Archive for July, 2010

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Use of Almond Oil for Skin Care

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Almond oil, obtained from sweet almond kernels, is a valuable source of vitamin E. The use of almond oil for skin and various purposes has been ongoing for many centuries. Almond oil is one of the primary carrier oils and is used in many cosmetic products. It is slightly yellowish in color and has a sweet fragrance. Since it is a heavy oil, it works wonderfully as an emollient. It is absorbed into the skin quickly, and is not too greasy or strong in odor. Regular use of almond oil for skin care improves the texture of the skin and also lightens it. Almond oil massages help to maintain the pH balance of the skin by enabling it to retain moisture and remain hydrated.

Almond Oil for Dry Skin

Use of almond oil for dry skin is popularly practiced since it is very lubricating and is also absorbed into the skin quickly. It helps to repair cracks and flaking of the skin. Individuals with skin allergies are often advised to use almond oil so that further dryness and scaling of the skin is avoided. It can also be used on areas of the body such as the knees, elbows and heels of the feet, as these areas are most prone to dryness and hardening. Almond oil also serves to moisturize chapped lips and helps in the healing of minor cuts, bruises and infections. Since almond oil is rich in vitamin E, it helps in preventing wrinkles and therefore The use of almond oil for face is known to be very effective. The oil may be applied to the facial and neck area every night. Use of almond oil for the face is considered to be safe and regular use will also help to lighten scars and dark spots. Sunburn may also be relieved through the application of almond oil.

Many people are bothered by dark circles under the eyes. Inadequate sleep, allergies, tiredness and poor diet can all lead to this occurrence. The skin beneath the eyes is delicate and hence loses moisture easily. Application of almond oil for dark circles is known to be highly effective. The oil moisturizes the under eye area and reduces puffiness and darkening. A small amount of honey may be added to almond oil and then gently massaged into the under eye region. The use of almond oil for acne and other skin blemishes is also believed to yield positive results since the oil is known to have antimicrobial properties. Bacterial infections of the skin may also be treated with almond oil.

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Home Treatment for Acne Cysts

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Acne cysts are a type of acne that is characterized by pus formation, pain and discomfort. This condition is also referred to as nodulocystic acne or cystic acne. Acne cysts may occur in individuals of any age, although it is most common in teenagers and young adults. A bacterial infection leads to the formation of pus in the cysts. Treating acne cysts early is important as the infection could spread to other areas of the body. Home treatment for acne cysts is known to aid in providing relief. Before examining the treatments available for this condition, let us first understand what causes acne cysts.

Causes of Acne Cysts

Since acne cysts are a type of acne, the causes of this condition are similar to those of acne in general. The main causes of acne cysts are bacteria. Accumulation of dead skin cells and excess production of sebum or oil also contribute to the occurrence of acne cysts. When dead skin cells and oil accumulate within a hair follicle, the walls of the pore expand beyond their limit. When the walls rupture, the bacteria in surrounding areas of skin enter the pore and lead to infection. Pus formation is part of the body’s natural defense response to the infection. Certain factors are known to increase the risk of acne cysts. These include consumption of fatty, sugary and processed foods, alcohol consumption and improper skin hygiene. Acne cysts can be cured completely if treated early. Only home treatment for acne cysts is not entirely effective as medical treatment is also necessary.

Treatments for Acne Cysts

  • A beneficial natural treatment for acne cysts is aloe vera. The gel of aloe vera leaves may be applied directly to the affected areas. Aloe vera is believed to be the ideal acne cyst cure since it generally does not lead to any side effects.
  • Fruit packs also help in soothing affected skin. You can use fruits such as mangoes or lemons. Turmeric powder and ground dried margosa leaves may also be added to the fruit pack.
  • Tea tree oil is another good acne cysts treatment as it has anti-bacterial properties. It may be applied to affected skin using a cotton ball.
  • You may also use apple cider vinegar as a home treatment for acne cysts. Dilute some apple cider vinegar in water and apply to the skin. Leave it on for about ten minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. This helps to maintain the pH balance of the skin.

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How to Use Home Treatment to Cure Heat Rash

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Heat rash is also referred to as prickly heat. It occurs due to intense heat and is characterized by itching in certain areas of the skin. It generally develops on areas of the body that are covered such as the chest, abdomen and groin region. In cases of severe heat rash, the body is unable to regulate the heat and exhaustion and fever may result. Heat rash interferes with the body’s cooling system and evaporation of the sweat stops occurring. This leads to overheating of the body. Most cases of heat rash do not require medical treatment. There are many heat rash home remedies that help in providing relief from itching and discomfort.

Cause of Heat Rash

The primary cause of heat rash is excessive sweating due to heat and humidity. When the body begins to perspire profusely, the accumulated sweat begins to affect the skin cells. In an attempt to protect the deeper layers of the skin, the cells create a barrier and some amount of sweat becomes trapped beneath. This leads to tiny sweat-filled bumps on the skin. When these bumps rupture, the sweat is released and itching and pricking is experienced. Heat rash commonly occurs in babies that are wrapped up in too many clothes. Individuals that are bedridden may also develop heat rash due to sweating and friction of the body parts that are constantly touching the bed. In case there is pus formation in the rash, a proper diagnosis may become necessary as it may be indicative of a skin condition such as eczema. In other cases, natural remedies for heat rash are quite sufficient for treating the condition.

Home Remedies for Heat Rash

The best heat rash cure is to cool the body down. Taking a cold shower or staying inside an air-conditioned room will help to achieve that. An ice pack is also an effective for treating heat rash. Place an ice pack over the affected areas for about 10 minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Heat rash is also alleviated by dusting the body with cornstarch or baking soda as this helps to absorb the sweat form the skin.One of the most popular heat rash home remedies is a bath of oatmeal powder. Add some ground oatmeal to a bath of warm water and soak the body in it for a little while.In addition to home remedies for heat rash, one must also wear loose clothing made from absorbent fabrics such as cotton. Overweight people may be more vulnerable to heat rash as sweat accumulates easily within the skin folds.

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How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Nose

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Whiteheads are formed due to the accumulation of excess sebum or oil in the skin pores. Whiteheads on the nose area are most common. They can also develop on the forehead and around the eyes. Whiteheads on the nose appear as very tiny raised bumps that are white in color and composed of oily material. Unlike blackheads, the debris inside whiteheads is not exposed to air and hence oxidation does not occur. This is why they do not darken. In order to get rid of whiteheads on the nose and other areas of the face, one must follow a healthy diet and maintain a daily skin cleansing regimen.

Whiteheads around the nose usually occur due to an excess production of sebum or oil by the oil glands. This is triggered off by hormonal imbalances due to factors such as stress, menstruation, intake of certain medications and some illnesses. Many women are prone to whiteheads during their menstrual period. The diet may also play a part in the occurrence of whiteheads. Consumption of too many sugary foods can lead to hormonal disturbances. The best whiteheads treatment is a healthy, balanced diet and proper hygiene of the skin.

Treatment for Whiteheads

The diet must consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also important to drink lots of water so that the body is able to flush out the toxins. In some cases, certain dietary supplements may also be prescribed to regain hormonal balance. There are also some natural remedies which serve as an effective treatment for whiteheads.

  • A simple home remedy for this skin blemish involves the use of raw milk and salt. Add a pinch of salt to about 50 ml of milk and the squeeze in some lime juice. Apply this over the affected areas and then wipe off with a cotton ball. This helps to clean the skin pores.
  • A paste of fenugreek leaves would help to prevent as well as get rid of whiteheads on the nose. Apply and leave on for about 20 minutes, before rinsing the face with lukewarm water.
  • An age-old treatment for glowing skin is rose water and sandalwood. These natural ingredients are also effective in treating whiteheads on nose. Combine rose water and sandalwood paste and apply to the nose area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash the face with lukewarm water.
  • Lightly steaming the face also helps to open up the pores and dislodge the whiteheads.

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Uses and Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin care

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Coconut oil has a small molecular structure and this enables it to get absorbed into the skin quite easily. It is beneficial in treating rough and dry skin since it results in a smooth and supple texture of the skin. It is also effective in reducing wrinkles. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are known to improve with the application of coconut oil. Most commercially available skin care products such as lotions and creams contain water. When water penetrates the skin, the tissues expand and fill up with water. This causes the skin to stretch and wrinkles are no longer visible. However this is only a temporary solution. Once the water evaporates, it enters the blood stream and the dryness and wrinkles appear again. Some products also have oil in them. This oil is usually refined vegetables oil which does not contain any antioxidants. Vegetable oil when oxidized also leads to the formation of harmful free radicals in the body. Therefore coconut oil for skin dryness and wrinkles is the best natural solution.

Coconut Oil for Face

Many people use coconut oil for dry skin since it is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to fight against the free radicals, thereby preventing ageing. Coconut oil is also able to penetrate very deep into the skin and provide strength to the connective tissues. Coconut oil also helps to get rid of dead skin cells and hence works as a natural exfoliation agent. Thus the use of coconut oil for face is also very popular. The process of ageing and exposure of the skin to sunlight can lead to many skin blemishes. It is also beneficial to use coconut oil for acne, burns, rashes and other types of skin inflammation. Another benefit of coconut oil is its use in massage therapy. It is considered to be one of the best massage oils since it is so safe to use. Most other massage oils contain minerals which may lead to side effects in some cases. Virgin coconut oil is the purest form of the oil and hence is the best for use on the skin.

Apart from the use of coconut oil for skin care, it can also be used as a hair treatment. Coconut oil has been used to massage the scalp and promote good hair growth for many years. For optimal benefit, one can warm the oil before applying to the scalp. Coconut oil is also used for cooking purposes since it is a valuable source of fatty acids. It is known to help in regulating blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and blood pressure.

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What Are The Causes And Treatments For Chronic Hives

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Chronic Urticaria

Chronic hives or urticaria is a skin condition which is observed in form of patches or rings all over the body of the affected individual. These patches or rings may appear in groups on the skin in the form of pale red swellings which tend to fade and reappear in different parts of the body. When the body comes in contact with an allergen, the body releases chemical called histamine which causes chronic urticaria.One of the best chronic hives treatments is to identify the hives causing allergen and then avoiding it or eliminating it from one’s living environment as far as possible.

Natural Treatments for Chronic Hives

Some natural treatments for chronic hives include increasing the intake of liquids throughout the day especially fresh drinking water so as to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. One could also incorporate some homemade or plain flavored yogurt in one’s daily diet as yogurt is a rich source of proactive bacteria, namely acidophilus which helps in minimizing and gradually eliminating the inflammation associated with hives. Garlic is one of the natural foods that are considered to be highly effective against chronic hives on account of its anti bacterial and anti viral properties. Similarly, increasing the intake of juices and foods that are rich in Vitamin C also helps in eliminating the free radicals and repairing the cells that may be damaged on account of chronic hives.

One of the chronic hives causes could also be a simple low grade infection such as a sinus. It is essential to avoid scratching the hives and instead use lotions and anti-itch creams as scratching may break the skin and thereby make it more susceptible to infections. It has also been observed that in some individuals chronic hives may also be due to emotional stress. An individual can treat chronic hives at home by consuming herbal teas consisting of passionflower or pepper mint which helps in reducing the inflammation caused by hives. This also tends to have a soothing effect on the individual. Similarly, another effective natural treatment for chronic hives is too apply ice cubes or a cold compress over the hives. This treatment with ice tends to shrink the blood vessels which in turn inhibit them from swelling or opening up thereby preventing histamines from being released. Adversely, hot water tends to worsen the itching sensation associated with chronic hives and hence should be avoided by patients of chronic hives.

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How to Control Acne Breakouts

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Many people suffer from acne breakouts on account of a fluctuation in the hormone levels which may occur at various stages of the individuals lives  such as pregnancy, puberty or even menopause. A breakout of acne would also be indicative of a buildup or poor elimination of toxins or even high levels of stress or lack of adequate exercise. Most of the methods of treating acne through commercially available products include the use of topical application products which contain a compound called benzoyl peroxide which tends to be a major skin irritant at times. Peroxide is basically an oxidant that is known to damage healthy skin tissue although it is also highly effective for acne oil control. One of the most common acne control tips is to minimize the use of cosmetic products such as foundation creams which are oil based as they tend to aggravate and existing acne condition.

Acne Control Treatments

Acne control treatments include the substitution of oil based cosmetics for alcohol based cosmetics or even better water based cosmetics. This is because although they tend to provide less camouflage as compared to oil based cosmetic water based and alcohol based cosmetics are less prone to causing acne breakouts. One of the first steps to known how to control acne is to visit a dermatologist who can then accordingly prescribe the antibiotics, topical creams and medications that are most suitable for the individual. Thereafter one should also ensure that they drink at least eight glasses of water every day as water tends to flush out any harmful toxins from the body and keeps the skin supple and hydrated. On the other hand the intake of carbonated drinks, sugar rich foods, oily and fried foods should be reduced or completely eliminated if possible.

In some cases of acne breakouts, the dermatologist may even prescribe vitamin supplements such as zinc, vitamin E and B complex vitamins. Additionally, while treating acne one should also reduce the intake of milk and dairy products as the hormones present in milk tend to aggravate the acne breakouts. Those who need to have milk may substitute it with soy milk instead. Some home remedies for acne oil control include the use of tea tree oil directly on the acne as it tends to kill the bacteria. Similarly, one can also incorporate cranberry juice as part of their daily diet as it is known to help control acne breakouts in some individuals.

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Skin Care Therapy | Skin Therapy Oil

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The human skin is made up of various layers of cells that tend to get brittle, dry, scaly and rough if not cared for properly. As the individual grows old, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture as well as its ability to withstand extreme climatic conditions. Natural skin therapy is aimed at ensuring that the skin is healthy and supple and free from problems such as wrinkles at an early age, rough and dry skin, lifeless and dull skin, eczema and scaly and cracked skin.

Natural Skin Care Therapy

Skin care therapy basically tries to prevent further drying of the skin by increasing the level of moisture in the skin through various skin therapy oils. Skin care therapy also requires changes to be made in one’s diet such as minimizing the intake of fried and oily foods as well as salty and sour foods. One should also follow a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains. Similarly, natural skin therapy also includes consuming plenty of onions, garlic, eggs and asparagus which tend to have a high sulfur content which in turn is required to keep the skin youthful and smooth. Orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots are excellent for good skin as they contain plenty of beta carotene which is a powerful antioxidant that is highly beneficial for the skin and the overall health.

Junk foods such as chocolate, potato chips, soft drinks, and sugar based foods should be eliminated from one’s diet as they tend to have a destructive effect on the skin. Similarly, addictive food such as caffeine and alcohol should also be minimized because they cause the skin cells and the body to lose essential minerals and fluids on account of their diuretic effect. Some individuals tend to suffer from a dry skin as the oil glands fail to provide enough lubrication to the skin thus making it dehydrated.

Dry Skin Therapy

Dry skin therapy includes regular gentle cleansing if the skin with a good quality skin cleanser, stimulation of the skin through massages to increase the circulation of blood and the production of sebum as well as a generous use of moisturizers and oils that are commercially available. A home remedy for dry skin is to add 250 gms of milk powder in some warm bath water along with half a tablespoon of almond oil. One should then just soak themselves in this water so as to allow the foam of this milk bath to tackle any dry skin.

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Skin Care Massage

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

A skin massage is basically the physical manipulation of the superficial layers of muscle and the connective tissue which helps in enhancing their function and also promotes overall well being and relaxation. Similarly, a deep tissue massage is a kind of a massage that tends to focus on realigning the deeper muscular layers and the connective tissue. A deep skin massage is beneficial for contracted and chronically tense areas such as low back tightness, stiff necks and sore shoulders. A deep tissue massage for skin is similar to a typical massage therapy with the varying factor being that the pressure is concentrated and deeper on the areas of pain and tension with slower movements.

Deep Skin Care Massage

There are various types of skin massage oils that may be used for the health benefits which keep the skin soft, moisturized and supple such as almond oil, olive oil and similar other oils. A deep skin care massage works by physically breaking down the adhesions or bands of rigid, painful tissue which tend to develop if there is a chronic muscle injury or tension. Otherwise if left unattended, tense adhesions could limit movement, cause pain and inflammation and also block circulation. A skin massage therapist will typically use his knuckles, fingertips, forearms, palms, elbows and hands during a massage with the pressure varying according to the type of the massage. A handy tip that can be followed for a deep skin massage is to drink as much water as possible as this helps to flush any possible metabolic waste from the tissues.

However, a skin massage is not recommended for people who have just undergone any surgery, are suffering from an infectious disease, open wounds or rash, people suffering from osteoporosis, pregnant women, and so on. Pregnant women can enjoy the benefits of a skin massage provided it is performed by a massage therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage. Additionally, skin massage therapists also recommend that the person should not consume a heavy meal at least two hours prior to the massage. There is also a facial skin massage available which is based on the principles of Ayurveda which makes the skin glow and feel healthy by rejuvenating it. This skin massage primarily uses pure essential oils and natural herbal products extracts. A typical ayurveda is skin massage is a combination of rhythmic contouring and sculpting strokes as well as applying pressure to different points on the skin.

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