Archive for August, 2010

Homemade Facial Mask for Oily Skin

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Oily skin results from over-activity of the sebaceous or oil glands. Such skin may be susceptible to acne breakouts, open pores and greasiness. However oily skin is also likely to develop wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration much slower than other skin types. The best way to care for such skin is to practice proper hygiene and follow a healthy diet. Using facial cleansers for oily skin also helps to reduce oiliness and keeps the skin looking healthy.

Tips on Caring for Oily Skin

Diet is important in maintaining the health of the skin. Consume a balanced diet and drink plenty of water every day. Restrict the consumption of greasy and fried foods and incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet. This will help to regulate the oil production of the body. A good skin care regimen is also essential in caring for oily skin. The skin should be cleansed at least twice or thrice daily. Remember to remove all traces of make-up before going to bed as make up residue on the face would promote skin breakouts. Also avoid touching the face too much as this can transfer germs and dirt to the skin pores. Oily skin requires skin care products that are specially designed for this type of skin. Avoid harsh soaps that strip away the natural moisture of the skin. Acne can be prevented by keeping the pores clean. Use non-alcohol based astringents to cleanse and tighten the pores. Witch hazel is a beneficial astringent for oily skin. You can also use a good facial scrub for oily skin to exfoliate the skin and clean the skin pores.

Homemade Facial for Oily Skin

A homemade facial for oily skin helps to tone the skin and reduce oiliness. You can prepare a nourishing fruit facial by combining chopped tomatoes, oranges and limes and massaging the mixture into the skin. You can follow this up by steaming your face to remove the blackheads and other impurities. Complete the process by applying a facial mask for oily skin. To make this mix some mashed papaya, pineapples and honey. Then add some sandalwood powder to rosewater and combine with the fruit mixture. Massage into the skin and wash after about fifteen minutes. This facial for oily skin will help to brighten the skin and reduce greasiness. Even oily skin needs moisturizing and it is important to use a good moisturizer meant especially for oily skin. Oil free moisturizing lotions help to absorb excess oil and keep the face looking fresh. Facial for oily skin could be done at home itself if you are lacking on time to visit the parlor. It would be best though to consult a skin care therapist before conducting your facial for oily skin.

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Home Remedies to Get Rid of Freckles

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Freckles usually refer to dark colored, round and flat spots that appear in the form of red spots on the skin. They range from approximately 2 mm to 4 mm and can appear all over the body. However, they are more commonly found in the areas of skin that are often exposed to the sun. Moreover, they are sensitive to ultraviolet sunrays, due to which they become all the more prominent after additional exposure to the sunlight. One of the most common causes of freckles is pigment precipitation that affects a certain area of the skin. Several people may also get these red freckles on the skin due to genetic factors, as it runs in their families.

Home Remedies for Freckles

In most cases, freckles are absolutely harmless, as they do not cause any problems. However, there are several people who find red freckles on skin unsightly and therefore, adopt home remedies for freckles, in order to lighten them. Given below are some of the most common remedies:

•    Apply some sour cream topically on the face or any other area where freckles can be found. Leave the cream on for a while and do not wash it off. Instead wipe it off gently, using some tissue paper. Top this remedy off with a moisturizer for better results. You would gradually notice a reduction of red freckles on the skin
•    Make a mask by grinding fresh fruits and vegetables such as red currants, strawberries, apricots and cucumbers. Use these masks on the skin regularly, to lighten the freckles.
•    Lemon juice contains natural bleaching properties, which can help lighten freckles that are generally darker in color, than the skin. Squeeze a lemon and use your fingers to apply the juice directly on the affected area.
•    Lactic acid, present in milk can help peel the skin without any dryness or irritation. Apply some sour milk on the freckles, to have the skin there peel away. Soon fresh skin, free of freckles, should take its place
•    To get rid of any red freckles on skin, apply some honey that has been heated slightly. Then wash your skin with first hot and then cold water. To make this remedy more affective mix some wheat germ to the warm honey, before applying it.
•    Mash a quarter cup of currants that are unripe and mix a tablespoon of honey that has not been pasteurized. Apply the mixture on the freckles and leave it on for at least half an hour, before rinsing it off with warm water.

Freckles are often caused by the sun and therefore, it is best to use a strong sunscreen, of a good brand, before stepping out into the sun.

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How to Tackle Teenage Acne Problems

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Acne problem has become of the leading concerns amongst teenagers as well as young adults, all across the world. Studies reveal that over 85% of the teenagers in the United States of America develop acne, due to the production of androgen hormones. This problem could range from mild acne to severe acne and boys are more susceptible to severe acne, because they tend to produce more androgens. Moreover, the pores on the skin tend to get blocked by grease, dirt and dead skin, which leads to redness, swelling and perhaps pus too. Contrary to the common beliefs, acne is not usually caused by lack of hygiene or by eating greasy foods and chocolate.

While there are some anti-acne creams that are available in most stores today, skin experts usually recommend that they should not be used too often for treating teenage acne. At times, these creams could cause more harm, as they aggravate the condition.

Natural Teenage Acne Treatments

There are a few teenage acne remedies that can be made at home using natural ingredients. These home remedies are believed to be safer and are supposed to have few side effects.Given below are some of the most common natural teenage acne treatments:

•    Take a hot steam for around ten minutes or so. Boil some water in a deep dish and then allow it to cool for around fifteen minutes. Bend your head over dish and cover your head with the towel, so as to trap the steam within. Inhale the steam from the dish for as long as possible. This remedy is great for killing the germs. It also prevents acne from spreading.
•    Oatmeal and yogurt are also effective teenage acne treatments. Combine some plain oatmeal and yogurt together, to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the acne-affected area and leave it on till it dries. Wash your face with warm water and pat yourself dry.
•    Boil 50 grams of blackberry leaves, strawberry leaves or raspberry leaves with a liter and a half of water, to make a face pack. Apply this pack on the affected area for around 3 minutes to soothe any itchiness.
•    Aloe Vera is usually very effective in the treatment of acne. Apply some Aloe Vera gel on the affected area and leave it on for a while, before rinsing it off
•    Apply fresh mint juice every night, to cure the acne and get rid of it.

Teenage acne treatments using home remedies are very safe and beneficial.. However, if you do not notice any improvement after a few weeks, it is best to consult a dermatologist who may suggest better and especially designed teenage acne treatments.

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