1.14.2012

5 ways to improve your complexion


5 ways to improve your complexion

Our skin is our body's largest organ. It requires care and attention to maintain a healthy glow and to remain soft and supple. Because our faces are most visible and are most exposed to the elements year-round, they require even more special consideration. But caring for your skin doesn't have to mean embarking on a beauty regimen that's impossible to adhere to. Simply incorporate these easy steps into your everyday routine and you'll see the results!

1. Drink water
Since our bodies are made up mostly of water, it makes good sense that we need to rehydrate frequently and replenish our fluid levels. Drinking lots of water helps to moisturize skin from the inside out and improves skin's elasticity and suppleness.

2. Maintain a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for many obvious reasons, but a well-balanced food plan can also improve the look and tone of your skin. Both vitamin A and E (which are also common in many topical skin creams) are believed to promote good-looking, healthy skin. High levels of vitamin A are found in foods such as carrots, broccoli, kale and sweet potatoes. Vitamin E-rich foods include nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts.

And then there's eating a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. According to beauty expert Paula Begoun "there is current (though limited) research showing that eating foods or taking supplements high in antioxidants and fish oils (omega-3) but low in saturated fats, trans fatty acids and sugars, can have a positive impact on reducing sun damage, improving healthy skin cell function and building collagen."

3. Cleansing/exfoliating
The first step in any skin-care regimen is to find a gentle cleanser that doesn't cause skin irritation. According to Begoun, "gently cleansing the face and avoiding harsh cleansers or bar cleansers is crucial for the basis of good skin care."

And, she adds, wash your face with tepid or lukewarm water. "Hot or cold water will irritate the skin, and irritation causes skin problems, not the least of which is the breakdown of collagen," she says.

4. Moisturize
Moisturizing is a key step in your skin-care routine -- it will restore lost moisture and hydrate your skin, leaving it looking healthy, especially as you age. The skin must be well hydrated at all times.

"If one needs the moisture and it isn't available skin can break down, become rough, inflamed, itchy or painful," she says. "It may also provide access to bacteria which can cause skin infections." - Dr. Audrey Kunin

For these reasons, selecting a good moisturizer will have long-term benefits for your skin. While moisturizers don't actually replace lost moisture in the skin, they will prevent the skin's natural moisture from evaporating by creating a barrier between the skin and the air.

5. Sun protection
Particularly as we head into the warm-weather months, sun protection becomes an increasing concern, though it's one we should be aware of year-round.

"Sun protection is the best thing you can do for your skin," says Dr. Kunin. "Not only does it help with the obvious -- reducing sun damage which in turn is responsible for the formation of skin cancer -- it helps keep skin looking healthier and more youthful as well."

Dr. Kunin also offers these tips for protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun:

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors and reapply after swimming. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. They all ultimately require reapplication.

• Try to sit in the shade when outdoors. Shade trees with heavy foliage can reduce the amount of UV rays that reach the ground.

• Try to stay indoors between the hours of noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak.

• Wear UV-coated sunglasses; melanoma can form at the back of the eyes. Make sure children are well protected from the sun. Sunburns before the age of 10 are most dangerous later in life for forming melanoma.

• A wide-brimmed hat (4-inch brim) can also help reduce the amount of sun reaching scalp, ears and face.



Source: www.scribd.com

Panic Attacks


Panic Attacks

Having a panic attack is one of the most uncomfortable feelings imaginable. Luckily there are natural ways that people out there are dealing with their panic attacks without resorting to prescription drugs.

Breathing Techniques — Many traditional cultures have used the breath as a way to center one's self and stay calm and grounded. Meditation and Yoga are quick to come to mind. You can use your breath to relax your physical body and quiet your mind. The root physical symptom of a panic attack can be found in the breath. Quick breathing is usually the first symptom that will spark a full-blown panic attack. You can often stop a panic attack by learning to take deep and slow breaths when you feel an attack coming on.

Herbs and Herbally Infused Teas — Prescription drugs come with all sorts of side effects that many people just cannot accept. To avoid these side effects, you may consider herbal remedies. These can consist of valerian, passion flower, chamomile, California poppy, kava kava, or lemon balm. It is difficult to know what the precise dose is. Each person is unique and they will need a dose that is specific to them.

Homeopathy — These are various herbs that have been mixed together to treat panic and anxiety disorders. Flowers mixed together form the basis of Bach Flower Remedies. The Rescue Remedy is used by many to soothe panic and anxiety. Also be on the lookout for “Kali Phos 6x” which is formulated to help with the nervous system. Specifically when it is stressed to to worry or panic.

Alternative Therapies — Ever thought about acupuncture? It can help align the body's energy, or chi. If the thought of becoming a human pin cushion doesn't appeal to you try the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). You can get the same benefits as acupuncture, but without the needles. It is fast and you can do it in the comfort of you own home.

Everyone is unique, so some of the above remedies for panic attacks may be more effective.



Source: www.scribd.com

11.08.2011

Acne Causes


Acne Causes

Most people that suffer from acne are unaware that there are many underlying factors that can cause it and not just one or two. There are many myths about how acne is caused by sugar and chocolate. Some people believe that eating fatty foods can also be a primary cause. The truth is that multiple causes equally to the type of acne that you have.

The first way to begin to clear your acne up is to stop using all of the strong chemical lotions that you may be using to help dry out your skin. When your skin begins to dry, it causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive to produce oil on your face. This oil gets clogged because the drying process shrinks the size of the pores.
Therefore, by eliminating any extra source of skin drying topical solutions such as rubbing alcohol or special creams that you get from the store or by prescription, you will allow your skin to return to a normal state of oil production and pore size.

The second way is to watch what you eat. Although it is commonly thought to be a myth, sugar truly does increase not only the size of the acne that you have but the duration that it is on your face or any other part of your body. I have changed only one aspect of my diet which was removing all sugary products and saw a dramatic decrease in the acne that I had in size and in amount.

The third way is to reduce your stress level. Many of us are under stress whether it is monetary or through the relationships that we have. By eliminating as much stress as possible from your life, you will be able to reduce the amount of adrenaline that the adrenal glands are producing which have been proven to indirectly affect the amount of acne that a person has.

By following these three easy steps of eliminating over drying skin products, reducing or eliminating the raw sugar in your diet, and reducing the amount of stress that you have on a daily basis, you will be on your way toward a clearer complexion and a higher self-esteem.
Pimples come in a lot of types, as can be noticed in the kinds of circumstances that can be categorized under pimples. 3 widespread kinds of pimples are: pimples vulgaris, pimples folliculitis, and acne rosacea. The causes behind these conditions are numerous and diverse but they might all consequence into zits, papules, nodules, and an oily complexion.
 
The culprits driving these varieties of acne are diverse so the proper treatment for each and every type is also diverse.

Contraceptives - These are generally used when dealing with hormone-associated acne.


 Source:  www.scribd.com
http://8880deim6frmau09za2zaza02c.hop.clickbank.net/


Fuller's Earth or Multani mutti hair masks


Fuller's Earth or Multani mutti hair masks

Try this dry shampoo if you are in a hurry. Divide your hair into sections and fluff a little multani mitti powder through each section. Rub in well and leave for 10 minutes. Brush out thoroughly with a clean brush. The powder will absorb most of the grease and dirt.

For damaged or dull hair try this treatment. Moisten your hair with warm water and massage a generous amount of refined oil (sesame or apricot oil) into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap (or plastic wrap) and a towel. Leave on for at least one hour. Next, apply a mixture of multani mitti to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Using warm water, thoroughly rinse the mud from your hair and scalp. Shampoo as usual. Apply a liberal amount of refined oil to damp, towel dried hair and scalp. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb. Let your hair dry naturally.

For treating split ends, massage your hair and scalp with olive oil. After two hours steam your hair for half an hour by wrapping a towel dipped in hot water. Wash your hair using a mix of multani mitti and curd (buttermilk for oily hair). The next day shampoo your hair with a regular shampoo.


Source: www.scribd.com and
http://www.rewaj.com/beauty-tips/miraculous-multani-mitti-fullers-earth.html

Fuller's Earth or Multani mutti face masks


Fuller's Earth or Multani mutti face masks

Fuller's earth acne pack
It removes dirt and cleans the skin. Mixed with red sandalwood paste, rose water and a few drops of lemon juice, it makes an excellent pack for acne prone skin. If you have difficulty in getting red sandalwood paste, use the ordinary pure sandalwood paste.



Fuller's earth packs for oily skin

Fuller's earth with rose water can be used for oily skin to remove excess oil.

Take a tablespoon each of curd, multani mitti powder and mint powder. Soak multani mitti and mint powder in curd for half an hour and then blend well. Apply it on your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with lukewarm water followed by a cold-water rinse.


Fuller's earth skin firming pack

Fuller's earth, egg white and sandalwood paste makes a wonderful skin firming pack. Use this once in a week.

Face pack for patchy skin
Take a tablespoon each of curd and multani mitti and a teaspoon of mint powder. Soak multani mitti in curd for half an hour, then mix mint in it. Apply the paste on the face. Leave it to dry and wash off with lukewarm water followed by a cold-water rinse.

Mix a tablespoon each of curd and multani mitti with half a teaspoon of honey and one eighth teaspoon of baking soda for a mask for normal to oily skin. A simple mask of multani mitti with besan and rose water is effective for treating sunburn. Some multani mitti mixed with tomato juice applied it to your skin is also good for treating sunburn.

To remove pimple marks, grind two or three neem leaves into a paste and mix with a tablespoon of multani mitti soaked in water. Apply this to clean skin and let it dry completely before washing it off. Do this daily for 15 days.

Scrubs for oily skin
Mix together one fourth cup of multani mitti, one fourth cup dried orange peel and two tablespoons full of oatmeal powder. Take a spoon full of this mixture, add some water to make a paste and apply it all over the face and neck. Work the paste gently into the skin in a circular motion. Concentrate on the nose and chin area. Wash off with water. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores.

Mask for black-heads
Mix four ounces of powdered almonds, two ounces of glycerin soap and one ounce of multani mitti in a little water. Rub this exfoliating scrub on the blackhead-affected areas on your face. Make an exfoliating scrub with multani mitti, orange peel, sandalwood and tomato pulp. Massage it on the skin and rinse off.

Fuller’s earth cleanser for all skin types
Mix together multani mitti, oatmeal and almond paste. Apply all over face and wash off after 10 minutes. Mix together multani mitti, besan and sandalwood powder in equal quantities and store the mixture in an airtight container. Use a teaspoon of this scrub mixed to a paste with water to cleanse the skin of flakes and dirt.

Body mudpack
Make a whole body mudpack with five tablespoons of multani mitti, a cup of fresh apple juice, a tablespoon each of lemon juice and honey, two tablespoons of almond oil and six drops of sandalwood essential oil. Mix the multani mitti with apple and lemon juice until it forms a smooth paste. Stir in the almond oil, honey and essential oil.

To use, apply small amounts of the mixture to the body. Start at the feet and work up. Concentrate on areas of dull skin. Gently massage the mixture into the skin and leave for a few minutes to dry before getting into the shower. Use warm water to rinse off all traces of the mudpack, and then shower.




Source: www.scribd.com and

http://www.rewaj.com/beauty-tips/miraculous-multani-mitti-fullers-earth.html

10.26.2011

Sea Salt skin treatment


Sea Salt skin treatment


The Dead Sea, famous for its natural salt content, is often referred to as a fountain of youth. Natural sea salts are among the greatest ingredients for skin care, as they improve circulation, stimulate cell growth, exfoliate dead skin, reduce swelling, itching and pain and offer a number of essential minerals which absorb through the skin.

This wonderful bath can be used as a foot soak or as an all over bath for the body. It takes under a minute to make and is ideal for all types of skin. This soothing bath relaxes, and restores the feet and body to a calm and balanced state.

For the Feet
·         mix 1/4 cup of sea salt to a bowl or pedicure style basin filled with hot water.
·         10-15 drops of your choice of essential oils can now be added, here are a few suggestions:

·         LAVENDER: Lavender is a very good choice for the feet, especially if you are suffering from athlete's foot or any other foot condition. Lavender is also a great antiseptic and purifier. It relaxes and has a wonderful aromatic quality. Add 10-15 drops of Lavender Oil.
·         LEMON: Lemon has a wonderful cleansing and refreshing aroma, and allows the feet and body to deep cleanse and renew.
·         NEROLI: Neroli is a wonderful treatment oil for dry cracked skin. It is very restorative and calming.
·         TANGERINE: Tangerine is a fantastic aromatic oil that calms, and soothes the nervous system. It also aids in depression.

Soak feet in this bath, it is very relaxing and it removes dead cells.

For your skin

Wash your face in warm water, to which a little salt is added. It makes you feel fresh.
Add 2 tbsp of salt to a tub of water and bathe in that water to remain fresh. It soothes tired muscles.
Salt is also used as a scrub. Massage with a handful of salt on to wet skin after a shower. It will make skin smooth.




Source: www.scribd.com

http://skincare.about.com/od/spa/a/SayerSeaSaltSk.htm

Sugar scrubs for your complexion


Sugar scrubs for your complexion



Sugar scrubs are a luxurious way to pamper your skin since they exfoliate and moisturize at the same time and will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.



Sugar scrub
Sugar can be used as a scrub. While washing face add sugar and a little lemon juice to the soap lather and scrub your face.

Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
3 TBS fresh coffee grounds
5 tsp almond oil
5 tsp jojoba oil
2 tsp honey
1 tsp vitamin E
1 tsp vanilla

Lavender & Rosewood Scrub
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup almond oil
1/2 tsp vitamin E
6 drops rosewood essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil

Brown Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of almond oil
1/4 cup of liquid Ivory hand soap
1/4 tsp of vanilla

Mix ingredients and use as a body scrub/exfoliator.

Home made sugar scrub
·         50 percent white cane sugar (note that organic sucanat, while the best choice for food, doesn’t work as well for this recipe)
·         50 percent vegetable glycerin to moisten the sugar (avocado oil can be a successful substitute)
·         Small amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin C crystals, or anything healing that dissolves in water
·         1 or 2 drops of essential oil if desired
·         Enough ground hibiscus powder for pink color (if desired)
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Scoop some of the scrub onto your hand and massage gently onto your skin for a minute (the scrub will actually tighten onto your skin like a masque). Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing.


Source: www.scribd.com
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-sugar-scrub.html#ixzz1bvSloIzl
http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/