Archive for the ‘Skin Care Treatments’ Category

How to Stop Peeling From Sunburn

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Sunburn peeling is a common, but painful experience for anyone who has spent the entire day at the beach, or in the hot sun, without the use of a strong sunscreen. Unfortunately, sunburn peeling not only causes a lot of discomfort, it can also be very unsightly. It is quite difficult to stop sunburn peeling, as it is the body’s natural way of getting rid of the cells that have been damaged. However, there are some steps that could be taken to minimize the effects of skin peeling from sunburn.

Sunburn Peeling Treatment

Given below are some of the most common forms of sunburn peeling treatment that couuld be tried at home:

•    Rub a generous quantity of Aloe Vera lotion on to the burnt skin, as soon as possible. This not only eases the discomfort caused, it also helps in keeping the skin moisturized. Well moisturized skin is less likely to peel.
•    Use an ice pack directly on to the burned area. Ice has a great numbing effect, which soothes the area and reduces the pain. Another advantage of using ice is that it reduces the swelling that results from sunburns. This in turn reduces the stretching of the skin, which makes it peel less.
•    Oatmeal baths have been used for years to reduce sunburn peels, as it is regarded as one of the most effective remedies. Take some unflavored oatmeal and grind it in a blender, to form a fine powder. Place the oatmeal powder in a piece of cloth or preferably an unused, white sock. Fill your bathtub with cool to lukewarm water and drop the oatmeal-filled sock in it. Allow the sock to soak in the bathtub for a few minutes. Then get into the tub and stay there for at least half an hour. Stand up and rinse the residual oatmeal from your body, using cold water. Do not rub your body vigorously with a towel; instead pat your body dry. In case the sunburn has caused the skin on your face to peel, you can make a face mask, using cooked oatmeal, an egg white and a drop of olive oil.
•    There are several lotions that prevent the skin from going through a sunburn peel, even though they do not reduce the pain or any of the discomfort.

Drink a lot of water, to keep your skin well hydrated as dry skin tends to peel more. In case you notice blisters on your skin, it may be best to get in touch with a doctor and to know what painkillers and ointments can be used to deal with sunburn peeling skin.

How to Treat Burnt Skin using Home Remedies

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

If you have ever suffered from a severe case of sunburn, or if you have touched a hot pan or iron, you are probably aware of the intense pain and discomfort even mildly burnt skin can cause. On a medical scale, burns can be rated in three degrees. There are first degree, second degree and third degree burns. Burnt skin treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the burn, as well as its cause. It is possible to treat first degree burns at home, as they are usually milder. However, in order to treat second and third degree burns, medical assistance is required, as blistering, peeling of the skin and large wounds cannot be treated at home. Therefore, before you try to treat burnt skin, it is important to understand the degree and the severity of the burn.

Home Remedies for Burnt Skin

Given below are some home remedies for burnt skin, of the first degree:

•    Diluted vinegar is one of the best ways to treat burnt skin. Cover the area of the burn with a cloth that has been soaked in diluted vinegar. This is a great way to soothe the pain. In case the pain rises again, the compress needs to be changed for a fresh one.
•    Lavender essential oil is good first aid for burns, as it is an effective antiseptic as well as a painkiller, which promotes rapid healing. It also reduces scarring in the effected area. If lavender is applied to the burn immediately, it will prevent scarring completely. If the burn covers a larger area, lavender oil should be applied to the burn, with a piece of gauze or cloth.
•    The fresh sap found in a piece of a fleshy Aloe Vera leaf should be applied directly in the burnt skin, as it has tissue healing properties.
•    Make a paste of cotton-ash, by burning a piece of a pure white cotton fabric. Mix the ash in some olive oil, to create a thick paste and apply it on the burned skin. Cover the skin with some cling wrap and leave it that way for a while. This should get rid of the pain in a few minutes. In case the pain returns, a fresh poultice may need to be used. This is one of the best ways to treat burnt skin.
•    It is possible to treat sun burnt skin, by applying some cold milk on the area. Alternately, make a paste using oatmeal and purified water and apply it on the burn till it dries, before washing it off.

However, in case you do not see any relief in the pain, or if the burnt skin begins to hurt more than before, please seek professional medical assistance, without any further delay.

How to Get Rid of Oily Skin on Face

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

All human skin contains natural oils to keep it moist, but sometimes the oil glands work overtime and the face can get sticky. Too much oil also leads to an outbreak of acne as the pores get clogged. Use a cleanser or face wash that is soap free on your face. Look out for one that is specifically earmarked for oily skin and do not use ones that have a cream base as it can leave a patina of oil on your skin.Keep your face covered with a scarf when outside and especially when travelling.Use a wet tissue to wipe away the dust and dirt from your face and wash your face with the cleanser when you get back home. You can alternate a hot and cold compress to leech out the excess oil.

Homemade Mask for Oily Skin

  • You can use a homemade mask to get rid of oily skin by mixing one egg white with the juice of one lemon. Beat the mixture thoroughly and brush onto the face. Leave the mask on for twenty minutes till it dries and then wash off with lukewarm water. Dab your face dry. Steam your face and remove the blackheads and whiteheads from the open pores.
  • Make a paste out of one teaspoon of gram powder, a teaspoon of lemon juice, a little honey and a spoon of plain, unflavoured yoghurt. When the paste is smooth, apply onto the face and wash off when dry. Crush six almonds and mix with a spoon of honey. Massage the paste into your skin by using a warm washcloth in order to clear up the oil and dead cells. Splash cold water onto your face to clean the residue.
  • Make a paste out of a teaspoon of honey, a spoon of oatmeal and the juice of one lime. When the paste no longer has any lumps in it, spread it evenly across your face and leave on for about twenty minutes. Wash off with cool water and use an ice cube to close off the open pores by gently massaging it onto the face. Dab dry with a clean cloth.

Avoid consuming deep fried food, greasy junk food, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and artificially flavoured beverages. Keep off refined sugar, excess starch and smoking as well as all these substances either increase the oil on your skin or interfere with the body’s ability to control the production of excess oil. Your diet must involve drinking plenty of fruit juices and water. Once your skin is naturally hydrated, it will aid in getting rid of the excess oil.

How to Treat Peeling Skin on Hands

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Peeling skin is a perfectly natural phenomenon and every month the old skin is replaced by a new layer. This occurs due to factors such as exposure to the sun, the friction involved while working with one’s hands, environmental factors and it may also depend on how hydrated the body is. Sunburn is one the most common causes of peeling skin and apart from this a variety of skin infections can cause the loss of skin. If you constantly use strong and harsh soaps or detergents while washing dishes or clothes and so on, the skin may itch, burn and peel off.  The best remedy to battle this is to use mild soaps and wear gloves while doing the dishes or if you are hand washing clothes. If you are used to wearing tight gloves, the skin may peel off due to excessive perspiration. Rashes due to allergies and peeling skin syndrome which is a rare genetic condition are other potential causes. There are a few home remedies to deal with skin peeling on the hands, but if they do not work, you may want to consult a dermatologist and your physician about it. There are several simple ways to treat peeling skin on hands and feet.

Treat Peeling Skin on Hands

If the skin peels off in strips, you can cut the loose ends with a pair of scissors, but take care to not cut too close to base. Soak your hands in a basin of water into which a little oatmeal has been added. If possible take a bath in water that is cool, but if the weather is too cold, you may have a warm water bath as opposed to a hot water bath. Keep your hands moisturized at all times and especially at night before going to bed. Make sure that your sunscreen application extends to your hands as well to ensure that they are protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Take care to not pick at and peel the skin on your own as this can aggravate your condition.

Mix a little honey and olive oil and rub the mixture gently into your hands. Wash your hands with a mild soap or simply massage lemon juice into your skin before rinsing your hands with lukewarm water. The moisturizer will get absorbed into the fissures if any and help to prevent the skin from splitting any further. Make a paste of sandalwood and turmeric powder till you have a thick and even paste. Apply this onto the hands and once it dries wash it off with cool water. Drink at least 5-6 liters of water a day to ensure that your skin is hydrated.

How to Get Rid of Peeling Skin on Face

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The outer layer of the skin or the epidermis is replaced once every 28 days. The skin naturally sheds its outer layer and this is influenced by a number of factors. These factors include friction, hydration, sun exposure and other environmental factors. Peeling skin on face is thus normal and tends to heal in a few days time. However, often there are a number of other factors like skin infections and certain kinds of medication that would result in peeling skin. If your peeling skin symptoms are accompanied by severe perspiration, cracked, dry and itchy skin then you should consult your dermatologist immediately to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Dry peeling skin on face is very often the result of excessive sun exposure. Being exposed to the harmful rays of the sun for long periods of time leads to sunburn and causes the skin to peel. In addition to sunburn, there are several other disorders that lead to peeling skin on face. These disorders include exfoliative dermatitis, erythroderma, eczema, ichthyosis and psoriasis, among others. You can help prevent and treat peeling skin with the help of a few simple health tips and natural remedies for peeling skin. Firstly, it is important to keep your skin well protected from the sun at all times. Always wear sunscreen before stepping outdoors to protect your skin against UV exposure. Use a sunscreen that contains SPF 15 or higher to help prevent peeling skin on face from sunburn. Keep your skin well covered by wearing full sleeved clothes and cover your face with a scarf while in the sun. This will help prevent sun exposure effectively.

Natural Remedies for Peeling Skin

In addition to these precautions, there are several remedies you can try to help prevent peeling skin.

  • Cucumber is one of the most effective natural remedies for peeling skin. Grind cucumber and apply it on the affected area for at least fifteen or twenty minutes. Wash it off and repeat at least two or three times a day to help diminish dry and peeling skin.
  • Fresh mint is another effective remedy for dry peeling skin. Apply fresh mint leaf juice on the affected areas every night to help treat peeling skin effectively.
  • Mint leaf juice is also an excellent remedy for dermatitis and eczema.
  • Make a mixture using turmeric, olive oil, sandalwood paste and honey and apply it on the affected area daily. This will help rejuvenate parched, dry skin and will treat peeling skin effectively.

How to Clear Blackheads Naturally

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Blackheads are caused by an over active sebaceous gland that makes the skin oily and leaves it with large open pores. Other factors that can trigger blackheads are environmental pollution and a lack of proper hygiene. Clearing black heads is not very difficult and can be done at home although it may take a lot of patience and persistence. Use a mild face wash and wash your face with it at least twice a day and ideally after returning from a trip outside the house. This will wash away all the dust and grime which can block your pores. Steam your face while at home to get the pores open and apply a paste made of rose water and powdered almond. Massage the mixture into your face and particularly on the parts where the blackheads are present. Wash off in fifteen minutes and repeat the procedure twice or thrice a week.

Blackheads Natural Treatment

  • In order to clear blackheads naturally, you can use a homemade scrub by mixing a teaspoon of honey, a quarter teaspoon of salt, the juice of one lime and half a spoon of yoghurt. Once the paste becomes smooth, you can use it as a scrub to remove the blackheads.  Wash the mixture off after scrubbing with lukewarm water. Follow this by bathing your face with cool water to keep the pores sealed.
  • You can clear up blackheads by beating the white of one egg till it comes out fluffy and applying it onto your face. Wash off thoroughly and use a towel to lightly rub the areas with blackheads.
  • Mix a little turmeric powder with the juice extracted from tender margosa leaves. Apply the mixture on all affected areas and wash off in twenty minutes.
  • Take about four teaspoons of basil leaves and boil in a cup of water. Once it has boiled well, take it off the stove and allow it to cool. Dab the solution onto your face with a cotton swab and wash off after fifteen minutes. Repeat this before going to bed every night for best results.
  • Take a spoon of oatmeal and mix it with the required amount of rose water to form a thick paste. Massage into the face and spread it on to the skin evenly. Wash it off once it begins to dry with cool water.
  • Blackheads natural treatment also involves cutting down on the consumption of greasy junk food, alcohol, caffeinated and artificially flavored beverages as well as smoking, as they may aggravate the condition.

How to Firm up Sagging neck Skin naturally

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The need to firm sagging skin occurs as we age for the skin begins to lose its elasticity and sags. While age is one factor, skin begins to sag also when one has suddenly lost a tremendous amount of body weight. Certain crash diets and even illnesses may cause a heavy loss of weight and this can again cause loose skin.

In order to firm skin naturally, one will have to make changes in one’s exercise regimen and consume a healthy diet to aid in the firming up process.Consult a trainer on a regimen of exercises you can do to build up muscle under the loose skin. Lunges, squats, pushups and even crunches will help and these exercises must be performed without fail lest a fat build up occur again.Body hugging apparel like corsets or bustiers help tighten up the skin and after regular use of bout 3-4 months it is likely to help firm up skin to some extent.To firm up sagging neck skin, make sure that you are maintaining a proper posture and take care to not slouch. Just as you care for your face, the neck too has to be cared for and this will involve moisturizing it with lotion, butter or even milk to keep it from sagging.

To Get Firm Skin Naturally

  • In order to firm skin naturally, you can use several homemade toners that can be massaged into the skin. Take a whole cucumber and slice it up thinly. Mash it up a little and mix with a half a cup of plain, unflavored yoghurt. Apply onto the face and neck by gently massaging it into your skin in circular movements.
  • Take a little coconut oil and warm it up. Massage gently onto the neck and beneath the eyes before going to bed. This will aid in firming up skin naturally.
  • Mash a few strawberries and apply the pulp onto your face and neck. Rinse off after about 15-20minutes. The massage will also tighten up and firm the skin.

Drink plenty of water during the day (5-6 litres) and consume a diet that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and soy products are capable of increasing collagen production in the body and thus improving the elasticity of the skin. This is because of their antioxidant properties and the vitamins and biotin they contain. One of the last resorts to firm skin is to undergo surgery although this can be risky and must be done only after consulting your physician.

Dark Circles Home Remedies - How to Reduce Under Eye Circles

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Dark circles under a person’s eyes can be very noticeable as darkened patches of skin around one’s eyes. Besides these darkened areas there art no further symptoms of this condition. At times some people may even get a watery discharge from their eyes. There are various causes of dark circles under eyes.

Causes of Dark Circles Under Eyes

One of the main causes is aging. It is considered to be the one of the primary reasons for development of these dark circles. As a person begins to age, their skin gets drier and drier and thus due to this excessive dryness the dark circles that are around a person’s eyes become more and more apparent. Another major reason for circles forming under one’s eyes is due to stress. Stress is considered by many doctors and medical practitioners to be a major factor of circles forming under the eyes. Those who do not get adequate sleep also suffer from a problem of darkening circles around their eyes. The required number of eyes of sleep should be around 7 to 8 hours. If one does not sleep enough it can be a major cause of tiredness and dark circles. If one is dehydrated and is not getting adequate amount of water and fluids then it can also be a major reason of dark circles forming.

Home Remedies for Dark Circles

Hence dark circles home remedies include drinking plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses in a day. This will help in keeping the skin well hydrated and prevent drying. If one is not eating a healthy and nutritious diet then this can also be a cause of darkening circles under the eyes. One should be eating a balanced meal that consists of vitamins, proteins, minerals and fiber. All these along with some other nutrients are extremely essential for a person’s well being. All these nutrients and vitamins should be consumed regularly. Some other home remedies for dark circles are to try applying some freshly diced cucumber over each eye. These need to be kept for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps in relieving the stress in one’s eyes and thus in cooling the eyes down. Try mixing a paste of some honey and almond oil and applying this over the dark circles every night. This is found to be a very effective home treatment for dark circles. Tea bags have also been found to be very effective in curing a condition of dark circles. Put the tea bag in the fridge then when it cools place it over each eye for about 15 minutes.

Whiteheads Home Remedies to Prevent Whiteheads Pimples on Face

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Whiteheads are usually caused when the follicles are filled with excessive dry skin cells which the results in the formation of oil like excretion by the skin called sebum. Whiteheads have to be taken seriously as they are usually the starting point of pimples and acne. Whiteheads pimples are easily distinguished from blackheads as they appear on the upper layer of the skin as raised white bumps. They are highly undesired as they adversely affect the texture of the skin and may also lead to other skin infections.

Home Remedies for Whiteheads

  • Whiteheads prevention is possible by using some home remedies such as preparing a paste of powdered and dry roasted pomegranate skin and lime juice. This paste should be applied generously on the whitehead affected area.
  • Another home remedy to prevent whiteheads involves concentrating on ones dietary intake. Those prone to whiteheads should include a lot of water, fresh fruit juices and whole fruits which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that keep the skin clear and hydrated.
  • Another one of the whiteheads homes remedies is the use of rosewater and sandalwood mixed together to form a paste which is then applied directly on the whiteheads and washed off with some lukewarm water.
  • Potatoes that are finely grated may also be used as a home made poultice to scrub away stubborn whiteheads.
  • In yet another simple home remedy for white heads you are required to soak a few almonds overnight in water. In the morning grind them into a paste along with some honey. This paste should then be applied with a gentle massage on the face where the whiteheads are most dominant are then allowed to stay on the skin for around 15-20 minutes. Thereafter, wash the paste off with some warm water. This process should be repeated at least thrice a month to prevent the occurrence of whiteheads.
  • Leaves of fresh fenugreek may also be ground into a paste with water every night and washed off only the next morning with warm water. Steaming the face with the mist of some mildly warm water also helps in opening up the pores which thereby helps in unclogging them. This is highly effective against white heads if done twice or thrice a week.

Whiteheads pimples can also be treated with mild scrubbers or cleanser 2-3 times in a week. White heads should never be forced out forcibly as this may result in scarring. Peels of fruits act as effective natural scrubbers in combating the problem of white heads and therefore is an excellent remedy.

Smooth Skin Home Remedies - How to Make Rough Skin Smooth

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Overall health, diet and exercise all play a key role in an individual having smooth and glowing skin. One of the ideal ways to develop and maintain smooth and glowing skin would be to have a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as they have a very high concentration of antioxidants that keep the body and thereby the skin well hydrated. In order to make rough skin smooth, one should consume foods rich in Vitamin E.

Home Remedy for Making Rough Skin Smooth

  • Some of the simple home remedies for smooth skin would include mashing a ripe banana with milk and applying this paste like mixture on the rough skin for a minimum of 20 minutes. This paste should then be washed with cold water to get a noticeably smoother skin.
  • Plain honey also comes very handy in getting smooth skin. It should be directly applied the rough skin and washed off thoroughly with cold water. Honey may also be applied along with egg white as a home remedy for making rough skin smooth.
  • A simple home made face scrub can be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of walnut powder with lemon juice and honey. The face or rough skin area should be rubbed with this paste. Doing so will help scrub away the dry skin cells, leaving the skin smoother.
  • Another home remedy which will address the question of how to make skin smooth involves boiling a head of cabbage in plain water and then washing the face with this water.
  • It is also beneficial to massage your face or the dry skin area for 10- 15 minutes everyday with a mixture of egg whites and corn flour as this will stimulate the blood circulation and help in the generation of new smooth skin cells.
  • Mango peels may also be dried and powdered and mixed with a tablespoon of milk to make a paste like mixture which should then be applied on the rough skin area.
  • Another effective home remedy is applying Vaseline all over the rough skin area after a shower. Then go for a shower again after an hour. This process should be repeated 2- 3 times a month to make rough skin smooth.

As discussed earlier, one should also consume foods such as oranges, tomatoes, limes, sweet potatoes etc. which provide the body and consequently the skin all the required nutrients such as vitamin C and omega – 3 to keep it smooth and glowing.