Beauty Tricks and Skin Beauty Tips for Face

July 14th, 2011

The secret to beautiful skin is patience and regular skin care. There are a number of easy to follow beauty tricks for keeping skin young and radiant. These beauty tricks over the years have developed and proven to be very beneficial to people.

Beauty Tricks for Keeping Skin Young

Diet is an important aspect of secret beauty tricks. The first step in improving the quality and texture of skin is through the intake of plenty of water. Water keeps the skin supple and hydrated, thereby reducing the chances of dry, wrinkled skin. It also helps in flushing out impurities from the body that are responsible for dullness and blemishes. Opting for a healthy balanced diet, rich in vegetables and fruit, is essential for improving skin quality. Protein rich foods help in repairing cell damage, thus keeping a check on the aging process. Foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants as well as omega 3 fatty acids are also known for their ability to improve skin health. Fatty, oily junk foods should be avoided as they lead to the formation of acne and other blemishes.

The most significant of all beauty tricks and tips is avoiding sun damage. It is not logically possible to switch to being nocturnal by staying out of the sun at all times. Hence, the use of a sunscreen is vital. While opting for a sunscreen, one must be careful to choose a brand that is known for its good quality as well as reliability. The higher the sun protection factor – SPF, the better is its effect on preventing sun damage. In addition, the effect of most sunscreens wears off in three to four hours. Therefore, reapplying a liberal layer of sunscreen at regular intervals is recommended. Before reapplying sunscreen lotion, cleansing your skin is recommended to prevent clogged pores. However, this may not be possible always. Hence, the use of aloe enriched wet wipes are beneficial in such cases.

One must use skin products designed for their specific skin type. The use of natural products is beneficial in skin treatment. Before a bath, massage your skin with a mixture of lemon juice and honey. This leaves the skin soft, supple and radiant. For a natural scrub, add a few grains of sugar to honey and massage the skin gently for a few minutes. This helps to get rid of dead skin cells that cause dullness. Aloe gel as well as mashed papaya makes a good face mask. Skin tends to look dull and lifeless when we are tired. Hence, natural beauty tricks also include getting sufficient rest.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Beauty and Personal Care | No Comments »

How to Promote Fast Nail Growth

July 14th, 2011

Beautifully shaped, long fingernails are known to add to the beauty of an individual. However, some people do have a difficult time with growing their nails as well as maintaining long nails. This could be due to a number of reasons such as inadequate personal attention, poor eating habits as well as an ill health.

Home Remedies for Nail Growth

There are a number of home remedies for nail growth. The best and simplest method to promote nail growth without any hassles is through a regular hand and foot massage, concentrating on the nail beds. Massages are known to improve blood circulation and stimulate nail growth. In addition, massages also help in enhancing the quality of the skin and are a good technique for relieving stress. After a bath, gently massage your fingers and toes with cream, paying special attention to the tips. Using your thumb and index finger, pull the fingers and toes gently, applying steady pressure right till the end. These massages are not time consuming and finger massages can be carried out several times a day, during breaks in between routine work. Rubbing the fingernails of one hand against the other is also known to be beneficial in improving nail growth. A good exercise that can be used to strengthen and promote nail growth is tapping your fingertips rhythmically on a surface, like you would do while using a keyboard.

The use of a good nail strengthening cream as well as good quality nail products such as nail polish and nail polish remover is advisable for the purpose of healthy nail growth. Cutting nails too deep should be refrained from as it affects the growth. Instead, use a nail file to shape the nails, without stressing on the corners as this weakens nails. Many individuals tend to bite their nails. This practice should be avoided as it hampers nail quality. The use of a pair of gloves while attending to household chores is highly advisable, especially while washing and cleaning with chemicals.

Good nail growth tips also include opting for a healthy diet. A low protein diet is believed to be one of the causes of slow nail growth. Foods rich in group B vitamins for nail growth are recommended. Calcium, iron and potassium rich foods also promote nail growth while strengthening bone and increasing blood production. The fatty acids found in almonds are known to benefit nail growth as well as improve skin quality. Drinking plenty of water reduces the risk of brittle nails. If these easy methods don’t prove successful, one could opt for nail growth treatment.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Nail Care | No Comments »

Natural Skin Whitening Tips | Skin Whitening Home Remedies

May 23rd, 2011

Many people today associate fair skin with beauty, though this may not always be true. Everyone desires to have a flawless, glowing complexion. But skin problems are extremely common and can occur due to various factors. On a daily basis, the skin is exposed to sunlight, pollution, dust and chemical fumes. There is also an increase in consumption of junk food and an elevation in stress levels. All these factors affect the skin and lead to dullness, pigmentation and faster aging. The skin appears dark and dull when there is an excess of melanin production. This takes place due to excessive sun exposure.

Homemade Skin Whitening Tips

Skin whitening tips work on combating the melanin deposits occur as freckles, moles, age spots and patches of pigmented skin. There is a wide variety of skin whitening tips and skin whitening products available in the market today. However it is advisable to do some research on the ingredients contained in these products before using them. Some ingredients may be too harsh for the skin and could lead to dryness and peeling. One can also use natural methods of skin whitening. There are many simple ingredients that can be used alone or combined to create useful, effective skin remedies. Here are some natural skin whitening tips that could be very useful.

•    Firstly in order to avoid worsening the problem and to prevent further darkening, it is important to apply a good quality sunscreen before going outdoors. This helps to protect the skin from the harsh effects of the sun’s UV radiation.

•    Skin whitening tips also include regular moisturizing and exfoliation. Dry skin can often appear dull and hence you need to use a gentle, nourishing moisturizer on a daily basis. This will also make the skin supple and soft.

•    Wheat flour can be used to make an effective skin whitening scrub. Add a little bit of water to the flour and mix into a paste. Apply the paste to the skin and rub gently. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off. This treatment may be done every week to lighten and soften the skin.

•    Oatmeal is also a beneficial natural exfoliating agent. Mix oatmeal with rose water or milk and apply to the skin. Rub gently for a few minutes and then wash off with cool water.

•    If you are looking for fast skin whitening tips, then opt for remedies such as lemon juice, potato and tomato. All of these are natural bleaching agents which help to lighten the skin. You can rub pigmented areas with lemon juice or a slice of potato or tomato and then wash after 20 minutes. Homemade skin whitening tips also include use of gram flour, turmeric and honey.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Tips | No Comments »

How to Get Rid of Brown Spots on Skin

May 23rd, 2011

Brown Spots on Skin

Brown spots on the skin occur due to an increase in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment which gives the skin its color and is produced by cells known as melanocytes. Melanin deposits in the skin take the appearance of brown spots which are also commonly referred to as freckles, age spots, liver spots, sun spots or hyper pigmentation. Brown spots on skin are usually benign, but they can tarnish the complexion. Individuals above the age of 50 years are most prone to brown spots on the skin. These spots could affect the face, hands, back and scalp. The areas of skin that are exposed to the sun are likely to undergo more hyper pigmentation.

A large number of individuals develop discoloration on the skin. Even though it is a harmless condition, it is helpful to know what causes brown spots on skin. One of the most common causes of skin hyper pigmentation is excessive sun exposure. The UV radiation of the sun stimulates the production of melanin. Itchy brown spots on skin may occur in individuals who suffer from conditions such as melasma, seborrhea keratosis and liver dysfunction. Brown spots start occurring more commonly as an individual advances in age. Brown spots that tend to itch persistently can be dangerous in some cases. Melanomas are an example of such spots and are a form of skin cancer. One should be aware of any changes in the color, size, texture and shape of spots on the body. Such discoloration requires immediate medical attention and treatment.

Brown Spots Treatment

The best way to prevent brown spots on the skin from developing is to apply a sunscreen when going outdoors. Ensure that you use a good quality sunscreen or sun block with a minimum SPF of 15. There are many over-the-counter topical applications which help to lighten dark brown spots on skin. Lotions and creams that contain substances such as kojic acid, lactic acid, vitamin E and vitamin C are known to be effective in getting rid of dark spots.

•    Brown spots treatment can also be done by applying lemon juice to the affected areas. Lemon has natural bleaching properties and hence has a lightening effect on the skin.

•    A paste of sesame seeds and turmeric is also believed to work well in lightening skin discoloration.

•    To get rid of freckles, apply horseradish juice to the affected areas.

•    Regular use of fruits packs on the skin also helps in removing brown spots.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Problems | No Comments »

How to Treat Hand Blisters

May 23rd, 2011

Blisters on Hand

A blister is a water-filled raised area of the skin. Blisters can happen on any part of the body, especially on surfaces that see a lot of friction like hands and soles of the feet. Hand blisters can be particularly painful as you have to wait till the blister breaks. Hand blisters in children and adults usually occur due to hard physical activity like gymnastics, cycling and even mastering the jungle gym.

There is also a condition which causes small blisters on hand. This condition is called dyshidrosis and is a form of eczema. The other hand blisters causes could be anything including excessive sweating, allergies, bad repetitive friction, or suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes which have been known to cause injuries on limbs.

Hand Blisters Treatment

There is no cure for hand blisters but there is treatment. The main hand blisters treatment is to drain them. This step can be a painful way to treat blisters but it is a necessary step. If the blister is not drained, an infection could start and spread around the blister. Before you lance the blister, you should clean your hands very well. If you are not comfortable lancing the blister, seek help from a doctor.

Once you have cleaned your hands, gather some clean towels, a disinfectant, and cotton swabs. You will also need a clean and preferably unused needle. Also keep a lit candle or a light next to you. Heat the needle till it becomes red hot and lightly touch it to the blister. It will hurt a lot but will also burst. As soon as the blister bursts, you need to soak up all the liquid. Once the liquid is absorbed, disinfect the area with fresh cotton and disinfectant. Do not allow the skin under the blister to get exposed. It could lead to that delicate skin getting exposed to potential infections. Do not aggravate this area and definitely not exert it until the blister completely heals. You can also apply over-the-counter ointments on the deflated blister but avoid bandaging it as the wound needs to breathe and bandages sometimes prevent that. When the blister is healing, avoid constantly touching it. It is an open invitation for infections. If you feel a fever coming on or see redness or a swelling around the blister, it could be the beginning of an infection. Home remedies like turmeric pastes and soothing aloe vera gel can also be used after the blister has been burst.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Skin Infections | 1 Comment »

Home Remedies for Heat Boils | Natural Cures for Heat Boils

May 23rd, 2011

Heat boils are boils that often occur in summer but are not because of summer. Boils can form for any number of reasons like ingrown hair, splinters or just a small scab. People with weakened immunity systems like those with diabetes or kidney failure also face recurrent threats of boils. Sometimes you can also get heat boils on the face and these boils could be mistaken for acne.

Heat boils start off as tender red skin. This slowly develops into a proper boil which develops a head with pus in it. There is no cure or treatment as such for the heat boils once you get them. Heat boils treatment options include prevention and methods to avoid further infection till the boil heals.

Home Remedies for Heat Boils Treatment

There are many home remedies for heat boils which help relieve the pain and infection from the heat boils. Once a boil has formed you can use a hot compress to help the boil burst faster. Once it bursts and the pus has drained, the boil will heal much faster.

•    You can use the juice of onion or garlic on the heat boil to help it form a head.

•    You can use juice of any one vegetable or both mixed in equal quantities.

•    Cream mixed with turmeric and a little vinegar makes a great poultice for heat boils.

•    A paste of cumin seeds with water is also good for controlling the infection of the heat boil.

•    You can also apply a paste of betel nut leaves on the heat boils.

•    Applying a paste of turmeric powder with water can also help the heat boil.

•    You can even reduce the infection by applying juice of wheat germ and carrot on the boils.

•    Warm honey mixed with castor oil is very good for heat boils.

Bread softened with water has also been known to reduce the suffering in heat boils. When the boils bursts, remember to clean and disinfect the area completely. You can disinfect the area with some iodine.

A well-balanced diet is a good way to prevent the boils from forming. Along with good hygiene, you should also avoid tea, coffee and other stimulants and junk food. Eating well, getting enough rest and doing basic outdoor exercise are good ways to keep your body systems healthy. Avoiding constipation also helps keep the boils from recurring. If you have any chronic condition and the boils refuse to heal or keep coming back, it might be the sign of something bigger.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Skin Infections | No Comments »

How to Take Care of Skin in Summer

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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Skin Care | No Comments »

Home Remedies for Fever Blisters on Lips Treatments

May 23rd, 2011

Sometimes you may notice blisters in and around your mouth. These blisters are called fever blisters or cold sores and are caused by a herpes virus called type 1 or HSV-1.  These blisters appear on the lips, the mouth and even the nose. These blisters often first appear during adolescence and on the wet membranes of the mouth. Thus fever blisters on the lips are a very common condition that affects many people.

The main cause of fever blisters on lips is the spread of the infection from a virus. This virus can spread by direct contact like kissing or sharing items of personal hygiene. It can also spread by contact with the secretion of these blisters. There is no real cure for fever sores. Prevention is the best way to keep fever blisters on the lips in check.

Treatment for Fever Blisters

The primary treatment for fever blisters on lips is care that can be taken to reduce the suffering from the sores and prevent the infection from spreading. You can try different home remedies for fever blisters on lips. Try drinking several cups of sage tea with ginger in it till the blisters clear up. You can also apply cornstarch paste on the blisters, which help the blisters subside. Aloe vera gel and juice have great calming properties and act as an effective anti inflammation product. Dab a little juice or gel on the fever blisters on the lips till they subside. Icing the sores always helps. Rub ice cubes as frequently as needed.  You can also apply a mix of grapefruit seed extract and olive oil, directly on the sores.

If you regularly suffer from these sores, you can try a tincture of equal parts of calendula, oats, Echinacea,Burdock and Lomatium. This tincture can be taken as many times in a day and helps cleanse the body of the toxins. Vaseline or any generic petroleum jelly also helps the sores not to crack and hurt.  Take a little table salt and moisten it slightly and apply it directly on the sore. This helps the sores heal. An application of mint extract directly on the sores has often proved beneficial. You can also apply a steeped and cooled tea bag on the sores. It is very beneficial in soothing the sores. You can also apply some sprit of camphor on the sores.

Once the sores heal, it is very important to maintain good personal hygiene. Do not share any personal items like combs, towel and brushes. Use anti bacterial and hand sanitizers often. Follow a healthy diet so as to build better immunity.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Skin Infections | No Comments »

Cold Sores Treatment, Symptoms and Prevention

May 23rd, 2011

Cold sores, also called fever sores, are sores that appear on the lips, mouth or the nose. A virus that causes herpes, called mouth herpes causes these sores. These sores are small and filled with pus or liquid. This virus is such in nature that once you get these cold sores, you stand the chance of constantly getting them. There are a number of cold sores symptoms that one would easily be able to identify. The cold sores symptoms include small pus filled blisters that can be painful and unsightly.

There is definite cold sores cure and you need to manage the cold sores symptoms so that you prevent another attack. This is the only effective cold sores treatment. You will find many medicated creams that are available without prescription at chemists. These medicated creams contain benzyl alcohol which helps reduce the pain and irritation of the sores. Repeated and continual application is really beneficial but as these sores tend to be very contagious, it is very important to be careful and constantly disinfect after each application.

Home Treatments for Cold Sores

Home treatments and natural treatments are the most beneficial for cold sores especially as there is no other long term cure. Home remedies help relieve the irritation from the symptoms, thus making it easier to last it out till the sores are cured. Cooled and soaked tea bags have been known to reduce the irritation and the pain of the sores. This cold sore home treatment also reduces the spread of the virus. Carbolic acid mixed in coconut oil and applied on the sores acts as a natural disinfectant and cold sores natural treatment. Natural herbs can also help reduce the irritation of the sores. Try herbs like tea tree oil, sage and witchs hazel to reduce the irritation. If the sores are large and distended, then hot compresses help the sores to burst which will help cure them faster. But remember once they burst, they are more likely to spread the infection and should be quickly disinfected and cleaned.

Lemon juice is also known to help prevent the spread of these sores. Thin slices of lemon can be kept on sores and changed as they dry out. Instead of lemon juice, try spraying a little lemon juice on the sores directly. For a person suffering from cold sores, controlling the intake of foods that often trigger generic allergies, can sometimes help. Foods to avoid include chocolate, tea, coffee, grains and nuts. People suffering from cold sores should also maintain good hygiene and avoid sharing items of a personal nature. Cleanliness is the key to prevent cold sores.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Infections | No Comments »

What is The Best Treatment for Boils

May 20th, 2011

Boils are pus-filled, large inflammations that occur on the surface of the skin. Boils can be symptoms for many other ailments or can be a skin infection. The primary treatment for boils is to let them completely heal on its own, lancing them in some cases. Hot compresses are also very beneficial in the treatment for boils.

Though lancing is a suggested treatment for boils it is not the best treatment you should undertake at home. Lancing needs an environment that is disinfected. There are other natural treatments for boils which you can do at home.

One main tip in the treatment for boils is that when the boil does burst, keep it constantly disinfected and clean. The pus from boil, if not cleaned, can quickly cause other boils. Usually bacteria cause the boils and white blood cells that fight infection in the body usually turn to pus in these boils. As the pus gathers in the boil, it forms a ‘head’. This head can be broken by giving it hot compresses. That is when you need to be careful.
Neem, a tree found on the Indian subcontinent, is great for disinfecting all kinds of skin-related disorders. A paste of the bark is very good for boils. It disinfects and cures skin ailments. Topical application of garlic cloves also helps the boil to burst and heal. Application of castor oil is also good for healing of boils.

Home Treatments for Boils Remedies

There are a number of home treatments for boils remedies that could be used along with the natural treatment for boils. Herbal medicines like Echinacea has anti viral and anti bacterial properties. This can help heal boils and prevent the formation of new boils.

•    Ginger is also a very effective in bursting the boil as it helps the formation of the head.

•    Oregano and grape seed extracts are also very beneficial to boils as they are used an anti inflammatory agent.

•    Turmeric power, applied as a paste or a salve or even a poultice, is very good for the boils.

•    As farfetched as it sounds, bread soaked in creamy milk and applied to boil is also known to give relief. It softens the taut boil and helps the pus to release.

•    Parsley, in a poultice form, works very effectively in softening the boil and aiding the healing process after the boil has burst.

Keeping your skin clean and eating well is a good way prevent the boils altogether. If the boils on your body are appearing repeatedly and not healing quickly, it could be the sign of some other illness and you should go to your doctor to get yourself checked out.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Skin Infections | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »