Health and Skin Care Tips

Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category

Face Care Routine

Posted by Martin on July 22, 2008

CLEANSING

Women who wear make-up should carry out a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturing each evening, as well as washing the face in the morning. Cleansing will remove old make-up and the grime and grease that have been accumulated during the day.

Remove mascara with a cotton bud dipped in eye-dipped in eye-cleansing lotion. To make the job easier keep your hair off your face.
Remove the eyeshadow by gently wiping it off with a pad of clean cotton wool moistened with eye-cleansing lotion.
Pour a little face cleansing cream into the palm of one hand and dab it generously over the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks—using two fingers of the other hand.
Massage the cream into the skin, starting under the throat, using a gentle upward motion.
Continue massaging the cream up to the forehead, using the fingertips.
Gently massage the cream from the eyes to the nose.
Massage cream back over the chin, which is particularly prone to blackheads. Use the index finger.
Remove the cream from the face with tissue pads in each hand. Start under the chin and work over the cheeks and on to the forehead
TONING

Toners remove all traces of dirt, make-up or cleanser that remain after cleansing.

Immediately after cleansing apply toner to the forehead and cheeks on a pad of corron wool
Apply the toner to the crevices around the nose.
Apply the toner to the crevices around the chin.
MOISTURIZING

Without moisture, the skin will not remain smooth and supple. The face is exposed to the drying effect of the weather, so moisturisers — which form a film over the skin — contain and augment the natural moisture.

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8 Foods for your skin

Posted by Martin on June 12, 2008

When it comes to glowing flawless skin, you may think only creams and lotions can do the trick.
We showcase some foods that literally feed your skin from within, making it healthier and more beautiful.
Oranges
What they do: They are loaded with Vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage from environmental factors like ultraviolet rays.
Vitamin C keeps your gums healthy and helps your skin to make collagen, which is necessary to keep it tight and wrinkle free.
How to consume: You need 200 mg of Vitamin C per day. There’s enough in one orange for your entire day’s needs.
It’s better to consume the whole fruit than just have the juice.
Smoking is a no-no as it decreases the absorption of Vitamin C into the system.
Conditions it helps:
~ Bleeding, tender gums.
~ Healing wounds.
~ Prevents skin from looking dull due exposure to the sun.

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Tip 4 Face & skin

Posted by Martin on June 12, 2008

1) Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

2) Cut some beet root into small pieces and grind them. Squeeze juice from beet root and massage to your face for 5 minutes. Shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour.

3) Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and add 4 to 5 drops of milk in it and apply on to your face and body. Shower after 15 minutes with warm water.

4) Mix honey in water and drink daily in the morning to keep your skin shiny and smooth.

5) Warm honey and mix with lemon juice and apply on to face. Wash after it dry.

6) Mix Turmeric, sandal powder and olive oil and apply to body. Shower after 10 minutes.

7) Massage your skin with milk. Milk has moisturizer, it will keep your skin smooth.
Use humidifiers and keep room temperature moderate to keep your skin away from dryness.

9) Hot water blushes your skin and you don’t feel fresh unless you have bath with little cold water. If you have shower for a longtime, dead skin will be automatically be removed. Do not rub with towel, be gentle on your skin.

10) Take food which contains more A and C vitamin.

11) Grate carrot and boil. Massage that mixture to body to get fair and smooth skin.

12) For natural bleaching: – mix milk and lemon juice. The milk will break as soon as you mix the lemon juice in it. Use that mixture to massage on your body. It works as natural bleaching.

13) Mix turmeric and cream on the top of milk, massage that mixture to body.

14) If you go into sun your skin will lost the fair ness. To get your skin color to normal take equal quantities of cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply on to skin. Shower after 10 minutes.

15) Massage mustard oil to your skin for 5 minutes and have shower with gram flour or mild soap.

16) Mix cream on the top of milk and all-purpose flour and apply that paste on to your skin avoid eyes, eyebrows and lips. Shower after 5 minutes. This will make skin smooth.

17) Mix curds (yogurt) with wheat flour and apply to your skin and take shower after 5 minutes. r ead more tips on

1 Grind rose petals and mix with cream on the top of milk and apply to your body. Shower after 10 minutes.

19) Scaly skin is a result of fluorine deficiency. Fluorine is the anti-resistant element of the human body, the absence of which creates problems in the blood and spleen. Since cooking and heating foods destroys fluorine, it is better to eat uncooked raw fruits and vegetables. Other foods rich in fluorine are goat milk and cheese, rye flour, avocados, sea plants and cabbage, cream whey and cottage cheese.

20) Wrinkle skin is a result of Sodium deficiency and makes skin sticky. Cucumbers are ideal for combating and preventing sodium deficiency because they are not only high in sodium, but also help in keeping the body cool, a great summer’s treat.

21) Skin rashes are the result of silicon deficiency. To avoid pus and rashes, eat plenty of sprouts, alfalfa, barley, tomatoes, spinach, strawberies and figs.

22) Skin eruptions are the result of Chlorophyll. And are found in wheat grass and other green leafy vegetables

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5 Blackheads care tips & 6 tips for oily skins

Posted by Martin on June 12, 2008

Easy tips for daily skin care 5 natural Blackheads care tips: Oily skin usually cause of blackheads and blocked pores. After a warm bath the face should be splashed with cold water. Tips 1: Take 1 tea spoon of fresh coriander leaf ( Dhania ) juice with ½ tea spoon of turmeric ( Haldi ) powder. Apply this at bed time and wash in the morning. Repeat for a week. (6 daily tips of Oily Skin): Mix half teaspoon honey with egg white and one teaspoon lemon juice. Add fuller’s earth ( Multani Mitti) or brewer’s yeast powder. Mix into a paste and apply. Remove after 20 minutes with water .

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35 Home Remedies for everything imaginable

Posted by Martin on May 27, 2008

Here are 35 Indian home remedies for everything imaginable and are used for hundreds of years, before the advent of modern medicine. This is good especially for minor aliments and aches and pains. Print it out and keep it in a place where you can find it easily, when needed. This may avoid a trip to the doctors and/or make you feel healthy (and even look beautiful) in the process. Take Care!

1) Home Remedy for Asthma: Take 1 tsp honey and ½ tsp cinnamon powder and mix them well before consuming.
OR
For people who are in their early stages of asthma, a perfect home remedy is to boil 8-10 cloves of garlic in ½ cup of milk and consume it during night time.
OR
Take very hot water and add a tsp of honey in it. Consume it just before sleeping and take small sips
2) Home Remedy for Body Odor:
Use antibacterial soap or deodorant soap while bathing.
OR
To combat the unpleasant armpit odor apply cider vinegar. It serves as the best body odor home remedy treatment.
OR
In the bathing water, add a few cups of tomato juice and soak yourself in water for about 15 minutes.
3) Home Remedy for Backache:
Limejuice serves as an excellent home remedy for backache. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and add common salt in it. Drink it two times in a day. It will act as a great back pain reliever.
OR
As a part of back pain home remedy treatment, raw potato in the form of poultice is to be applied on the pain affected area.
OR
Usually Vitamin C that is mainly found in citrus fruits is considered valuable for getting rid of backaches. Consume about 2000 mg of this vitamin everyday.
OR
Applying garlic oil on the back gives immense relief from back pain. Take about 10 small garlic pieces and fry them in oil on a low flame. You can either use sesame oil, coconut oil or mustard oil. Fry till the garlic cloves turn light brown. Let the oil prepared from garlic cool completely. Thereafter apply it on the back and keep it for about three hours. In a couple of days, you’ll feel its magical effects
4)Home Remedy for Cough:
Grapes help a great deal in treating cold in a few days. Consume 1 cup grape juice and also add 1-teaspoon honey to it.
OR
Almonds are excellent for dry coughs. Soak about seven almonds in water and keep them overnight. Next morning peel off the brown skin. Now grind them to form a powder and add twenty grams each of butter and sugar and form a paste. Consume it twice a day, once in the morning and the second time in the evening.
5) Home Remedy for Common Cold:
Lemon can be used effectively to treat common cold, as it increases the body resistance. Take one glass of warm water and pour some lime juice and a tsp of honey in it and consume it once or twice on a daily basis.
OR
Take 1 tbsp of Pepper powder and boil it in a cup of milk. Also add on a pinch of turmeric to it. Put some sugar for taste. Drink it once in a day for about three days.
OR
Take 3-4 tsp Onion juice and 3-4 tsp Honey and mix well before consuming.
6) Home Remedy for Common Fever:
The juice of grapefruit is valuable in all fevers. Helpful in quenching thirst, it also removes the burning sensation produced by the fever. Half a glass of grapefruit juice should be taken with half a glass of water.
OR
Another ideal food in all types of fever is orange. It provides energy, increases urinary output, and promotes body resistance against infections. It is especially effective when the digestive power of the body is seriously hampered.
7) Home Remedy for Defective Vision:
Consume foods rich in vitamin A (like raw spinach, turnip tops, milk cream, cheese, butter, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, Soya beans, green peas, fresh milk), as vitamin A helps in improving eyesight.
Cool Home Remedy for Diabetes:
Take 15 fresh mango leaves and boil them in 1 glass of water. Keep them overnight. Filter and drink the next morning.
OR
As a part of diabetes home remedy treatment, grapefruit is considered most beneficial. Eat three grapefruits three times in a day.
OR
Indian gooseberry, a rich source of vitamin C serves as the best home remedy for diabetes. Take 1 tbsp of gooseberry juice and mix it with a cup of bitter gourd juice. Consume the mixture daily for about 2 months.

9) Home Remedy for Dry Chapped Lips :
Drink plenty of water everyday.
OR
Cut fine slices of cucumber and rub on lips.
OR
Take a saline bath.
OR
Apply neem leaves extract on your lips.
10) Home Remedy for Diarrhea:
Take a ripe banana and mash it properly. Add 1 tsp of tamarind pulp and a pinch of salt to it. Consume this mixture two times in a day.
OR
A simple effective home remedy for diarrhea is to drink a cup of strong tea or coffee.
OR
A popular diarrhea home remedy treatment is to consume a paste made of 15-20 fresh curry leaves mixed with 1 tsp honey.
OR
Take a ripe banana, add 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder to it and eat it on a daily basis.
OR
Take a tsp of date paste and mix with 1 tsp honey. This mixture is to be consumed 4-5 times a day.
11) Home Remedy for Ear Ache:
Boil 3-4 cloves of Garlic in some water. Mash them and add a pinch of salt. Wrap this poultice in a flannel or woolen cloth and place on the aching ear.
OR
Pour some garlic juice in the paining ear. Its antibiotic qualities help to relieve the pain.
OR
Take Vitamin C to boost your immune system. It is a natural antibiotic and antihistamine that helps to reduce inflammation and fever. Include zinc in your diet because it reduces ear infection. Certain foods, more commonly dairy products like milk, butter, cheese etc tend to aggravate ear infections, so it is better to avoid them during an ear infection
12) Home Remedy for Genital Warts:
Extract juice from onion slices and add salt to it. Apply this juice on the wart-affected area and see the magical effects.
OR
Another great idea is to apply the milky juice of figs on the warts 2-3 times in a day, till the warts disappear.
OR
Put few drops of apple cider vinegar on the warts using cotton ball.
OR
Consume foods rich in folic acid and beta-carotene. Eat plenty of green leafy veggies
13) Home Remedy for Gingivitis :
Take some clove oil and rub it on your gums. Or else, keep a clove in your mouth and chew slowly.
OR
Brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains sage oil, peppermint oil etc.
OR
In 1 glass of lukewarm water, add a pinch of salt and prepare a homemade saline solution. Using this solution, gargle two times in a day. It will help a great deal in reducing the swelling in your mouth.
OR
To heal the gum swelling, use an anti bacterial mouth wash.
OR
Patients suffering from Gingivitis should consume foods containing low saturated fats.
14) Home Remedy for Hair Loss:
One of the best home remedies for treating hair loss is to massage your scalp with fingers gently. It will also aid in increasing blood circulation and lend glow to your hair.
OR
Amla oil serves as an excellent tonic for hair conditioning. Apply this oil on the scalp and see the wonderful results.
OR
For nourishing your hair, apply coconut milk all over your scalp and massage it into the hair roots.
15) Home Remedy for Hangover :
Drink plenty of water before going to bed as well as when you wake up in the morning.
OR
Eating some foodstuff while and after you are drinking will slow down the rate at which alcohol enters the blood, thereby reducing the hangover.
OR
Consume vitamin C tablets, as they lead to the breakdown of alcohol content in the body.
16) Home Remedy for Headache:
Eat an apple with a little salt on an empty stomach everyday and see its wonderful effects.
OR
When headache is caused by cold winds, cinnamon works best in curing headache. Make a paste of cinnamon by mixing in water and apply it all over your forehead
17) Home Remedy for Heartburn:
Ginger serves as an effective home remedy for heartburn. Grind fresh ginger and prepare ginger tea. You can even add ginger to foods.

Increase your fiber intake, as it aids in the absorption of excess acid and gas. It helps in flushing out the toxins from your body.
OR
Drink plenty of water at least 8 glasses everyday.
OR
Green tea is also effective in treating heartburn.
OR
Prepare herbal tea containing equal small amounts of peppermint, chamomile, ginger, licorice root and catnip. Preferably, it should be taken after dinner
1Cool Home Remedy for Herpes:
Take a few ice cubes and rub them on the cold sore affected area for a few minutes.
OR
Take a warm tea bag and apply it on the fever blisters for about half an hour.
OR
Lemon balm extract is considered valuable in healing Herpes infection.
OR
Consume foods rich in vitamins. Zinc and iron are also vital. Eat plenty of fruits and green veggies
19) Home Remedy for High Blood Cholesterol :
In 1 glass of water, add 2 tbsps of coriander seeds and bring to a boil. Let the decoction cool for some time and then strain. Drink this mixture two times in a day.
OR
Sunflower seeds are extremely beneficial, as they contain linoleic acid that helps in reducing the cholesterol deposits on the walls of arteries. You just need to modify your cooking style a bit and substitute sunflower seeds for solid fats such as butter and cream.
OR
Incorporate loads of fiber in your meals, as fiber helps a great deal in lowering the cholesterol pressure in blood.
20) Home Remedy for High Blood Pressure:
A real effective home remedy for high blood pressure is to take 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp ginger juice and 1 tsp cumin powder and mix them well. Have this mixture at least two times in a day.
OR
As a part of high bp home remedy treatment, it’s good to try out the idea of consuming coriander or fenugreek leaves mixed in 1 cup of water.
OR
Take about 25-30 curry leaves and make a juice, using 1-cup water. You can even add on limejuice to it for making it tastier. Strain and drink it in the morning.

21) Home Remedy for Menopausal Disorder:
When a woman experiences menopause, she should take a daily supplement consisting of 500 mg magnesium and 2 gm of calcium.
OR
Carrot seeds are of great value in case of menopause. In 1 glass of cow’s milk, put a tsp of carrot seeds and boil for about 10 minutes or so. Consume it everyday as a medicine.
OR
Liquorice serves as an effective remedy for menopause, as it contains the natural female hormone, estrogen. Thus, it helps in making up for the lost hormones.
22) Home Remedy for Obesity:
On an empty stomach in the morning, drink 1 glass of warm water mixed with juice of half a lime and 1 tsp honey. OR
In 1 cup of water, add 3 tsp of limejuice, ½ tsp pepper powder and some honey. Drink this everyday for about 3-4 months.
OR
As a substitute of breakfast, consume 2 ripe tomatoes in the morning. This remedy will aid in reducing your weight at a faster rate.
23) Home Remedy for Piles:
Radish juice should be taken twice a day, once in the morning and then later in the night. Initially drink about ¼ cup of radish juice and then gradually increase it to ½ cup.
OR
Soak 3-4 figs in a glass of water. Keep it overnight. Consume the figs on an empty stomach, the next day in the morning.
24) Home Remedy for Prostate Disorders:
Pumpkin seeds are extremely useful in treating prostate disorders. The seeds of pumpkin act as a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids that are vital to the health of the prostate. Men suffering from prostate trouble must take about 60-90 gm of pumpkin seeds daily. Pumpkin can be consumed in the form of powder spread over the cooked food. You can also mix them with white flour for making chapattis.
OR
Zinc has been found beneficial in the treatment of prostate disorders. Take about 30 milligrams of this mineral everyday.
OR
Vitamin E is beneficial for prostate health. The patient should be given foods rich in vitamin E like wholegrain products, green leafy vegetables, milk and sprouted seeds.
OR
In 200 ml spinach juice, add 300 ml of carrot juice. You can even have carrot juice separately. Vegetable juices are excellent in curing prostate disorders.
25) Home Remedy for Ringworm:
Take a raw fresh papaya and cut out slices. Rub the slice on the ringworm patch. It serves as an excellent home remedy for ringworms.
OR
Take a few mustard seeds and powder them. Thereafter, make a paste using water.. Apply the paste on the ringworm-affected area and see its wonderful effects.
26) Home Remedy for Sexual Impotence :
Garlic is considered valuable in treating the problem of sexual impotence. It acts like a tonic for loss of sexual power Chew 2-3 cloves of raw garlic daily.
OR
Another aphrodisiac food next to garlic is onion. It aids in strengthening the reproductory organs. Prefer going in for white onions.
OR
Carrots have proved beneficial in creating the desire for sex. Take about 150 gm of finely chopped carrots and eat them with a half boiled egg, dipped in 1 tbsp of honey. Consume it once a day for about a month or two.
27) Home Remedy for Sinusitis:
Mango serves as an effective home remedy for preventing the frequent attacks of sinus, as it is packed with loads of vitamin A.
OR
Another beneficial remedy consists of consuming pungent foods like onion and garlic, as a part of your daily meals.
OR
Fenugreek leaves are considered valuable in curing sinusitis. In 250 ml water, boil 1 tsp of Fenugreek seeds and reduce it to half. This will help you to perspire, dispel toxicity and reduce the fever period.
OR
Tie a tsp of black cumin seeds in a thin cotton cloth and inhale..
2Cool Home Remedy for Sore Throat:
Take 1-2 cloves of garlic and 2-3 cloves and make a paste. Mix with 1 cup of honey. Drink 1 tsp about 3 times in a day.
OR
In 1 cup of warm milk, add a pinch of turmeric powder. Drink the milk before going to bed.
OR
Take 1 whole onion and boil it with some water. Thereafter, mash it and add some butter, salt and pepper to it. Now eat this mixture.
29) Home Remedy for Stomach Ache:
Drink plenty of water, as it helps in ensuring smooth bowel movements.
OR
Drink lemon tea with some honey added in it for taste. It will keep away stomach ache.
OR
Mix 1 tsp each of mint juice and limejuice. Add some ginger juice and black salt in it. Drink this mixture.
30) Home Remedy for Tonsillitis :
Take a fresh lemon and squeeze it in a glass of water. Add 4 tsp of honey and ¼ tsp of common salt in it. Drink it slowly sip by sip.
OR
Milk has proved beneficial in treating tonsillitis. In 1 glass of pure boiled milk, add a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder. Drink it every night for about 3 days.
31) Home Remedy for Toothache :
Dip 1 clove of garlic in rock salt and place it on the affected tooth.
OR
Keep a piece of raw onion inside the mouth on the affected tooth.
OR
Clove serves as an excellent home remedy for toothache. Keep a clove in your mouth and suck it. You can even apply clove oil on the affected tooth.
OR
Lime is considered valuable in maintaining the health of teeth.
OR
Consume the juice of wheat grass, as it acts as a fabulous mouthwash in case of tooth decay.
32) Home Remedy for Wrinkles :
Application of leftover egg whites at the bottom of the shell to the problematic area serves as an effective home remedy for wrinkles.
OR
For the sagging skin under the eyes or on the throat, apply some odorless castor oil.
OR
Take some coconut oil and massage on the wrinkled skin.
OR
Eat 1 tsp of shredded ginger along with a few drops of honey every morning.
OR
Rub the core of a pineapple all over your face for sometime and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
33) Home Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection :
In 8 oz of water, put ½ tsp of baking soda and drink it.
OR
Drink plenty of water, as it aids in flushing out the waste products from the body.
OR
Drink Cranberry juice. You can also add some apple juice for taste.
34) Home Remedy for Warts:
Apply castor oil daily over the problematic area. Continue for several months.
OR
Apply milky juice of fresh and barely-ripe figs a number of times a day. Continue for two weeks.
OR
Rub cut raw potatoes on the affected area several times daily. Continue for at least two weeks.
OR
Rub cut onions on the warts to stimulate the circulation of blood.
OR
Apply powder of herb Indian squill daily over the warts.
OR
Apply milk from the cut end of dandelion over the warts 2-3 times a day.
OR
Apply oil extracted from the shell of the cashew nut over the warts.
OR
Apply Papaya juice
OR
Apply Pineapple juice
35) Home Remedy for Vomiting:
Take 2 cardamoms and roast them on a dry pan (tava). Powder the cardamoms and thereafter add a tsp of honey in it. Consume it frequently. It serves as a fabulous home remedy for vomiting.
OR
In the mixture of 1 tsp of mint juice and 1 tsp limejuice, add ½ tsp of ginger juice and 1 tsp honey. Drink this mixture to prevent vomiting.
OR
Limejuice is an effective remedy for vomiting. Take a glass of chilled limejuice and sip slowly.
To prevent vomiting, drink ginger tea.
OR
In 1 glass water, add some honey and drink sip by sip.

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Oily skin solutions that work in Monsoons

Posted by Martin on May 3, 2008

Very few of us can boast of having the blemish-free, peaches ‘n’ cream complexion that Cosmo models sport. However, just because you don’t have perfect skin doesn’t mean you can’t help your skin look the best it can! A popular and effective answer to common dermatology woes such as pimples or blemishes is the face pack or face mask.

What is a face pack?

A face pack is a combination of several natural or artificial ingredients targeted at improving skin texture, colour or remedying a specific skin problem such as blemishes, pigmentation, acne, wrinkles, oiliness, dryness, etc, and conditioning the skin.

These active ingredients are blended into an application base or vehicle that stays in contact with the skin for a sufficient time period and is then washed off. Face packs are available as ready-to-use blends or can be prepared fresh at home using a few simple ingredients from your kitchen.

A new trend is to add multivitamin tablets or granules to your face packs. There is no scientific proof of how it boosts the efficiency of your mask, but many people swear by it.

Choosing the right mask

Before you use a face pack, you need to identify your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, blemish-prone or balanced? Do you want to make your skin lighter, get a glow, avoid wrinkles, treat acne or get rid of a tan? Depending on your specific needs, select a mask and use it one to three times a week.

Remember, your face pack should never contain any ingredient to which you are allergic (for eg eggs or strawberries)<WBR>. To check if the mask agrees with your skin, apply a little to a small patch of skin and leave it on for a few minutes. If it causes burning or itching, you are probably allergic to one or more of the ingredients, so wash it off immediately. Consult a dermatologist if the irritation persists.

How to use a face pack?

Tie your hair back with a headband and rinse your face with warm water. Massage your face lightly to improve circulation and steam it for a couple of minutes to open the pores. Steaming helps improve the absorption of active ingredients in the mask by the skin.

Following steaming, gently dry your face and apply the freshly prepared mask using a pack brush or your fingertips with smooth upward and outward strokes, ie, from the center of the face outward. Place cucumber slices on your eyes and relax as you allow the pack to dry (10-15 minutes).

Once dry, rinse your face with warm water to remove the pack. If you are using a peel-off facial, peel off the dried pack in chips. In the case of an exfoliating mask, you will need to scrub the pack off vigorously to remove dead, dry skin. Once you have removed the pack, follow it up with a toner and some moisturiser.

Face packs for oily skin:

This article deals with face packs specially designed for oily complexions. These packs help absorb the excess oil, while cleansing and nourishing your skin.

1. Fuller’s Earth mask:

Take two teaspoons of Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) and add four to five spoons of rose water to make a paste. This is commonly known as a ‘mud pack’, and is used to cleanse and tone the skin while soaking up excess oil from the face. You can also add a vitamin E capsule (gel) to the pack if desired.

2. Citrus blast:

Take a quarter cup of orange juice, a teaspoon of lemon juice, some grated orange rind and a crushed tablet of vitamin C. Blend the ingredients together with a couple of teaspoons of ground oatmeal or ‘besan’ and apply evenly.

3. Cucumber cooler :

Extract the juice of half a cucumber and add in a few mint leaves. Blend with a few drops of limejuice, a teaspoon of milk powder and a little egg white* (optional). Chill the mixture in the refrigerator before applying. This pack also helps whiten the skin apart from optimising its oil balance.

4. Yeast and yogurt froth up:

Blend a teaspoon of Baker’s yeast with fresh yogurt and a little sugar till it gets frothy. Apply the pack about 10 minutes before a bath for best results.

5. Summer fruit cocktail:

Blend a cube each of fresh ripe papaya, pineapple, cucumber and strawberry with a little egg white* (optional) or besan (chickpea flour). The fruits contain alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes that help peel off dull, dead skin and reveal a clearer complexion.

*Kaolin, a type of clay (which is an ingredient of calamine lotions and is available at pharmacies), may be used instead of egg whites if you’re vegetarian.

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Skin Care Advice At Any Age

Posted by Martin on May 3, 2008

It’s been noted that we spend more on beauty products in the west than we do on education.

Why are we so obsessed? Because it’s easier and more affordable than ever before.Anti-aging skincare technology has progressed leaps and bounds. We know more about the skin today than we ever did. There are advanced skincare products that can erase years, and of course, the plastic surgeon has perfected his trade such that procedures are easier and cheaper than ever before.

Are we justified in our obsession?

They say that beauty is only skin deep, and while I believe this to be true it’s also important to do what feels right for you. If keeping up appearances gets you through the day then, by all means, that’s what you need to do, however I must add that I’m not a fan of going under the knife. With the huge advances made in skincare products today, I’d much prefer taking the less invasive route.

Here’s a few age related tips and remedies that will help boost your skin’s appearance at any age without needles and knives.

20 Something
Your skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurture its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Of course this should continue at any age.

Avoid oily makeup and coverups. Use an oil free moisturizer every day. This is also a good time to begin using an eye cream under the eye area at night.

Try using products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

30 Something
Your 30’s is when your skin is beginning to become a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. It’s time to start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Continue with eye creams at night and use your sunscreen religiously. Also, skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage. Hint: Put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

40 Something
It’s time to kick it up another notch. Your forties is when your skin loses much of it tightness. It may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40’s would be a good time to begin using them. Of course it’s essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis.

Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin’s texture and color.

50 Something
Changes in your skin have reached high gear. Menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin’s hydration levels.

Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

60 Something
By age 60 all types of collagen are significantly below their youthful levels. There are, however wonderful hydrating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic acids), soy, green tea and retinol (vitamin A) which your skin will need now that it is drier and showing major signs of age. The alpha Hydroxy acids will help reduce droopy skin and the retinol will reduce your fine lines.

60 Plus
Your skin’s texture will become visibly less smooth and you will most likely begin to see age spots. You’ll appreciate the early care you’ve given to your skin because the signs of aging will be minimal, however, if you haven’t started early you’ll clearly notice the effects of neglect.

While it’s never too late to take care of your skin the damage you already have will be difficult to reduce without special medical treatments such as botox or perhaps surgical procedures. All the above should continue to be applied but it is wise to consult your physician on advanced treatments.

If you haven’t yet reached 60, the best skin care advice is to follow a good skin care regimen at an early age. It’s an easy habit to get into and best of all, you’ll thank yourself later on.

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7 Little Known Acne Skin Care Secrets

Posted by Martin on May 3, 2008

An acne problem is not a problem, so long as you know wise acne skin care tips. One does need much money to get that healthy glowing skin, with the natural acne skin care methods, acne shouldn’t be treated like monsters under your bed. Here are some acne skin care methods we can practice.

The power of water. Oil, they say is thicker than water. But water is the plainest, most natural substance we can use for acne skin care. In washing your face, do it gently. Rubbing and scrubbing your face does not clean the skin gently. For best acne skin care effects, using a mild cleanser or toner once in the morning, noon and evening, and after doing a heavy work out, will help you achieve a clear skin.

Pick that zit. People who prick pimples and blemishes as if pricking a bubble only aggravates the risk of skin inflammation and acne scars. Avoid hand contact with your face for better acne skin care results.

Shave with care. Choose the best electric shavers and safety razors you can trust for years. They’ll be more comfortable to use. Men need not use a super sharp blade to get rid of that beard. A regular shaver used with soap and water, or shaving cream will help you get that smooth finish. Doctors advised men to shave lightly, and shave only when necessary for acne skin care maintenance .

Sun of the beach! If you love sun tanning or just want the sight of that sophisticated sunburnt look – forget it. This is an acne skin care no-no. The sun’s harmful ultra violet rays redden the skin, making the skin drier. It can make one’s blemishes visible, speed up aging and bring serious damage to the human skin. Also, excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. You don’t want to ruin that great acne skin care you’ve been starting on with.

Cosmic Cosmetics. Eye shadows, blush on, moisturizer, and other cosmetics we use should be free from oily substances to permit healthy acne skin care maintenance. Even hairstyling products in forms of gels or aerosols that come in close contact with the skin may destroy a healthy acne skin care practice. Choose hairstyling products, which are commercially labeled as non-comedogenic are products which do not provoke the formation and growth of blemishes and other related skin
disorders.

Buttered Face. An African beauty secret reveals the power of shea butter which originated from the Karite Nut Tree (or Mangifolia tree). Hmmm… juicy acne skin care tip! Karite Nut Tree was discovered in the semi-arid savannahs of West Africa and Central Africa. People in Africa, women in particular – rely in shea butter as a vital tool for acne skin care treatment for over centuries now.

Spare me that SPA! You need not visit the most expensive spa parlors to get that destressing facial treatment to aid you in your acne skin care endeavor. Create a home made magical elixir right at the comforts of your own home by purchasing simple spa tools found in beauty stores.

Get only the best and the FRESH. Increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These acne skin care tools are free of toxins which decreases the speed of blood circulation. A salad or a fruit a day will keep an acne away!

There is no perfect cure, medication, treatment or acne skin care methods for acne problems. Thus, as the sole proprietor of our own skin, we must take full charge of what lies to be our first armor against diseases and bodily injuries.

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An Effective Acne Skin Care Regime

Posted by Martin on May 3, 2008

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions today. It affects or has affected nearly everyone at one time or another. Acne skin care is the most important tool in reducing or eliminating outbreaks. Many different things contribute to healthy skin.

Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores, or follicles. Acne primarily affects teens, although adults are affected also. Puberty causes an increase in oil production which increases the risk of having an acne outbreak.

What are some of the ways we can instil acne skin care?

The easiest acne skin care regime is to wash your face twice daily with warm water and mild soap. Using your bare hands to wash your face is gentler and kinder to your skin. Acne skin care dictates that you are very gentle with your skin-no scrubbing vigorously, using harsh soap, or alcohol based skin products. These only serve to irritate the skin and may make acne much worse.

Acne skin care revolves around oil control where it can be controlled. Wash your face frequently to remove oil and dirt when you are sweating or working around an oily area. Exposure to grease, pore-clogging cosmetics or hair products can worsen acne. If you are prone to oily hair, wash your hair daily to reduce the oil. Concentrate on using oil-free makeup and moisturizers.

Acne skin care demands that you be gentle to your skin. Picking or squeezing pimples can cause more inflammation and help to push bacteria deeper into your skin. Friction, such as athletic gear, bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars, can make you sweat which can cause clogged pores and therefore, acne.

The Don’t’s of acne skin care are:

Don’t touch your skin unless absolutely necessary!
Don’t rest your chin in hands!
Don’t pick at your face!
Don’t smoosh your face into your pillow and keep pillowcase clean!
Don’t let hair products get on skin!
Don’t rest cellphone against your face!

The Do’s of acne skin care are:

Do treat your face gently and kindly.
Do wash your face with your bare hands.
Do wash face two times daily with warm water and mild soap.
Do use oil-free makeup.

If your acne is very severe or does not respond to the pampering acne skin care regime, then you may need to contact your physician for more aggressive treatment options

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Natural Skin Care – Just Open Your Kitchen Cabinet

Posted by Martin on April 9, 2008

Safer, less expensive, and easy-to-use natural skin care can be as easy as opening your kitchen cabinet, coupled with a few minutes of preparation.

Healthy, radiant, glowing skin is something every person wants. Yet, few of us even think to use what’s really the best for out skin: natural skin care products.

Each year, millions of dollars are spent chasing after perfectly healthy, ageless skin. The environment, stress, and less than healthy eating habits, all play a major role in the quality of your skin.

The answers to achieving radiant, glowing complexion are within arm’s reach. Many of the items in your kitchen right now can provide natural skin care that’s even better thank those expensive, chemical filled products that cost an arm and a leg.

Skin Care Throughout Life

From the day we are born, our skin requires much care to remain smooth and healthy. It begins with soap to keep us clean. Then, there are creams, powders, and ointments to keep diaper rash from our bottoms. During the first few years of our lives, our skin will do well with soap for cleaning and the occasional lotion or cream for moisture. Then come the teen years. Our raging hormones bring out the oily skin, the pimples, and a host of other conditions.

It’s important to understand that everything that comes in contact with our body affects our health and the condition of our skin. That’s why choosing natural skin care products and ingredients is important. The liver filters the toxins and poisons from the food we eat, but whatever we place on our skin is directly absorbed. This includes deodorant, lotions, gels, cleansers, toners, make-up, perfumes, and more.

As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive, and we need to be even more careful with the beauty treatments we use.

Simple Solutions for Better Skin

Here are a just a few natural skin care solutions for you to try. You’ll be very pleased with the results:

- once a week, rub your skin with baking soda while in the shower, for a smooth, silky feeling. You can also do this on your face to remove black heads.

- fresh tomatoes are great for the oily areas of your face. (Please make sure to try the tomato juice on your arm first, as your skin may be sensitive to it). Rinse thoroughly immediately after using the tomato juice.

- for a great moisturizer try olive oil: this healthy fat is good for you, and is great for your skin. You can also use it to soothe sunburned skin.

- vinegar can work wonders for smelly feet and armpits. Mix water and vinegar 50/50, and use in place of deodorant: it will keep the unpleasant sweat smell away, without any irritation. As for your feet, if you suffer with athlete’s foot, a week of vinegar foot bath will help a lot, sometimes completely getting rid of your condition.

- egg yolk mixed with honey makes for a really great mask: put on your skin, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse off. Excellent for sensitive skin. Honey gives a tingling/ticklish sensation, so if you are sensitive to that, use the egg yolk alone.

- another use for egg yolk: for those with eczema, use it instead of soap. It doesn’t smell great, but it will heal your damaged skin.

- a great treatment for dry skin is avocados: mash it, smooth it onto your face, and rinse off after 20 minutes.

Lastly, make sure you drink 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin cared from the inside out.

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