The Ultimate Everything-You-Need-to-Know Guide to Acne

GETTY Dr. Neal Schultz is one of the most highly regarded dermatologists in the country. He has been repeatedly featured within the “Best Doctors” lists in New YorkMagazine, and he's the founder ofdermtv.com, where he has posted over 500 videos covering pretty much every skin-related topic imaginable. A few months ago, we asked him to fill us in on the ins and outs of sun protection and now we turned to him once again to get an everything guide to acne. theFashionSpot: What are some of the best things people can do to prevent acne? Dr. Neal Shultz: Regular washing and toning with cleanser and toner for acne prone/oily skin and daily exfoliation with chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or salicylic acid; I believe glycolic works better. Also, while most foods don’t cause acne, avoiding foods high in iodine and any other food that has consistently caused breakouts. Make sure you're not sleeping with makeup on regularly, avoiding ALL oil-based products. tFS: Is there a difference in teen versus adult acne? NS: No. tFS: What's the difference between salicylic acid, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide — and can they work together? NS: Salicylic acid is strictly an exfoliant to help unclog your pores. Sulfur reduces inflammation and helps heal inflammatory pimples (not blackhead or whiteheads), so it's often used as a spot treatment. Benzoyl peroxide is a combination antibiotic and exfoliant so it’s very effective and yes, they can all be used by the same patient, but not at the same time on the same pimples. tFS: What's the deal with Accutane?   NS: The original manufacturer stopped making it because of legal constraints in the U.S. Now other manufacturers have reintroduced it under other brand names. tFS: Is it something you recommend given the dangers?  NS: Definitely YES… It’s one of the miracle drugs of the 20th century; it not only cures acne but changes peoples lives! Accutane, like other potent medicine, has side effects. But there are really only two that are “dangerous.” They concern pregnancy and the alleged causation of depression. Any woman that becomes pregnant while on Accutane unfortunately must terminate that pregnancy because Accutane will cause a deformed baby, however, that risk goes away a month after finishing Acctuane. The controversy surrounding depression is much more difficult to conclude. Certainly anybody that is a candidate for Accutane and has a history of depression or is taking medicine for depression should consult with the physician who is treating that depression, but I know one thing for sure: Accutane stops acne. Bad acne causes depression, and as far as I’m concerned, Accutane relieves depression. tFS: Are there textures that are more effective than others (pads versus lotion for example)? NS: That’s a personal preference, but pads are great for treating large areas and have the added benefit of providing a small amount of physical exfoliation. tFS: Can you talk to us a little bit about how to find acne-friendly products? NS: By definition, if you have acne or are prone to acne breakouts, you have oily skin and if you have oily skin, then the last thing that you would want to do is to put oil-containing products on your skin. When you go to buy skincare products, look for "water based." Water based means that it is mostly water so there is very little or no oil in it. The second term you want to look for is the self-explanatory "oil free." Oil free is oil free, which is just what you want. The third term is "non-clogging." This means it has been shown to not clog pores and therefore it should not cause breakouts. The last term is the confusing one: it’s called "non-comedogenic." A comedone is a blackhead or a whitehead and something that is comedogenic causes them (conversely, something that is non-comedogenic has been tested and demonstrated to not clog pores). So the next time you go to buy products for your skin, if you are prone to acne, make sure they are labeled water based, oil free, non-clogging or non-comedogenic. tFS: Sweating can often aggravate acne. What should we do when working out/sweating? NS: You’ll probably be surprised to find out that washing your face before you exercise is what’s so very important in trying to prevent acne breakouts from sweating during exercise. Nobody would dispute that exercise is terrific for your body, your heart and your mind, but one thing’s for sure, the sweating that occurs is annoying. So what do we do? Of course, we wipe it away and when we wipe it away, that motion is fast and it’s not gentle and effectively what it does is grinds any makeup, dirt, debris or oil that’s on the skin into the pores. In doing that, you promote clogs and acne breakouts. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that before you exercise, you take off your makeup and wash your face thoroughly and then tone it thoroughly to make sure that you removed all of the makeup, oil, dirt and debris so that when you do wipe your perspiration away, you won’t clog your pores or cause acne breakouts. tFS: What are the dietary and psychological factors that can affect acne? NS: We’ve all heard about the traditional forbidden foods like chocolate, nuts, caffeine, colas, fried foods, pizza… The reality? When you do well-controlled, statistically valid studies, those foods don’t cause acne. Some people, however, come in and tell me "when I eat chocolate, I break out," and I tell that patient, of course, you obviously can’t eat chocolate. But at this point in your life, if you haven’t noticed a relationship between eating those foods and breaking out with pimples the next day, then there probably is no relationship. The only exception is iodine and iodine is contained in shellfish, lobster, shrimp, crabmeat and certain green vegetables that come out of the ocean like seaweed, spinach, kelp and certain medications like thyroid medications. Iodine will cause acne, but not the day after you eat it. It’s the accumulation of eating these foods day after day that suddenly causes acne. In terms of psychological factors, anything that causes stress makes acne worse, more so in females than males. The stress organ, called the adrenal gland, secretes the hormones called cortisone, which helps your body fight stress. Each time your adrenal gland secretes cortisone, it also leaks out a little bit of male hormone, testosterone, which increases oil production and thereby increases acne. The reason women are affected by this much more than men is because women normally have such a small amount of male hormone in their blood that the small amount that leaks out with the cortisone represents a meaningful increase in women’s blood testosterone level. Link  http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/360671-the-ultimate-everything-guide-to-acne/

Top 10 Superfoods for Healthy Skin

Skin is the body’s largest organ. Many people rely on cosmetic products to care for their skin. But rather than chemical-based products, the skin would benefit greatly from proper nourishment. You can nourish your skin from the inside out by eating the right kinds of food.

While genetics and lifestyle habits play a significant role in skin health, by eating the right foods you can easily fight acne, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, protect it from sun damage and enhance your skin’s natural beauty. There are many foods with skin-friendly vitamins that will not only benefit your health but also your skin.

Here are the top 10 superfoods for healthy skin.

1. Oranges

Oranges are very beneficial for skin. This citrus fruit is extremely high in vitamin C, which is required for producing, maintaining and repairing skin cells. This particular vitamin also helps improve the texture and color of the skin as well as prevent the various signs of early aging.

Plus, the B complex vitamins, including B1 and folate, present in oranges improve blood flow. This means more oxygen and nutrients reach the skin, which is required to maintain a healthy tone. Improved circulation also keeps the skin hydrated, preventing dry skin and flaking.

You can eat oranges as a snack, include some in a mixed fruit salad or drink orange juice.

2. Almonds

To keep your skin looking its best, include almonds in your diet plan. Almonds are one of the best food sources of vitamin E that helps nourish your skin and protect it from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Almonds also contain various antioxidants and anti-aging properties that help reduce wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging. The essential fatty acids present in almonds are known to help reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby helping to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

You can eat whole almonds as a snack or add sliced almonds to salads, cereal, yogurt, or baked goods. However, try to eat almonds in moderation, as they are also high in calories.

You can massage your face, hands and legs regularly with almond oil to enjoy a remarkably glowing and radiant complexion that will surely make you look younger than your age.

3. Avocados

Avocados are considered Mother Nature’s skin moisturizer due to the healthy fats and nutrients present in them. In fact, they act as humectants for your skin and help give it a more youthful quality and reducethe appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Also, this fruit contains vitamins C, E, K, folic acid, magnesium and potassium, which are all essential for healthy skin. The high amount of vitamin E helps protect the skin from wrinkles and damage caused by sun, smoke, and pollution. Plus, the proteins and healthy fat present in avocados help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

For good skin complexion, rub the pulp of ripe avocado against your skin two to four times a week. You can also try an avocado facial that can be easily prepared at home. Mash some avocado and mix it with a little milk. Apply it to your clean face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lots of water. Plus, do not forget to include this fruit in your diet.

4. Blueberries

When it comes to the best foods for your skin, you simply cannot leave out blueberries. Blueberries are high in vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that helps keep the collagen in your skin healthy. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture studied 40 common fruits and vegetables, and blueberries ranked number one for antioxidant activity.

Plus, these berries are high in anthocyanins and quercetin, which help reduce inflammation and keep your skin evenly toned and radiant.

To prevent signs of premature aging, add half a cup of blueberries to your yogurt or cereal every day. You can even drink a glass of blueberry juice. Other berries like raspberries, blackberries and strawberries also are good for the skin.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are extremely good for your skin. They contain a high level of the anti-aging antioxidant known as lycopene, which helps protect the skin from sun damage.

The acidic property in tomatoes helps in reducing and clearing up acne and other skin blemishes. The vitamin A in tomatoes also helps keep your hair shiny and strong.

You can find many ways to include tomatoes in your diet. Also, you can apply tomato pulp on your skin, leave it on for a minimum of 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this daily to make your skin feel clean and shiny.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is considered one of the healthiest drinks and the best part is that this healthy drink is a storehouse of skin benefits. It contains a great deal of antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals to prevent premature aging.

Green tea is highly beneficial in treating different types of skin disorders like acne, pimples, psoriasis, rosacea, wrinkles, and warts. Plus, it is extremely effective in safeguarding the skin against sunburn and tanning when applied locally.

Several studies have also demonstrated that green tea helps combat skin cancer by blocking the cancer-causing harmful enzyme. So, to enjoy healthy and glowing skin as well as a good complexion, try to drink at least two cups of green tea daily.

7. Spinach

This popular leafy green vegetable has immense health benefits. Spinach is also good for your skin being a rich source of vitamins A, B, C and E as well as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

The high amount of vitamin A present in spinach acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent cell damage and premature aging. Packed with beta-carotene, spinach also helps prevent dry skin and wrinkles and  protects the skin against sunburn and UV damage.

For healthy skin, drink half a glass of spinach juice daily. You can also add spinach to your salad or use it to garnish your dishes.

8. Dark Chocolate

It is true that dark chocolate is good for your skin. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, one of the biggest causes of unhealthy skin. It also helps increase blood flow to the skin and improve the skin’s hydration and complexion.

Plus, the cocoa extract present in dark chocolate helps reduce skin roughness and scaling and inflammatory chemicals that are harmful to the skin.

As dark chocolate contains a lot of calories, eat no more than three ounces daily. You can also add dark chocolate to smoothies or homemade cakes and muffins.

9. Salmon

Salmon is another superfood that can make your skin healthy and radiant. Being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, this cold water fish is known to nourish the skin by reducing the body’s production of inflammatory substances. This in turn helps clear clogged pores and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking clear and refreshed.

Omega-3 fatty acids also improve circulation, which is crucial to skin health. Salmon also has selenium and zinc. While selenium helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, zinc stimulates the production of new cells and sloughing of dead skin, which leaves a nice glow.

You can enjoy grilled, baked and cooked salmon to keep your skin glowing with health.

10. Eggs

Eggs are packed with high quality protein, vitamins A, D, E and highly absorbable B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, copper and selenium that play an important role in skin health. While selenium helps keep the skin free of infections, vitamin A helps in the development of new skin cells and the growth of new tissue required for healing wounds.

The copper present in eggs promotes skin elasticity. Plus, the antioxidants found in eggs protect the skin against the UV damage that can cause fine lines, brown spots, and even cancer.

A serving of two large eggs helps provide sufficient protein to maintain healthy skin as well as hair. You can also use eggs in homemade face masks and conditioners.

To keep your skin healthy and young for years, be sure to incorporate these superfoods in your diet. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical exercise, drinking ample amounts of water, sleeping for six to eight hours daily, reducing stress and laughing more. This will slow down the aging process and help you maintain healthy and glowing skin.

Resources:www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2155595/Tomatoes-help-skin-young-protect-sunburn.html
www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/orange-juice-makes-us-more-beautiful-1154529

Link  http://www.top10homeremedies.com/superfoods/top-10-superfoods-healthy-skin.html/

Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Freckles

Freckles are flat, round and brown spots in different sizes that appear on the skin. Both men and women can have freckles. According to the American Association of Dermatologists (AAD), freckles are a sign of skin damage. Some of the common causes behind the appearance of freckles are too much exposure to the sunlight, hereditary, hormonal imbalance, and many more. Though freckles could be present all over the body, they are mostly present in areas which often get exposed to sun rays.

There are medical ways to remove freckles but the process can be very expensive. If you have freckles, then you can easily get rid of them by trying several natural treatments at home. These treatments are safe to try at home and there is also no risk of side effects.

Here are top 10 home remedies to get rid of Freckles.

1. Sour Cream

The lactic acids present in sour milk can help a lot to get rid of freckles. Take some sour cream and directly apply it on the affected skin area and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Instead of rinsing it off completely with water, you must gently wipe it off with a soft tissue or a towel and then apply some moisturizer. This remedy will not cause skin irritation or dryness. Follow this remedy at least once daily until the freckles go away. Alternatively you can also rinse the affected skin area with sour milk daily. In case you do not have sour milk, then you can always use yogurt.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a highly effective ingredient that can be used to treat freckle as well as brown spots. Lemon juice has lightening properties and so it will nicely bleach the dark spots on your skin. Take fresh lemon juice and with the help of your fingers apply it on the affected skin area and gently massage the area for ten to fifteen minutes. Finally rinse the skin with lukewarm water. Do this remedy twice a day. Another option is to dissolve some sugar in the juice of one lemon and then apply this mixture on to the affected area with the help of a brush. Gently massage for some time and then wash the skin with water.

3. Honey

Make a mixture of honey and water and heat it slightly and then apply it on the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Finally rinse the area properly with warm water. You can also make an herbal mask at home by mixing wheat germ with warm honey. Apply this mask and allow it to sit for about ten minutes and then rinse the area with warm water and then wash it again with cold water. This is one of the most effective home remedies for freckles. Another option is to make a mixture of honey and yogurt, and apply it on the freckles for half an hour daily.

4. Eggplant

Eggplant can also be used to remove freckles. Take one fresh eggplant and slice it into thick pieces and apply the slices all over the affected skin area. Gently rub the eggplant slices in a circular motion and leave them on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. Follow this remedy once daily for about a week to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin. The freckles will become lightened considerably after two weeks.

5. Buttermilk

Applying buttermilk on freckles can also help in lightening them. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get rid of freckles is to apply buttermilk over the freckles, leave it for ten minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Another option is to make a thick paste of powdered oatmeal and buttermilk. Apply this paste on the affected area, leave for about half an hour and then finally wash it off with cold water. Do this remedy once daily until you get positive results.

6. Horseradish

Horseradish juice when dabbed on the affected skin area for ten minutes daily can also help a lot in lightening the freckles. Another option is to take one grated horseradish and mix it with the juice of one lemon and blend them together to make a paste. Apply this paste all over the affected skin area and allow it to dry. Finally wash it off with the help of some cold water. When this remedy is followed on regular basis it will soon lighten the freckles and make them less noticeable.

7. Onion

Onions also can be used for removing freckles and brown spots. For better result, use red onion instead of the normal one. Take one red onion and cut it into thick slices and then rub the onion slices gently on the freckles twice daily. You must continue this remedy daily until the freckles fade away. Another option is to grate one red onion and extract its juice and then apply the juice onto the affected skin area twice a day. For better result, add a teaspoon of vinegar to onion juice. If this remedy is repeated for a week or two, nothing can stop you from enjoy spotless skin.

8. Castor Oil

Castor oil is another way to treat freckles at home as it can equalize the skin pigmentation and help the freckles to fade away. Before going to bed, apply castor oil on the affected skin area and next morning wipe it off with a soft tissue and then only wash the skin with lukewarm water. Continue this remedy daily until you get rid of the freckles. For better result opt for odorless castor oil. Alternatively, you can also use vitamin E oil or olive oil to reduce blemishes and freckles.

9. Papaya

Papaya juice is another effective remedy to get rid of freckles. Papain is a kind of enzyme present in papaya that can help to lighten freckles. Take fresh papaya juice and apply it directly on the freckles with the help of a clean cotton ball and gently massage the area. After ten minutes, you can rinse the skin with the help of some cold water. This remedy will remove freckles and any other kind of skin blemishes and at the same time it will make your skin healthier and soft.

10. Sesame Seeds

For this remedy you will need equal amount of sesame seeds and turmeric. Mix both the ingredients together and grind them properly by adding little water to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected skin area. Leave it for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Make this a daily routine and soon your freckles will fade away.

To conclude, the above mentioned suggestions can help you to keep the freckles at bay. As freckles can re-appear with the change in climate, you must try the above mentioned remedies for a longer period of time in order to completely get rid of them.

Link  http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-freckles.html

DIY Exfoliation for Acne and Brightening of Skin

DIY Exfoliation for Acne and Brightening of Skin !!! 



Apple Cider Vinegar has high contents of malic and lactic acid, which means, it’s AMAZING at clearing your skin, fighting acne evening the tone (since it will naturally exfoliate), fighting wrinkles and balancing your skins PH levels–all of that from one of your mom’s favorite kitchen ingredients!

Simply take 1 cup distilled water, with 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar and mix together. Apply on face using a cotton pad every night before bed. For oily skin, try using in the morning as well, but only if your face is very, VERY oily!

Link  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Real-Beauty-Tips-completely-proven-home-remedies/191220504313452

7 Home Remedies to Relieve a Sunburn

People who like to say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure are smug jerks, especially when it comes to sunburns. While they were eating spoonfuls of tomato paste, canned flamingo, and fish oil, nibbling on grape seeds, using portable vitamin D test kits, and smearing green tea all over their bodies, sure, they didn’t get burned, but were they really living? Because you sure were. You were out there in the sun, just basking in it, arms outstretched to accept its vibrant rays like it was a commercial for a venereal disease medication. You may have gotten a little baked, a little too much color, but it was well worth it… right?

Well, now you’ve gotta deal with this sunburn business. It’s red, it hurts, it’s veritably unhealthy, and you’re about to start peeling. What do you do? How can you soothe the flaming epidermis? How can you halt, or perhaps even reverse the damage before it gets out of hand?

Recent research has apparently found the culprit responsible for a sunburn’s pain: an inflammatory molecule called CXCL5. CXCL5 is a chemokine, a protein that recruits inflammatory immune cells to damaged tissue. In sunburned tissue, researchers found that CXCL5 was present in large quantities. Later, they found that as sunburned rats healed, an antibody began specifically targeting and reducing CXCL5 levels. This reduced pain. As of now, there exists no known home remedy (or pharmaceutical remedy) for triggering CXCL5 antibodies – if that’s even something we want to mess around with, since pain exists for a reason – but there are many home remedies for dealing with the pain.

Yes, home remedies for sunburns are plentiful, but few have anything to back them up but hearsay and anecdote. Anecdote can be incredibly useful (I’ve included some of the more interesting ones below), but let’s also take a look to see which remedies, if any, have supporting evidence.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the classic remedy. You get a bad sunburn and almost anyone’s initial response is “Apply some aloe.” Is this advice warranted? Well, the actual aloe vera plant has over two millennia of history as a medicine across many traditional cultures spanning multiple regions, including China, India, Latin America, Japan, Russia, and Africa. Modern research has confirmed its effects on blood lipids, glucose tolerance, wound healing (has been shown to slow and speed up healing rates in different studies), and first- and second-degree burn recovery, but, strangely enough, not on sunburn. It neither prevents nor heals sunburns. That said, it does appear to soothe the pain associated with sunburns, so go ahead and apply away.

Kukui Nut Oil

The kukui tree was introduced to the Hawaiian islands roughly 1,500 years ago by early Polynesian explorers. It was henceforth and hitherto employed by the islands’ inhabitants in both medical and nonmedical arenas, in particular the oil from the kukui nut. Kukui nut oil was used as fuel, as a laxative, as a topical joint pain and arthritis reliever, and, most famously, as a reliever of skin conditions – including sunburn. The oil’s efficacy has never been “proven,” but I think 1,500 years of steady use (PDF) by a sunbaked population with extensive sunburn experience elevates kukui nut oil bey0nd mere anecdote.

Topical Vitamin E

Another popular remedy is to break open capsules of vitamin E and rub it into the affected area of the skin. Does it work? Perhaps so. One study on hairless mice exposed to UVB found that applying a common vitamin E supplement (tocopherol acetate) to the skin immediately after exposure lessened the sun damage. Even applying the vitamin E eight hours after exposure helped, but the effect was reduced the longer they waited.

Topical Black Tea

Last week, I mentioned how the polyphenols in tea leaves can improve your skin’s resistance to UV radiation when they’re ingested, but it appears that topical tea application can soothe and perhaps speed up the healing of sunburns. For a detailed tutorial on how to do it, check out this great article on Instructables (complete with detailed pictures). I’ve also heard good things about sharing a cool bath with several tea bags, and I’ve got a friend who saves all her used tea bags for topical application during the summer months. She’ll soak them for ten seconds in cool water, and then just slap them on to the burn.

Milk

You don’t have to be a lacto-paleo to embrace the topical benefits of dairy, according to one dermatologist. She recommends applying cool (“not cold”) milk to your sunburns, using gauze or clean cloth, and claims that “the milk will create a protein film that helps ease the discomfort.” I would imagine grass-fed, raw milk from Jersey cows with A2 casein would work best (I never saw a sunburnt Masai!), but it probably isn’t required.

Vinegar

One part vinegar to one part water, mixed together in a spray bottle and applied directly to the sunburn is supposed to be an effective sunburn relief treatment. A few glugs added to a cool bath is another common one. Unfortunately, I could find no supporting research for this one, but it appeared on enough “sunburn home remedy” lists that I figured there may be something to it. Anyone try it out themselves?

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can seemingly do it all. Numerous readers use it as sunblock, and just as many use it to soothe already established burns. I recall Bear Grylls smearing smashed coconut all over his face and arms to prevent and soothe sunburn during an episode of Man v. Wild, so perhaps there’s something to it.

I wish there were more definitive answers for this one, but I fear that smug “an ounce of prevention” jerk may be right this time.

What are your tried and true home remedies for a bad sunburn? I’m consistently impressed with the advice and insights you guys dole out in the comment section and in emails, so let’s hear what you’ve got. What works? What doesn’t? Let me know, and thanks for reading!

Link   http://www.marksdailyapple.com/7-home-remedies-to-relieve-a-sunburn/#axzz2qfODvQdy

Almond Oil for Face: Benefits and How to Use the Oil

Almond oil is used widely in many types of cosmetic products for facial skin, hair, and full-body skin. It contains plenty of vitamins primarily needed for human skin and hair to grow healthily and maintain the optimum condition. Some of the best benefits of almond oil for face are listed below.

1. Scrub

Almond oil is an excellent carrier for salt and sugar, so you can use it as the carrier oil for your facial scrub. In general, the salt or sugar works by removing dirt and rough or dead skin cells from the face. Almond oil works by immediately moisturize the scrubbed skin. A mix of almond oil with sugar is also effective to soften the lips.

Apply this treatment once a week for best results. Please remember that such solution is not recommended for people with sensitive skin or acne problems. Wash your face thoroughly by using warm water after applying this facial scrub.

2. Facial massage

The best time to use almond oil for facial massage is before bed. It ensures that the oil will stay long enough so that it can perform its functions well. Almond oil massage helps to reduce dark circles under eye, remove dead skin cells, improves the texture of your facial skin. Another benefit of taking almond oil facial massage before bed is that the solution is actually very relaxing.

Almond oil also reduces sunburn effects on face, prevents aging, and gets rid of wrinkles. You can almost say that this oil is an all-in-one natural substance for your facial treatments.

3. Get rid of dark circles under eyes

There are of course plenty of cosmetic products commercially available that you can use for removing dark circles under eyes. Nonetheless, if you are looking for more natural solutions, almond oil is always a good choice. You can simply apply the oil in the dark areas before bed, so you can let it work while you are asleep. For optimum results, you need to perform this treatment everyday for several weeks. This treatment will not only get rid of dark circles under eye, but it also helps to reduce dark eyelids and crow’s feet.

4. Cleanser

People with acne problems or sensitive skin are not suggested to use almond oil for facial scrub, but they can use the oil as facial cleanser. The good thing is that you don’t need to mix it with other solution. Apply almond oil directly to your facial skin and leave it for several minutes.

Almond oil facial cleanser removes dirt as effectively as the facial scrub. Basically, the cleanser will open pores, which will help to force dead skin cells and dirt to come out to the surface. As you wash your face, the dirt will also go away.

5. Facial moisturizer

The most common benefit of almond oil for face is that it can be used as daily moisturizer. It does not only soften rough or dry skin, but almond oil also creates protective layer on the face. Wet your hands with warm water, and then massage the oil to all areas of your face. This will help the oil to penetrate more easily into the skin. You can even apply makeup after the oil is absorbed.

Almond oil is a natural substance, so it is generally healthier since there is no chemical ingredient exposed to your facial skin. Apply this moisturizer daily for smoother and softer skin.

How to Use Almond Oil on Your Face

Almond oil does offer various benefits for facial skin beauty and health. Nonetheless, it has to be applied in specific ways based on the intended purpose. It is as well possible that everybody experience different results depending on skin conditions and other underlying problems. Below you will find some different methods on using almond oil on face.

a) For treating dark circles

For this purpose, you need to mix almond oil with milk powder in equal proportion. Keep mixing those two substances until they become a paste with thick consistency. Apply the paste to dark circles under your eyes, and then leave it for approximately 10 minutes. Please be very careful in applying, so it does not make direct contact with eyes.

After 10 minutes, simply wash your face thoroughly. Another good method is by mixing 2 teaspoons of almond oil with 2 teaspoons of honey. Apply the mixture to the dark circles, and leave it overnight. Rinse the paste off in the morning.

b) As Facial Mask

To create a facial mask, mix 1 tbsp of almond oil with 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. If mixed well, those three different substances will form a paste. Simply use your finger to apply the paste to all areas of your face. You can apply this facial mask in the morning, and then leave it for 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

c) As Facial Cleanser

Another good benefit of almond oil for face is that you can use it as facial cleanser without adding any additive. Please make sure that your face is clean and dry before applying the oil. Pour some drops of almond oil (1/2 tsp) into your palm then gently rub the oil onto all areas of your face. Let the oil stay on your face for 2 minutes for best results.

For through cleaning, wet a cloth with warm water then wring it. Cover your face with this cloth for 3 minutes to open the pores on your facial skin. After three minutes, wet the cloth once again with warm water, and use it to wipe the oil away from your face.

d) As Facial Scrub

You can mix almond oil with sugar or salt to create a facial scrub. Use your hands to gently rub this mixture onto your facial skin. It can remove dirt and dead skin cells easily. People with sensitive skin or acne problems should not use such mixture for facial scrub. Rubbing too hard may cause skin irritation. Use warm water to rinse the mixture thoroughly.

e) As Facial Moisturizer

It is very easy to use almond oil as facial moisturizer. Simply take some drops of almond oil and apply it to your face. Please make sure that you only apply the oil on dry skin.

Conclusion

Almond oil contains essential vitamins for skin health and beauty including A, E, and D. For this reason, many cosmetic products also use this oil as the primary ingredient. To gain the most beneficial effects of almond oil for face, it is probably necessary to mix it with other substances such as honey or other vegetable oils.

Link  http://www.almondoilforface.net

Curd for Hair and Skin

Curd for Hair and Skin

Curd or yogurt has a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is also a rich source of calcium. It is easily digestible and is not only good for our health but is also a wonderful beauty aid. Find few beauty recipes using curd to enhance the beauty of your skin and hair below.

Curd for hair 

Curd hair conditioning mask:Curd is a good hair conditioner. Apply curd to your scalp and wash it off after 20 minutes with besan or green gram flour. You can even use a mild shampoo to wash your hair.

Curd Anti dandruff mask:
Mix sour curd with juice of half a lemon and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off after 20 minutes.It is a natural treatment to get rid of dandruff.

Curd for Dry hairSoak a tbsp of fenugreek seeds overnight, grind it to a paste and mix it with curd. Apply this to your scalp, leave it for an hours and then wash it off with warm water and besan.This natural treatment helps  persons with dry and frizzy hair.

Curd For face 

Curd refreshing face mask:
Take curd and apply it on the face and massage in upward direction. Dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and wipe your face. Then clean your face with cotton soaked in chilled rose water.

Home made skin cleanser
Curd or Yogurt (plain & natural) is a wonderful natural homemade skin cleanser. It can be used to massage and cleanse all skin types.

Curd for sunburn

Mix a tsp of besan (kadalai mavu) with a little curd and apply it on the face.Wash with cool water after 15-20 minutes. It helps in treating sunburn.

Anti tan mask 

Apply curd mixed with a few drops of fresh lime juice on your face to remove tan instantly.

Go ahead and pamper your skin and hair with these natural treatments using curd.

Link  http://www.healthbeautytips.net/curd-for-hair-and-skin.htm

Hand Care Tips-Home Remedies for Chapped hands

Hand Care Tips-Home Remedies for Chapped hands

Hands are as important as your face. Do you know that your hands can show your age as it ages faster than other parts of the body. They do so much work that they should be given special care. Nothing can be more unattractive than dry uncared hands and unkempt nails. So never neglect your hands. Here you will find few natural tips to take care of your hands.

Hand Care at home

The most important thing is to keep your hands well moisturized. Apply a good hand lotion or a rich nourishing cream before going to bed.

Exfoliate your hands with a mixture of Bengal gram flour (besan),milk and fresh lemon juice regularly.

Tips for soft hands:  

Mix 1 tsp of Glycerin, half teaspoon of lemon juice with a few drops of rose water and apply it twice a day.

Blend banana, add 1-2 tsp of honey to it and apply it on the hands. Wash it off after it dries.

Mix a tsp of honey with a tbsp of beetroot paste, 2-3 drops of glycerin and apply it for soft hands and legs.

Rub peel of lemon to soften rough elbows.

Natural Home remedies for chapped hands:

Wash hands, pat dry and apply vinegar diluted in a little water and put on a pair of soft gloves. Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and pat it dry.

Wear gloves while doing housework like washing dishes to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals.

Massage your hands with olive oil or sunflower oil. This is an effective home remedy for chapped hands.

Mix fresh cream with a tsp of sugar, few drops of lemon juice and massage your hands till the sugar granules dissolve. 

Massage almond oil or almond oil mixed with egg yolk and a little honey on your hands. Wash with warm water after 15-20 minutes.

Apply coconut oil mixed with petroleum jelly to cure rough, chapped hands.

Natural scrub for dark hands
Mix almond powder, sugar, milk cream and lemon juice together and use as a scrub.
Mix white of an egg, 1 tbsp glycerin, little honey and powdered barley to make a soft paste. Apply it on your hands, leave it to dry. Then it wash off with warm water.
Follow these natural treatments regularly to have soft and beautiful hands.

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Link http://www.healthbeautytips.net/hand-care-tips-home-remedies-for-chapped-hands.htm