior, they will have sufficient proof to arrest you. After arresting you, you’ll be taken to a police station where your records will be taken, i.e., your photograph and fingerprints will be uploaded onto the crime system. 

The rule for bail is different for every state; in some states, you’re allowed to go home right after someone has paid your bail, while in others, jail time is mandatory for DUI offenses. 

Court Appearance 

You’ll have to appear in court to face the charges according to your state for the DUI offense. After you’re arrested, you’ll be given a court date. The court appearance is going to determine the charges you get, and you’ll have to face criminal penalties for your DUI Offense based on your level of intoxication while driving. During the court appearance, you can either plead guilty or not guilty. Usually, the officers that arrested you have sufficient evidence to make the case, so try not to plead “not guilty” and face your charges without resistance. 

Consequences

1. Fines

If you are convicted of drunk driving, your sentence may include time, but it will surely include paying a fine, and the amount of the fine depends upon the nature of driving. If you were driving drunk and damaged someone's property or hit someone and injured them, then the fine increases. The fine also increases in case of drunk driving and endangering a child. In most states, you'll also have to pay the court costs for your case.

2. Losing Your License

In some states, losing your license over drunk driving is quite possible. Usually, in a couple of states, the license is suspended immediately, and all driving rights are revoked. However, in some places, the license isn't suspended, but driving privileges are taken away. Meaning you'll feel a lot of shame and guilt and will always rely on someone else to take you from one place to the other. It can also be suspended if you deny taking the blood test or breathalyzer. 

3. Probation

Probation is no better than jail itself. If you are convicted of drunk driving and aren't sent to jail, then you'll probably get a probation sentence. Jail time isn't a necessity according to every judge; therefore, some of them give a probation sentence. However, if you are unable to meet the probation terms, you'll be sent to jail for sure. It doesn't come without any strings, though, and is actually costly as you have to pay a monthly fee for looking after your own probation sentence.

4. Alcohol Evaluation

After such a conviction, it's not easy to get your driving privileges back. However, in almost all jurisdictions, there is a certain assessment for you before you get your driving privileges back. An expert counselor is going to ask a couple of questions from you, and depending upon your answers, he'll tell you if you have an alcohol use disorder or not. You can then attend a court-approved alcohol treatment program depending upon your assessment results.

5. Auto Insurance

After an alcohol conviction, things become pretty hard. Even your insurance will increase by a factor of 2 to 3 times. Special insurance will be given to you by the name of SR-22. Normally you've to carry this for approximately 3 years before getting back to normal insurance rates.

6. Ignition Interlocking Devices

Ignition interlocking devices make the driver undergo a certain mechanism before ignition of the vehicle. In certain states, these devices are installed even for first-time convicts, and the breath of the convict is checked before the ignition of the vehicle. These devices and their monthly fees are very costly.

DUI offenses can be serious, especially for first-timers; they can be a source of frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment. Court appearances can be quite daunting, and the charges and consequences of DUI offenses aren’t simple either. So, it’s best to be prepared in cases like these and be aware of as much information as you possibly can.