By : Julia Stewart

Do you have shade and think you can’t grow a thing there? Think again! There are actually so many shade perennials for the Mid South that it is hard to narrow the list down to just ten. Here in the Mid South, even plants that are considered full sun actually appreciate a little afternoon shade. The trick to planting shade perennials is to choose a spot that has little competition from trees that have surface roots such as maples, sweet gums, and dogwoods. Assessing your site before you plant is essential.

Assessing Your Site (more…)

By : Valerie Rosenbaum

When you are looking for a face lotion to reduce age spots, most sources will suggest creams containing hydroquinone and they call it “safe”. That seems like a contradiction. How can a face lotion reduce age spots, safely, when it is accompanied by the risk of adverse reactions and long-term damage?

The ingredient has been banned in several countries, because it may increase a person’s risk of cancer. It should have been banned years ago, because it can cause the opposite effect of increased pigmentation. Complaints about a hydroquinone face lotion to reduce age spots include darkening and too much lightening of the area. Obviously, the effect that it has cannot be controlled. It’s too unstable. (more…)

By : Valerie Rosenbaum

Any fair-skinned person that has spent a bit of time outdoors wants to know how to fade age spots. What follows is a step-by-step program that will help.

Stay out of the Sun

Staying out of the sun is always step one, because the spot was most likely caused by UV rays from the sun. UV triggers the production of melanin. Melanin is actually a hormone responsible for the skin’s color. Sometimes, the melanin producing cells or melanocytes become damaged. So, instead of even production, you get “uneven” production and clumping. It’s not unlike a freckle. (more…)