Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category

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How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Dark underarm skin is a very common and natural problem, faced by several people today. It occurs when the skin in the armpit turns a few shades darker, than the skin on the rest of the body. This darkening in complexion could occur due to various factors. Some of the common causes of dark underarms are obesity or rapid weight gain, excessive perspiration in the armpit area and also infections that arise from unhygienic conditions. Besides these there are some other causes of dark underarms too. These causes of dark underarms arise from conditions such as a skin disorder, an accumulation of dead skin cells in the area, excessive use of deodorants as also shaving and use of hair removal creams that could be harmful. Wearing clothes that are tight around the arms, causes friction in the area and this is one of the causes of dark underarms too.

Most people are constantly looking for ways to get rid of dark underarms, because they can cause quite an embarrassment. They could also keep you from wearing some of your favorite sleeveless clothes.

Natural Remedies for Dark Underarms

To treat your dark underarms you need to understand the causes of dark underarms and avoid them constantly. There are certain beauty and cosmetic companies that offer treatments and services, aimed at lightening the complexion of the skin in the armpits. However, the laser techniques and skin lightening programs that are offered by commercial beauty companies can be very expensive, making them unaffordable for most people. What is worse is that not all these treatments yield the results that were promised. Therefore, more people are now turning towards the natural remedies for dark underarms, mainly because of their effectiveness, affordability and their benefits. Given below are some of the most commonly used natural remedies for dark underarms that would help you overcome your embarrassment:

•    Avoid using deodorants continuously, throughout the day. Make it a point to use deodorants only once and use anti-fungal powders or alum powder on the underarms instead.
•    Apply some baking soda to the armpit, after you take a bath, as it is very effective in lightening the skin.
•    Potato is one of the most effective natural bleaching agents you can find and it does not contain the harsh chemicals that all commercial bleaches do. Grate a potato, along with its skin and apply it directly to the armpit. Leave the potato on for at least 20 minutes, before washing it off with cool water.
•    Vitamin E has been known to lighten the skin, without leading to any severe side effects. Apply some Vitamin E oil or cream, directly on to the armpit.
•    Get rid of the dead skin on your underarms, by exfoliating it gently. Use a sponge or a plastic scrunch for this purpose.

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How to Make a Peel Off Face Mask

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Face Peel Masks

Fresh radiating skin is what everyone dreams of. Face peel masks are very beneficial in getting the desired result. A peel off mask makes your skin clean, smooth, removes all the dead cells and impurities on your face and makes your face glow. A face peel mask is applied on the face and neck like a paste. It is left on for about 20 minutes to dry off and is then peeled off. There are different face peel off masks for different skin types and each for a different reason such as brightening and illumination of skin tones, deep cleansing, hyper pigmentation and healing acne made scars.

There is a wide range of peel off masks available in the market. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on these, then prepare your own home made mask which would not cost you a lot. A face peel off mask is always made up of a lot of different ingredients. It is very important to know your skin type so you can choose the correct ingredient that suits your skin.

Peel Off Face Mask Recipe

The basic face peel off mask recipe is very simple. Once you have all the ingredients needed for the preparation, mix it all together and then add a little gelatin to it. Put the mixture in a heat resistant jar or bowl and heat it in the microwave. Once the gelatin has melted and mixed well with the other ingredients, stir it up and place this new mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes or so till it becomes thick. You can use this basic recipe to prepare a fruit peel off mask by making a puree or pulp of the fruit. Then strain off the liquid to a mask recipe.

A very good fruit peel mask that suits all skin types is an orange peel face mask. It is available in most supermarkets and pharmacies, this mask can be prepared at home as well. It helps brighten your skin, gets rid of a tan, balances the skin color and makes you look fresh and young. If you want to make your own orange peel off mask at home then the recipe is; take freshly peeled off orange peels and keep them in the sun to dry. After they are dry and hard grind them into powder. Now mix this powder either with water or milk in equal proportions and blend the mixture into a paste. While peeling the face mask off your skin care should be taken not to be very hard on the skin.

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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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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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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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How To Care for Oily Sensitive Skin

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Oily skin is usually prone to blackheads due to the large pores on the surface of the skin. The skin tends to be shiny and blemishes are likely to occur. Sensitive skin is prone to rashes, frequent allergies as well as broken capillaries. The condition of excessive oiliness could be caused by changes in the climate, allergies to makeup, makeup that hasn’t been removed before going to bed, the use of birth control pills and so on.

Cleanser for Oily Sensitive Skin

  • Oily sensitive skin care includes washing your face twice or thrice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser rather than soap.
  • A scrub can be used once a week to exfoliate the skin and take out the dead cells.
  • While clay masks and mud packs may help reduce the oiliness, it may not do good for the sensitive nature of your skin and this can leave the skin dehydrated.
  • Make an astringent mask out of Aloe Vera, strawberries and yoghurt by putting it into a grinder and then applying the mixture onto your face. Leave on for about twenty minutes before washing it off thoroughly.
  • Mix a little tomato pulp, powdered oats and lemon juice to form a thick paste. Apply onto the cheeks, forehead and nose and scrub thoroughly with warm water. This will draw out the extra oil, clean up the blemishes and be safe for sensitive skin.
  • A cleanser for oily sensitive skin can be made by mixing a little milk, honey and the juice of half a lemon and once it becomes a smooth paste you can apply it onto the skin. Wash off in about fifteen minutes or so.

Moisturizer for Oily Sensitive Skin

Oily sensitive skin care includes consuming a healthy diet that is rich in proteins. Drink at least six litres of water every day and include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to your diet. Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeinated and artificially flavoured beverages and greasy junk food. You can make a moisturizer for oily sensitive skin by mixing one tablespoon of coconut oil, the same amount of olive oil, a teaspoon of vegetable oil, 2-3 drops of Vitamin E oil and two mashed straw berries. Mix them well and place in an airtight jar and refrigerate. Apply onto the face when sufficiently cooled. You can use the remaining mixture if any within a week. Another moisturizer can be made by grating an apple and adding six tablespoons of honey to it. Mix thoroughly till it becomes a smooth paste and apply onto the face. Keep on for about fifteen minutes and wash it off with cold water.

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How to Make Homemade Natural Skin Cleansers for Oily and Dry Skin

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Recipes for Facial cleansers

There are various facial cleaners that one can make at home which are found to be very effective as natural skin cleansers. Some of the homemade skin cleansers are made especially as cleanser for oily skin, normal skin or as cleansers for dry skin.

  • A simple face mask can be made out of honey and egg white. Apply this over the face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. it leaves the skin glowing and fresh. One can even make a face cleanser out of honey mixed with some oats. You can even add ground almonds and some yogurt to this mixture.
  • Another good and natural cleanser can be made from some fresh cucumber. Cucumber through the years has been found to a very effective cleanser. Simply grate some cucumber and mix it with some milk. Another option is to extract the juice from the cucumber and mix it with milk and then use as a cleanser.
  • For those who suffer from oily skin, lemon juice is considered to be a very effective cleanser. This can be mixed with some juice extracted from fresh grapes and then used. The grapes can cause the skin to soften while the lemon will clean it.People who have dry skin should avoid using lemon on their skin as it can cause further drying.
  • One can try making a very good cleanser from honey and lemon too. This also helps in moisturizing the skin. A mixture of honey and milk can leave one’s skin feeling soft and glowing.
  • One can try using some fresh mint leave juice that has been extracted and mixed with some warm water to wash the face. This helps in cleaning the pores and leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
  • One can add honey to the bath and use this as an all body cleanser and moisturizer.
  • Carrot juice is also found to have some good properties that help in removing the blemishes and scars from a person’s skin.
  • Try making some fresh buttermilk and then using this clean one’s skin. It helps in soaking up all the excess oil from the skin without leaving the skin feeling dry and tight.
  • Try extracting the juice from a fresh orange and using this as a cleanser. Oranges are high in Vitamin C and are excellent for the skin. One should always remember to eat a high that is highly nutritious and also to drink plenty of water.

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How to Get Soft and Supple Skin

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Care for Soft and Supple Skin

Having clean, moist, soft and supple skin is almost every woman’s dream and achieving that dream is not impossible. It is important for you to understand what your skin requires and how to take care of your skin. There are three essential factors that effect the suppleness & elasticity of your skin - firmness, smoothness and hydration. As you age, your skin will lose these qualities, therefore becoming less soft and supple. In order to get supple skin, it is important to make sure that you drink a lot of water or other nutritional fluids. Water cleanses the cells of the body, revitalizing the skin. On a hot day, just spray some water on your face and do not dry it with a towel. Instead, allow the water to stay on your face and let it dry off naturally. Applying a good moisturizer after that, to retain the water content. One of the best ways of pampering your skin, is by taking a milk bath. You can make your own milk bath at home by using powdered and evaporated milk. Fill about one thirds of a bathtub with warm water and add four ounces of the powdered milk to it, allowing it to dissolve properly. Then, add one can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk to the tub and mix it well. Then fill the tub with more water, if required. You can also add more powdered or evaporated milk to the bath, if required. Soak in the bathtub and allow your skin to absorb the nutrients present in the milk, for at least 20 minutes or so. After you are done soaking for about 20 minutes, you will feel your skin much softer and smoother.

Tips and Home Remedies to Get Soft Skin

There are also many home remedies that can help you get soft skin. Given below are a few soft skin tips that you can try at home:

  • Mix some milk, with some mashed banana and apply the mixture on your face. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, before washing it off cold water, to give your skin a glow.
  • Applying honey on your skin for about 20 minutes and then washing it off with cold water will make your skin soft, smooth and glowing. You can even mix egg whites with the honey occasionally.
  • Mix a teaspoon of walnut powder, lemon juice and honey to make a paste and use it to scrub your face. Leave the paste on to your face for about 20 minutes before washing it off with cold water.
  • After taking a shower, apply some petroleum jelly on your entire body and leave it on for at least an hour, before taking another shower. Try this activity at least twice a month.
  • Mix two teaspoons of sugar, in three teaspoons of a good baby-oil. Rub the mixture on your feet, hands, as well as other body parts and leave it in for about fifteen minutes, before washing it off with warm water.

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Cracked Heels Home Remedies - How to Heal Dry Cracked Heels

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Many people suffer from the condition of dry cracked heels, also known as heel fissures. At first, cracked heels are more of an embarrassment and an inconvenience, but if ignored, the condition could worsen, with the development of cracks and fissures, which can be very painful. In some severe cases, the cracks could bleed and become infected. Some common causes of cracked heels are - dryness of the skin in the heel area, lack of proper care and attention to the feet and excessive pressure applied to the feet. Cracked heels could also be a sign of the deficiency of Omega3 fatty acids and zinc. Therefore, cracked heels are often found in people who spend a lot of time on their feet as well as senior citizens. Healing cracked heels is not difficult, as moisturizing the affected areas regularly, using an oil-based moisturizing cream at least twice a day will help considerably. To maximize the effects, wear thick socks, after applying a thick layer of the moisturizer and leave it on overnight. Repeating this exercise everyday for about a week will really help.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

You could also use the following home remedies for cracked heels:

  • Mash a ripe banana thoroughly, to form a thick paste and apply it on the cracked heel. Leave the pulp on for about 10 minutes, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Try this exercise once, every week.
  • Mix the juice of one lemon, with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly, a small quantity of shampoo or liquid soap and some water. Mix them together to form a soapy-solution and dip your feet in it for around 15 minutes, before rinsing and drying your feet. Trying this remedy everyday should bring about a positive change sooner.
  • Melt a teaspoon of paraffin wax and mix some mustard oil (about a teaspoon) to it. Apply this to the cracked heals and leave it on overnight. Rinse your heels with warm water in the morning. Try this everyday, for two weeks.
  • Use a pumice stone, twice a week on your feet, to get rid of the dead skin present near the cracked heels. Make sure that you soak your feet in warm water for about fifteen minutes, before scrubbing your feet with the pumice stone. After using the pumice stone, pat your feet dry gently and apply a moisturizer on the heel area.

As cracked heals could be a sign of deficiency of certain nutrients in the body, please make sure that you include foods that are high in iron, calcium, Vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc in your diet. In case you observe severe cracks, bleeding or signs of an infection, please consult a podiatrist or a dermatologist, who can suggest how to heal dry cracked heels, using the right treatment.

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