Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category

Home Remedies for Clear Skin

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Because of the fact that the skin is the most exposed organ of the human body, it is the most susceptible to being affected by a number of difference factors. For instance, the skin is affected by environmental conditions, millions of germs and insects, dirt and dust as well as injury and wear and tear. As a result, attaining clear skin is that much more of a challenge, although not unachievable. One must be prepared to pay close attention and give his or her skin a lot of care to be able to achieve clear skin. Another very important aspect of skin care is to take into account the extent to which hormonal changes within the body will cause disruption. One of the best examples in this regard is acne.

Home Remedies To Clear Skin

Given that there are so many different factors that could play a role in the development of the condition, it is easy to see why there are so many home remedies for clear skin that have been developed all over the world.

•    One of the most highly recommended home remedies to clear skin acne is to peel a tomato and a potato before cutting them into small pieces and boiling them. Once they have boiled, strain the water and liquidize both before applying the paste over an already cleansed face for a period of about 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off with the help of warm water and repeat the treatment at least once every week for best results.

•    Another very effective one of the many home remedies for clear skin is to try and clear the skin from within by drinking a glass of whole milk, with a few pieces of almond – roughly broken – mixed in as this helps clear the skin internally while also improving the overall strength of your body.

•    Aloe Vera is regularly used in a number of homemade tips for clear skin and can be taken in juice form or gel and cream form.

•    Changing your diet is also an option that should be considered rather seriously because a number of us consume diets that are filled with foods that trigger an overproduction of sebum oils in the skin – which is a major player in destroying the clear skin balance.

•    An oatmeal scrub treatment is another option because of the fact that the oatmeal soaks away excess oil and leaves behind clear skin while also helping reduce the prominence of scars and marks.

How to Take Care of Skin in Summer

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Skin care in summer is very important. The skin is our biggest organ with the highest area of exposure. During summer the skin faces a lot of wear and tear and needs additional care and therefore the need for summer skin care methods. Primary summer skin care includes drinking a lot of water to keep the skin hydrated. In summer water tends to evaporate from skin through sweat and due to heat. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your body is never parched, muscles are always hydrated and toxins are always flowing out of the body. You must remember to drink lots of water during summer as this is one of the essential tips for skin care I summer. Other liquids like tea, coffee and fruit juices or carbonated drinks cannot be substituted for water. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as your body reacts very well to roughage in the summer. You should also eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables in summer as they are chockfull of vitamins and minerals.

Tips for Skin Care in Summer

Healthy summer skin care is very easy. While you regularly drink water, you also should ensure that you keep your skin clean. Wear little makeup and wash the makeup every night before bed. Use light, water-based creams to moisturize after washing your face.  You will also notice that there are a lot of special summer skin care products that are available in the market. You could also make use of these special summer care skin products to help you combat with the effects of the sun. In summers the heat and the sunshine is very strong and another important tip for the summer skin care is using sunscreen. You should use plenty of sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage and tanning. Excess tanning can also cause skin cancer later in life so be sure to apply the sunscreen liberally.

Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Harsh Summer

There are many things you find in your own house that can protect your skin from the harsh summer.

•    You can apply mashed bananas, papayas or even mashed avocados for great natural moisture for the face.

•    Of course eating fresh fruits is also very good for summer skin.

•    Apricot pulp is great for the skin.

•    Cherries, peaches and loads of chilled watermelon is delicious to eat and great for your skin.

•    You can also use a natural exfoliator like oatmeal with ground almonds or sugar and baby oil.

•    Orange juice and honey acts as a great toning mask for skin care in summer.

•    You can also ingest herbs like mint which are very cooling for the body in the heat.

•    You can even try icing down your skin to keep the pores closed and the skin cool.

Natural Facial Moisturizers to Make at Home

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Moisturizers are very important for skin care. The face is especially vulnerable and it is important that one uses moisturizers that will not harm the skin on the face as it is especially delicate. Homemade facial moisturizers are the most natural of facial moisturizers. They are made using simple ingredients that are easily available and they rarely have any ill effects on the skin.

Homemade Natural Facial Moisturizers

Natural skin care is easy with simple ingredients that could help in making your natural facial moisturizers.

•    A mix of oatmeal, almonds and honey, all ground together makes a good face scrub, restoring natural oils.

•    A paste made of Mashed bananas and honey is a great natural facial moisturizer.

•    Rubbing a slice of raw potato on your face can help get rid of scars naturally while a slice of tomato can act as a good replacement for a natural astringent.

•    Using a mashed avocado as a moisturizing face pack is very effective.

•    Try gram flour with turmeric and milk or fresh cream. It is one the best natural remedies for soft skin, and can be used as an excellent body scrub.

•    Another body scrub that works very well is sugar or salt granules with baby oil. It works by removing all the dead skin and bringing out a shiny new layer of skin.

Facial Moisturizers for Dry Skin

There are facial moisturizers for dry skin that work betters that lotions and creams available commercially. You can use oils like olive oil, almond oil, jojoba or coconut oil repeatedly as needed to moisturize the skin. You can even add essential oils for fragrance or use the essential oils for its specific properties. These oils can greatly help the extremely dry skin get some moisture. For dry skin, it is important to moisturize immediately after you bathe as it traps the body’s natural moisture in. For some homemade remedies, try applying mayonnaise. It is a great moisturizer. You can even try spreading avocado with some lemon juice across your skin. The natural fats in the avocado work beautifully as a natural moisturizer. Even applying a mashed banana works well.

While you are applying lots of natural moisturizers, remember to eat well so that you keep your skin healthy on the inside. Include raw and leafy vegetables in your diet along with fruits and nuts. Your diet should be a beta-carotene rich diet. Another old home remedy that works is swallowing one spoon of clarified butter every day. This lubricates your body on the inside preventing extremely dry skin. Do remember to hydrate your body. Drink enough water so that the skin does not feel parched.

Using Natural Oils for Skin Care

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Natural oils for skin care include the use of essential oils. These oils are actually extracts from different plants. The stems, roots, bark, leaves and flowers are distilled and essential oils are obtained. These oils are very concentrated and hence must only be used after diluting with carrier oils. Carrier oils are those oils that are extracted from the fatty parts of the plants. These help the essential oils in penetrating the skin. Essential oils help to nourish and repair the skin and also help in relieving skin ailments. Some of the beneficial skin care oils include lavender essential oil which helps in regulating the natural oil production of the skin. It also helps in treating dry and sensitive skin.

Natural Oils for Acne

One of the most beneficial natural oils for acne is tea tree essential oil which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It may be applied to pimples and other skin blemishes. Geranium essential oil helps in treating wrinkles and excessive oiliness. Regular use of geranium essential oil helps in enhancing blood circulation and also gives the skin a glowing appearance. One can also use sandalwood essential oil for treating acne and skin infections. Sandalwood oil may be mixed with cocoa butter and applied to muscle aches and sprains.

There are certain safety measures which must be followed when using essential oils. Even though essential oils are completely natural, they may still cause allergic reactions. Therefore, one must first apply only a small amount of the oil on the skin to check for any sensitivity. Pregnant women and those with asthma or epilepsy should use these oils only after consultation with a doctor. Essential oils are also inflammable and hence must be kept away from fire.

Natural Oils for Dry Skin

Natural oils for skin also include common oils such as olive, coconut and almond oil. Olive oil is absorbed into the skin quickly and thus helps to effectively moisturize the skin. It is safe to use and can even be used on young children. One of the best natural oils for dry skin is almond oil. It can be used on the hair and scalp as well to improve hair growth. Almond oil may be applied to the skin after a bath and also during massages. Coconut oil is also beneficial in skin care as it provides hydration and moisture. Warm coconut oil may be massaged into the scalp for alleviating hair and scalp problems. It also helps to prevent stretch marks.

Homemade Natural Skin Peels

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Facial Skin Peels

Facial skin peels are like face packs that are specially put together to help the skin for a specific purpose like reducing sunburn, reducing scarring, improving complexion and other beauty remedies. Salons charge very heavily for all skin peels. But while you are forking out huge amounts to salons, do remember that usually at professional salons most skin peels are chemical in nature. Chemical peels remove the dead cells using certain chemicals. There are even abrasive peels that use an abrasive particle to remove the dead cells on the face.

If you are not sure about such chemical peels, you should also keep in mind that home skin peels are also a safe option. Natural skin peels are peels are the best bet. Skin peels are a good way to improve the skin’s texture. In natural peels, ingredients from the kitchen are used to create a soft yet abrasive texture. The peels replace the missing nutrition for your skin and make your skin feel nice.

How to Make a Natural Skin Peel

One easy home skin peel is grinding up pineapple with oatmeal and olive oil. Apply this on your face and leave it till it dries. This will moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling pleasantly fresh. Another quick abrasive peel is a combination of sugar, salt and oil. All of these work together to create soft, supple skin.

Natural skin peels usually reduce pores, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, even out pigmentation and add luster to the skin. Your facial skin should not be exfoliated more than twice a week as good healthy cells follow the bad ones. Skin peels should follow a gentle steam as the skin is pliant and the pores open.

You can try an anti-wrinkle peel with some cucumber, 1 egg white and some lemon juice. Cucumber clears variation in pigmentation while egg white tightens the skin while the lemon juice removes the dead cells. The use of avocado, honey and egg white, would help you hydrate and also revitalize your skin.

Acne peels are a big of chemical skin peels because acne leaves many permanent scars, many of which people find unsightly. But acne chemical peels can be painful and often leave the skin tender. There are specific skin peels for acne scars. Though these skin peels are chemical, not all are harmful. These peels work in localized areas and help the scarred tissue. Natural rich fruits like avocados and honey can be used to moisturize once you have removed the skin peel.

How to Treat Underarm Rash

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Underarm rash can cause considerable irritation and discomfort. There could be several reasons why underarm rash occurs. It is advisable to begin treatment of the rash in the early stages as the problem may get aggravated over a period of time. Underarm skin rash tends to recur and hence it is essential to treat the condition effectively and early.

Causes of Underarm Rash

The most common symptoms of underarm rash are itching, redness, swelling, body odor and appearance of raised bumps on the skin. There could also be excessive sweating in the armpit areas. There can be many causes of underarm rash. Various fungal infections could lead to itchy rash in the underarm region. The fungi thrive in the armpits as the area is moist and warm. If left untreated, the rash could spread to other parts of the body as well. Scratching the area could lead to transmission of the infection to other parts of the body as the fungi can adhere to the fingernails. Many individuals are prone to underarm rash in hot and humid weather. Friction with clothes could lead to worsening of the rash. Therefore it is advisable to wear loose cotton clothes when the climate is hot. Those who shave the underarm hair may also develop rash. Razor bumps are very common when shaving is done excessively. Some individuals may also develop underarm rash due to allergic reactions to perfumes, sprays or deodorants.

Underarm Rash Treatment

Underarm rash treatment can be done in a variety of ways. The most important step in treating underarm rash is to keep the area clean. There are many over-the-counter creams and ointments that can be used to treat itchy underarm rash. It is necessary to apply the medication on a regular basis as the rash tends to recur. For rash that occurs due to shaving, changing the razor or shaving in the correct manner will help to tackle the problem. It also helps to use shaving foam or cream before shaving the area. If it is a persisting problem, other means of hair removal should be used.

To ease itching and soothe the area, a slice of watermelon may be gently rubbed over the affected areas. To reduce moisture and prevent irritation, a small amount of cornstarch may be applied to the underarm areas after a bath. Another effective remedy for underarm rash is to add the contents of a vitamin E capsule to petroleum jelly and apply the mixture to the affected areas.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Face

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Almond oil has a wide range of benefits not just for the skin but also for the hair and the nails. It helps in keeping these important and prominent parts of our body healthy. The cosmetic industry too uses almond oil for face skin on a large scale and many of the beauty products today contain almond oil. Almond oil for face can be used as a cleanser. The uniqueness of this oil is that it is suitable of all types of skin. One thing to be kept in mind is that when you use almond oil for face skin, make sure that your face is dry as water on the surface of the skin will not help in achieving the required aim. When used as a cleanser it can be directly applied on to the face and leave it there for 5 minutes after which you should take a steam for 10 minutes. You could also use a steamed towel and place it lightly over your face, then wipe your face with a dry towel. This helps in opening and cleaning the dirt from the pores of your skin.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Face

Benefits of almond oil for face also entail that it can make a good base for a facial scrub. One of the easiest scrubs to prepare is to mix almond oil and sugar together to apply it on your face. The coarseness of the sugar will help to rub out all the dead cells and remove the dirt, while the almond oil will help to moisturize the skin as you scrub it. After you scrub it you can wash it off with lukewarm water.

Sweet almond oil for face is a part of aromatherapy and has a very soothing effect on the body and the brain. It is also used in face massages especially for people with sensitive skin. It can be used to relax and massage your face just before you go to bed since the oil will stay on the skin for the entire night. It will help to improve your complexion and get rid of wrinkles and dry skin. Using it overnight would help to make your skin soft and supple. Apart from this almond oil for face can also be used to get rid of dark circles under your eyes. Dip a wad of cotton in the oil and keep it on your eyes when you go to bed, regular use will help you achieve an even skin tone.

What is the best Skin Care Regimen for your Face

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

The skin is the outer surface of the human body. It plays an important role in keeping out foreign objects and infections from the body. The skin also plays an important role in thermoregulation. Being the external surface of the body, the skin is exposed to many different conditions which could affect the quality of the skin. The skin is regularly exposed to heat, cold, humidity, dry weather and a range of items like dirt and dust. This makes the skin vulnerable and could cause it to lose its healthy appearance.

There are two sets of factors when checking for a good skin care regimen. These are internal and external factors skin care regimen.

  1. Internal factors include nutrition and general health of the individual.
  2. External factors include atmospheric conditions and also the type of soap used during bathing.

There are many other factors of skin care regimen that apply both internally and externally.

Natural Skin Care Regimen

A natural skin care regimen covers all these factors. An individual wishing to improve his or her skin condition should focus on both internal and external factors. The diet should be modified and improved as this too forms an important part of a healthy skin regimen. Natural foods should be preferred over processed foods. Fatty foods and junk foods should be avoided and replaced with foods that are healthier like fresh fruits and vegetables. A good balanced diet will help with improving the skin condition over a period of time. Hydration of the individual is another crucial factor in your face care regimen. Good hydration will help to improve the skin condition and keep it fresh. Often, it is poor hydration that contributes to dry skin in climates that have naturally low humidity levels. The diet is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to an anti aging skin care regimen.

For external factors there is a range of options that one could use as a skin care regimen. The skin should be washed regularly so that dirt is removed and the skin is clear. Depending on the condition of an individual, external skin care products can be used to help improve the health of the skin. Certain oils are used for massages and these are known to nourish the skin and improve the health of the skin. A dermatologist may also prescribe certain products that will help to nourish the skin. One can also use a natural skin care regimen to help with the skin condition using home solutions. Almond pastes and oatmeal baths are known to improve the skin condition.

How to Make Natural Facial Skin Toners

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Skin Toners

It is still a mystery as to what a skin toner is used for. Some people say it cleanses and shrink the pores on the face, while others say that they help in removing blemishes, fine lines, and redness on the skin. Some toners that contain vitamin C protect the skin from radicals that cause wrinkles. Toners also help restore the skin’s pH balance after cleaning it. It also stimulates and brightens the skin. Those with sensitive skin should look out for a toner that soothes redness.

Skin toners are found in different forms such as, fresheners, tonics and astringents.

  1. Rosewater is a freshener and is completely made of natural products.
  2. Tonics are little stronger as they contain a very small amount of alcohol such as orange flower water.
  3. Astringents are the strongest form of toners as they are made up of a high proportion of alcohol, water, antiseptics and humectant ingredient. All these forms serve the same purpose.

Toners are applied by splashing some on a damp cotton ball or sprayed on face and spread gently. Natural skin toners that are made of natural ingredients are the best as they have minimal side effects and do not contain any chemicals.

Natural Homemade Skin Toners

Apart from the commercial and chemical based toners available in the market, you could also try some natural facial skin toners.Try using vegetables such as cucumber, potato, gourd, tomatoes as well as fruits such as oranges, strawberries, lemon, coconut water and apples as natural skin toners.A few examples of natural homemade skin toners are;

  • Lemon mixed with honey and gram flour mixed with almond powder and cream.
  • Glycerin, lemon juice and rose water also make a good skin toner.
  • Olive oil can be massaged, as it is a good toner for dry skin.
  • You could boil the petals of roses or any flower with red petals in water. Cool off the water and apply to your skin. This also is an effective facial skin toner.
  • You could also mix lettuce extract with lemon peel and use it as a skin refreshing toner.
  • A watermelon toner is another homemade skin toner. To make this you need to first make a puree of watermelon pieces and strain it and then mix the strained juice with distilled water and witch hazel.
  • Another home made toner you could try making is by using apples, distilled water and witch hazel. First boil a few pieces of apple along the skin in a bowl with distilled water and witch hazel. After it has boiled for some time take it off the stove and cool it.

How to Get Rid of Armpit Rash

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Itchy Armpit Rash

Underarm rash or armpit rash is known to be very painful, irritating and even embarrassing, the armpit or the underarm is a very sensitive part of the body and is usually one of the warmest places on the external area of a person’s body. This makes the armpit a very conducive breeding ground for bacteria resulting in armpit rash. Armpit rash may also be caused on account of environmental elements, such as a reaction to chemicals or even because of personal body conditions. The rash under the armpit is usually easily treatable and in most cases can also be prevented by following some basic personal hygiene.

In women who tend to shave their armpits, itchy armpit rash may be caused by inflamed, itchy and bumpy underarms which may linger for quite a few days. Some other causes of armpit rash and underarm itching could be medical conditions such as melanoma or even ichthyosis. However, in most cases the commonly observed causes of armpit rash are a reaction to bacteria, deodorants or shaving or even a combination of all these three. In order to get rid of armpit rash one needs to first determine the exact cause of the armpit rash, that is, whether it is on account of a razor burn  or because one perspires excessively or even because of dry underarm skin.

Home Treatment for Underarm Rash

  • Home treatment for underarm rash includes wearing clothes that are loose around the underarms and also keeping the affected area as clean as possible.
  • One should also try and avoid prolonged exposure to intense activity or heat which in turn causes excess perspiration which may further worsen the armpit rash.
  • One may also use some natural products for the treatment of underarm rash such as aloe vera, tea tree oil and even vitamin E enriched lotions. If the armpit rash is a result of some chemicals present in the various sanitary products or deodorants that one uses, then one should switch to another brand immediately.
  • Very often those who are keen to know how to get rid of armpit rash are also advised to modify their diet by minimizing their intake of spicy foods. This is because spicy foods are known to aggravate rashes and pimples. Additionally, eating spicy foods also induces perspiration which may further worsen the underarm rash.
  • Natural treatment for underarm rash also includes adding ginger to ones diet as it is known to contain anti inflammatory ingredients which helps in reducing the underarm rash.