Archive for April, 2009

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Dry Itchy Scalp - Treatment for Dry Itchy Scalp

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Causes of Dry Itchy Scalp

If you find yourself scratching your scalp till you are sure that you will start bleeding, you should stop and take stock of why this is happening to you. Most of us never stop to consider that we may actually have developed some kind of skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Home Remedy for Dry Itchy Scalp

However, you can try some simple remedies to stop the itching. You will find that applying olive oil has a soothing effete on the itchy and gives you some relief. Apply the olive oil on your scalp and hair and leave it on. You should be very careful about the soap or shampoo that you use to wash your hair. Avoid using shampoos that have a high chemical content as they will cause more damage to your hair. The chemical content in these shampoos actually removes the essential oils that protects your hair and results in excessive itching. Instead find an effective but gentle shampoo and use this regularly. Use a conditioner that is as gentle as your shampoo. You may find that if you have colored or styled your hair the chemicals used in the process the color could have triggered this response. If the itch continues you should definitely consult a dermatologist about this problem.

You can use a mixture of three different types of oils to stop the itchy and dry scalp problem. Mix almond oil, coconut oil and some olive oil and massage this on your scalp. Apply this on your scalp at bedtime and leave the oil on overnight. In the morning use some lemon juice to massage your scalp before you wash your hair. Do this regularly to fight dry scalp problems. You can also try using lime juice as the last rinse when you have finished washing your hair.

One of the most effective ways to fight dry scalp is with fenugreek seeds Take three tablespoons of these seeds and soak them in half a cup of water. These will need to be ground into a paste in the morning. This paste will have to be applied to the scalp and hair. An hour later you can wash your hair. Do this at least once a week to see positive results. Another easy remedy is the application of mashed ripe avocado on the scalp. You can add some yogurt and a little honey and massage this mixture into your hair, taking care to ensure that it is also massaged into your scalp.

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Dry Facial Skin - How to Treat Dry Facial Skin Care

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Dry Facial Skin Causes

People who have dry skin actually have a low level of sebum. Sebum is the body’s natural oil that acts as a seal and allows the skin to retain moisture. One of the sure signs of dry skin is a slightly papery and parched look. In addition to this, after a person with dry skin washes their face, their skin will feel dry and taut.  If you suffer from dry skin, extreme weather conditions can aggravate your condition. If you are suffering from conditions of the skin like eczema or psoriasis, then these could be causing the dry skin.   Dry skin could be caused either by an underactive thyroid or due to a poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry skin.

Remedies For Dry Facial Skin - Dry Facial Skin Treatment

You should ensure that you don’t use warm or hot water to wash your face. Instead you can use lukewarm water. Avoid washing your face too often during the day. Also avoid using soaps since these dry the skin out. Find a good quality moisturizer that suits you and apply this liberally soon after you have had your bath. You may need to use this at least thrice a day. Apply liberally at bedtime and leave it on overnight. You can also use Aloe Vera gel since this reduces dryness of the skin.  Baby oil is also beneficial. Take a small quantity in your hands and massage it into your skin with circular motions, using the tips of your fingers to rub it into your skin. Milk cream is one of the best things for dry skin and can be applied on a daily basis. Take some milk cream and beat it well. Add a pinch of turmeric to it and then apply this to your face and neck. After it has dried, use circular motions to remove the excess residue. You will find your skin soft and adequately moisturized. If you are reluctant to use milk cream you can mix equal quantities of milk with honey and apply this over your face.

For another simple and beneficial face mask, you can break a raw egg and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Now add a few drops of rose water and half a teaspoon of olive oil and beat the mixture well. Apply this on your face and wash off after half an hour. Apricots are very effective in moisturizing the skin and can be used to make a homemade face pack. Soak a few apricots in water and then mash them when they are soft. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mashed apricots and apply on your face. This can be washed off after ten minutes.

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Summer Skin Care Tips

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Summer Skin Care

The summer season can be very harsh on you. Most of all, you find that it has serious adverse effects on your skin. But you can keep your skin looking soft and fresh if you follow certain precautions.

  • Always wash your face with cold water as often as possible. You will find that adding a few drops of rose essence to the water helps you feel fresh.
  • Soak some cotton pads in cold water and place them on your eyes to keep them refreshed.You can similarly refresh your tired feet by soaking them in a tub of cold water.
  • Always protect your face with an umbrella or a hat.
  • Avoid using a lot of cosmetics when it is very hot. This prevents your skin from breathing easily and naturally.
  • If you have oily skin, make sure that all your skin products are labeled Noncomedogenic as this will ensure that they do not clog your pores. You can find a good quality sunscreen and use this whenever you go out.
  • Ideally wearing long sleeved clothes helps you protect your skin.
  • During the summer months you should avoid keeping up late since this, in addition to the other effects of summer can make your skin look dry.

In addition to this you will also develop dark circles under your eyes. Use a variety of fruits to make face masks. You can use a puree of avocado, papaya or cucumber to make your own face mask. If you have oily skin you will need to add a spoonful of oatmeal, some drops of lemon juice, some drops of honey and a teaspoon of yogurt to the pureed fruit. For people with dry skin it is a good idea to add some rosewater in place of the lemon juice.

What you eat and when and how you eat it is also very important. The heat makes it difficult for us to eat heavy meals and it is a good idea to avoid doing so. Similarly eating very spicy or oily food should be avoided.  Eat light meals and avoid eating very late at night. If you have to eat at night make a meal of fruits and juices. You can also have soups since these are not heavy at all.  You should ensure that you drink plenty of water. Drink a variety of fresh fruit juices since this will keep your skin hydrated. It will also provide your skin with many essential vitamins and minerals and give it a healthy glow. Buttermilk with some salt added to it is also very beneficial. Fruits like water melon, grapes and oranges can be eaten regularly since these also ensure proper digestion.

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Dark Lips Treatment and Home Remedies for Dark Lips

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Dark Lips Remedy, Treatment for Dark Lips

Dark lips can attract undue attention and cause embarrassment. Although you can cover this up with the application of lipstick, it makes more sense for you to use some simple home remedies to get rid of this problem so that you will have naturally pink lips. One of the most effective remedies for lightening the color of dark lips is by applying lemon juice. Lemon is known to possess bleaching qualities and this will help reduce the intensity of darkness. You can also use a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice. The best thing about both these treatments is that since neither of them stain they can be left on overnight.

You will find that applying Aloe Vera juice on your lips also helps reduce the darkness and keep your lips soft.  You can mash a small piece of a ripe banana, add some drops of honey to it and mix in one teaspoon of sour cream.  Mix in a  spoon of sugar and use this as a nourishing lip scrub. Mix a few drops of honey with some lemon juice and apply this on your lips. You can also use milk cream to massage your lips. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder also helps to keep your lips healthy and blemish free.

You should also accept the fact that heredity does play an important role in determining the color of our skin and lips. So, if you belong to a family that has dark lips then you should perhaps accept that your lips may never really become pink. If you have recently noticed the darkness of your lips then you should consider consulting your doctor since this could be caused by some illness. You can try using a lip stick which has sunscreen in it as this can help prevent your lips from becoming too dark. In addition you can try cutting down on your intake of tea and coffee.. Similarly increasing your intake of water can also influence the way the lips look.

Make sure that you remove all traces of lipstick as soon as you get home and never leave it on overnight. Avoid using a lipstick that is past its expiration date since this could react badly with your skin. Also, if you have recently started using a new brand of lipstick and noticed the darkness after this, you should consider not using that particular brand. Sometimes your allergic reaction to the lip stick may be responsible for you lips becoming darker.

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Homemade Face Masks for Oily Skin

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

Oily skin can make your face constantly look shiny and embarrass you. It becomes difficult to apply make up on an oily skin. In addition oily skin is susceptible to boils and pimples and for this reason you should follow a regular skin care routine to keep your skin clean and blemish free. Try steaming your face once a week, allowing the steam rising out of a pot of hot water to blow across your face. This helps to remove the oiliness of your face.

Homemade Face Mask for Oily Skin

  • You can also make it a regular practice to apply a mixture of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and some milk on your face and neck. This helps reduce the oiliness of the skin.
  • A mixture of a tablespoon of oatmeal, a few drops of lemon juice and some milk can also be applied on the face. You can dry orange peel in the sun and grind the dried peel with some milk to make a very effective face mask.
  • The regular application of Aloe Vera gel will also remove excessive oiliness and keep your face looking clean and healthy.
  • You will find that making a puree of cucumber and tomato and then chilling this before you use it on your face can very effectively reduce the oiliness of your face.
  • You can also make a paste of two almonds, some pieces of lemon rind and some drops of water and apply this on your face. This helps exfoliate your skin and removes excess oil.
  • Make a paste using a tablespoon of sandalwood and a few drops of water. Apply this in an upward movement on your face and neck. This keeps your face clean of acne and other such eruptions.
  • Make a paste by combining one teaspoon of rice flour, one teaspoon of corn flour and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this on your face and neck and wash it off with tepid water once it dries.

You will find that making a change to your eating habits will also be very effective in making your face look less oily. Don’t eat food that contains a large quantity of oil. Instead cut down on your intake of oil and eat food that has been boiled or grilled with minimum oil. You should also eat fruits and vegetables. Junk food that contains white flour, cheese and sugar should be completely avoided. Similarly chocolates and sweets too should be avoided.

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Simple Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dots On Your Face With Lemon Juice, Cucumber And Honey

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Dark spots on any part of the body are unwanted, but they are of special concern when they appear on the face and people go to great extents to get rid of them by visiting dermatologists and investing in expensive medicated creams which can cause several side-effects and not always help to get rid of the dark spots. It is important to recognize the reason behind the dark spots before starting any treatment.

The red or brown dots appearing on the skin can be caused due to some other skin condition such as acne and blemishes, but very often they are a natural reaction of the skin to prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Sometimes the brown spots that appear on the skin are a direct result of advancing age and are also known as age spots.

Home Remedies For Spots

There are several simple home remedies that can help to lighten these spots over time and also prevent further appearance of the dots.

  • Honey is known to have excellent antibacterial properties and it is beneficial for healing all kinds of skin conditions and leaving the skin soft, smooth and glowing. A simple method to lighten the dark spots on the face and obtain a glowing complexion is to gently warm 2 tbsp of honey and apply it evenly across the face, washing it off after 15 to 20 minutes using warm water. Since lemon is an excellent natural bleach, the face can be wiped daily using a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice.
  • Similarly cucumber juice can also be used to wipe the face since it not only helps to cleanse the skin, but also reduces dark spots and leaves the skin soft and smooth.
  • A mixture of lemon juice, cucumber juice and honey applied on the face and washed off after 15 to 20 minutes is highly recommended. Application of sour cream or plain yoghurt on the face is also said to be beneficial for reducing dark spots.
  • Apart from this a face-pack prepared using sandalwood powder or fuller’s earth and rose water can be applied regularly on the face and washed off after 15 minutes using cold water. This helps to treat and prevent acne, improves the complexion of the skin and gradually lightens all dots and dark spots on the face.
  • Daily application of aloe Vera juice, obtained by slicing the fleshy leaf of the aloe Vera plant is also beneficial for removing any dark spots and improving the skin tone and complexion.
  • Finally it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of liquids in the form of water and fresh fruit juices in order to keep the body well hydrated.

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How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes

Dark circles around the eyes, often ridiculed as the raccoon look, tend to make the person appear tired and sick and detracts from the over all appearance of the person. The main reason for dark circles is exhaustion and lack of sleep, but there are other factors as well that cause dark circles around the eyes. The veins around the eyes become more prominent with advancing age, making the skin around the eyes appear shaded and darker.

Another reason for dark circles around the eyes is an imbalanced diet which can lead to various deficiencies causing the skin to lose its vitality. Hyper pigmentation caused by excessive exposure to the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun can also cause the area around the eyes to become darker. Finally certain drugs and medications can lead to the side-effect of dark circles around the eyes. While the easiest fix for dark circles is applying make-up to disguise them, there are several simple home remedies that can help to gradually reduce the dark circles over a period of time.

Home Remedies For Dark Circles Under Eyes

  • The best and most popular home remedy for dark circles is application of cold and wet tea bags on the closed eyes. The tannin acid in the eyes is beneficial for the eyes, helping to relax them, reduce any swelling and also gets rid of the dark circles. Alternately cotton balls or a soft towel soaked in rose water can also be applied on the closed eyes to relax the eyes and rejuvenate them.
  • Another way to relax exhausted eyes and reduce the dark circles is to apply slices of cucumber on the closed eyes or wiping the area around the eyes with a cotton ball soaked in cucumber juice.
  • Massaging the skin around the eyes gently using a mixture of almond oil and lemon juice is beneficial for relaxing the eyes as well as reducing the dark circles.
  • Another effective way to reduce the dark circles around the eyes is by applying a mixture of honey and raw milk around the eyes and washing it off after an hour once it has dried completely. This helps to reduce the dark circles and also improves the skin complexion.
  • A mixture of lemon juice and tomato juice can be applied on the eye lids and around the eyes, using a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Repeating this procedure twice a day is beneficial for reducing the dark circles.
  • A mixture of turmeric powder and lemon juice can also be applied on the eyes to lighten the dark circles.
  • In addition to this, it is important to include a healthy proportion of Vitamin C and Vitamin A in your diet to promote the health of the eyes and skin. It is also crucial to consume adequate liquids in the form of water and fresh fruit juices to keep the body and skin naturally hydrated and to get adequate exercise and at least eight hours of relaxed sleep daily.

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What Causes And Home Remedies To Treat Swollen Eyes

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Swollen Eyes Causes

Inflammation or swelling of the eyes occurs due to several reasons and it can cause extreme discomfort and pain. It is often accompanied by heat radiating from the eyes and the eyes become red due to the increased flow of blood in the area. The most commonly cited reason for swollen eyes is prolonged periods of working at the computer with constant staring at the monitor. This causes the eyes to get tired and often leads to swelling.

Other causes for swollen eyes include conjunctivitis, other eye infections and diseases, deficiency of Vitamin A which is essential for the retina and other diseases such as measles, diabetes and herpes which can also cause swelling of the eyes. Excessive or wrong use of over-the-counter eye drops and cosmetic products for the eyes can also be responsible for swollen eyes. Sometimes lack of strict hygiene practices, especially while wearing and removing contact lenses can also lead to an infection and consequent swelling of the eyes. Finally any kind of foreign substance that has entered the eyes, injury to the eyes or a surgery can also lead to swelling of the eyes.

Home Remedy For Swollen Eye

Usually the swelling subsides by itself, and if it has occurred as a corollary to another medical condition it goes away as the condition is treated. Nevertheless, it can be bothersome and some simple home remedies can help to reduce the swelling. The most popular and effective home remedy for swollen eyes involves placing a tea bag which has been allowed to steep in hot water for around 5 minutes, on the closed eyes. The tannin acid in the tea is beneficial for the eyes and helps to relax the muscles around the eyes and reduce the swelling. Alternately a towel soaked in cold water and wrapped in a warm towel can be placed on the swollen eye till the inner towel becomes warm. This helps to reduce the inflammation and swelling. In case of pus accompanying the swelling, the eye should be washed carefully and periodically wiped using a soft cloth or tissue to remove the pus coming out from the corner of the eyes.

Apart from this, it is important to ensure that you practice safe hygiene practices while wearing and removing your lenses, taking care to wash the hands thoroughly. All cosmetic products and eye drops should be avoided as long as the swelling persists and it is important to remove all make-up and lenses before sleeping, to allow the eyes to breathe naturally.

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What Is Facial Edema And Home Remedies For Edema On The Face?

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Facial Edema -Causes Of Facial Edema

Facial edema is a medical condition characterized by the retention of fluid in the face, which causes swelling of the face. Usually the swelling is more prominent and obvious around the eyes but it is also evident around the neck, shoulders and upper arms. It is often difficult to detect facial edema initially but as the condition worsens it is accompanied by discomfort and pain. In order to verify if the edema is severe, the swollen part of the face should be pressed down with a finger. If the edema is mild, then skin will return to its normal position immediately. Otherwise, it takes longer and the time it takes indicates the severity of the edema. It is important to diagnose facial edema correctly and to pinpoint the exact cause in order to treat it properly.

There are many causes for facial edema, of which the most commonly cited ones are allergies to certain drugs or food products. Other factors that can lead to facial edema include sinusitis, conjunctivitis, dental infection, hypertension, diabetes, insect bites or even malnutrition. Excessive heat and lack of adequate rest can also lead to mild edema.

Reduce Facial Edema

There are several simple home remedies that help to treat facial edema. Application and massage of the affected areas using mustard oil that has been heated slightly is said to be beneficial for reducing the swelling. Alternately 2 tsp of mustard seeds can be soaked overnight in water and the solution can be applied on the face.

Is the facial edema has been caused due to a sinusitis infection, apple cider vinegar is beneficial. 1/8th or 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar can be diluted in 1 cup of water and consumed several times a day to reduce the swelling.

For facial edema caused due to conjunctivitis or other eye infections, it is important to keep the eyes clean by washing with cold water and then gently wiped. The pain and swelling and be reduced by soaking a towel in cold water, wrapping it in a warm towel and applying it to the eye till the cold towel becomes warm. In addition to this, flax-seeds can be included in the diet either directly or in the form of oil. Since salt and carbohydrates are directly related to water retention in the body, the diet should be altered accordingly. Finally it is important to have a regular routine of light to moderate exercise, and lead a healthy lifestyle avoiding habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Home Made Face Packs For Treating Oily Skin On The Face

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Skin type is primarily dictated by genes, but there are other factors as well that affect the skin. Apart from hereditary factors, an imbalanced diet and hormonal imbalances caused by menstruation, pregnancy, birth control pills or other medications can also lead to oily skin. A lack of a proper hygiene and skin care routine with adequate cleansing and toning can also lead to excessively oily skin. While there are a host of products available in the market which claim to effectively treat oily skin the best way to treat and control oiliness of the skin is sing herbal remedies. Some of the herbs recommended for reducing the oiliness of the skin are lemon, sage, cypress and cedar wood. Apart these herbs, simple kitchen ingredients such as cucumbers and strawberries are also effective for reducing oiliness of the skin.

Home Made Face Packs For Oily Skin

  • One of the most used and effective remedies for oily skin is application is rubbing the face with the pulp of papaya fruit and then washing the face with cool water. Repeating this once in 2 to 3 days effectively removes blackheads and pimples and reduces the oiliness of the skin, leaving it clean and glowing.
  • Another effective herbals remedy for oily skin can be prepared using lemon and raw garlic juice. Daily application of this mixture on the face is excellent for reducing oiliness and preventing acne, however if the skin is cut or tender in certain places, it may sting.
  • A cucumber face pack can be prepared using 2 tsp cucumber juice, 2 tsp mint juice and 2 drops of peppermint extract. This can be applied on the face and washed off after 15 to 20 minutes when it is dry, with lukewarm water. Daily application helps to reduce the oiliness of the face. Orange peels can be dried in the sun, ground to a powder and used to make a face pack with rose water. Daily application of this face pack which can be washed off after 20 minutes with lukewarm water is effective for treating oily skin.
  • A face pack prepared by mixing dried and powdered neem leaves, milk and rose water is also effective in reducing oiliness of the skin and leaving it a smooth, blemish free glowing complexion.
  • Another highly recommended face pack for treating oily skin is prepared using the white of 1 egg, ½ tbsp fuller’s earth, 2 drops of peppermint extract and 3 to 5 drops of rose water. After allowing the fuller’s earth to soak in water for around half an hour, the eggs can be whisked into the mixture and the pack can be applied on the face and left to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before it is washed off with warm water. Regular application of this face-pack is excellent for improving the skin complexion and texture.

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