IS YOUR MAKEUP MAKING YOU SICK?

You'd be surprised to discover what ugly creatures can live in your beauty products. Find out what you need to do to fight these germs and look great.

Among the most common bad guys found in makeup are Staphylococcus epidermidis (which causes staph infection), the cold-sore-causing strain, and mold. Before you consider adding Lysol to your makeup routine, check out these easy guidelines from Dr. Alfredo Torres, an associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch and an expert on infectious diseases, to keep your makeup clean and your health in the clear.

The way a product is applied also determines the likelihood of it becoming a playground for bacteria. Pots and jars that require you to dip your fingers into the product are more likely to become contaminated than products that need an applicator. If you're sick, use a cotton swab to apply eye and lip products, being careful not to double dip. Use a sponge when you apply foundation and toss it after each use. Also, avoid licking your lips before applying gloss to minimize the bacteria transfer.  Another consideration when deciding what to buy is that powders are a less welcoming environment for microorganisms than liquids and creams, Dr. Torres says.

Sometimes the contamination may not be in your makeup but in the applicator or brush you're using. Honestly ? when, if ever, was the last time you cleaned that blush brush? Clean your brushes and applicators once a week.  Not only does this keep bacteria to a minimum, but your makeup will go on better if the applicator isn't caked with old makeup and oils. To clean brushes, a gentle face cleanser or even baby shampoo and warm water will work just fine. If you do have a cold sore, pink eye, or some other illness, Switch to disposable applicators until you're healthy so that you don't reinfect yourself.

An act as seemingly harmless as blowing the excess off your powder brush or your blush compact can start a colony of germs (they migrate from your saliva). Aside from being more careful (though everyone has slips, of course), you should be aware of the signs of infection.  Red skin is likely the first symptom you'll notice, Dr. Torres says. "You might start to get an allergic reaction to the product that may not even be associated with the actual cosmetic but may be a reaction to the potential contaminate that is found in the product," he says.  Other immediate warning signs that things are going wrong include any change in the skin, slight inflammation, or itchiness, Dr. Torres says. If you see any symptoms, it's best to stop using the product immediately. See your doctor for advice on treatment as soon as possible.

Because there are no expiration dates on things like mascara, eye shadow, or foundation, there's a bit of a debate about when it's best to toss them out and start fresh.  Dr. Torres says you shouldn't use any product longer than three months. If the color has changed, or there are different colored specks sitting on top (which could be bacteria or fungus), then toss it.  But for products that do have an expiration date, such as lotions and lip balms, well, it's there for a reason, so you should really try to stick to it, just as you would for the milk in your fridge. "Some of the components in the beauty products have a shelf lifetime, just like food products," Dr. Torres says. "There's a time that you can use it. Otherwise, you will increase the chances that any microorganisms have been able to colonize and grow in these products." Many of these types of products contain active ingredients that just aren't effective after a while, he says.

Gray hair cures

Graying at the age of 26 would qualify as premature graying. This is a rare occurrence, but not completely uncommon. One of the first things you should know about it is that in all likelihood, it is caused by heredity, and therefore very little can be done about it. The only thing you can do effectively is to try and arrest the growth of grey hairs. The body produces a natural hair dye, a chemical known as melanin. It is possible that your body needs an extra surge of this particular chemical. You can consult with a doctor and take supplemental pills to add melanin to your body. This will arrest the problem of graying where it stands.

You must also generally increase your intake of vitamin A, which is very important to maintain good hair health. Carrots, especially, are considered to be very useful in maintaining healthy hair. You can also apply carrot juice to your hair. If you want to get rid of the grey hair on a short term basis and not resort to using artificial hair dye, you can apply henna to your hair. Henna will stain your hair strands red or black, depending on which kind of henna you choose to apply. Both varieties of henna are available in powder form quite easily.