Skin Care | prCvir

How To Use Cucumber For Your Skin Care?

Is cucumber good for your skin? Let’s find out.

First, our skin has many other purposes other than being beautiful and serving as an eye candy for everyone. It protects our internal organs from any of the external adversities as far as possible.

Whenever you are running down with fever, due to sweating skin tries to bring down the temperature.

Entry of foreign object or any other unwanted material is disallowed by the skin.

Even with all these uses, if we tend to disregard skin’s importance then it would be a real shame.

Cucumber is a very edible fruit which comes from the cucumber plant cucumis sativus, which is part of the gourd family.

It is being used for different purpose as it can be eaten raw or cooked.

With so many health benefits it becomes one of the most important parts of food diet as well as skin diet.

Cucumber can claim to be a water body as it has 90% water. It is known to be a cooling agent due to the water in it.

It is believed that cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes.

This is world-wide treatment which is being used to its maximum extent.

These also can be one of the most wonderful and natural eye pads you can find for yourself.

The puffiness and the tiredness in your eyes may just leave you, if you do this in a relaxed fashion.

These natural eye pads do wonders after a long day’s work.

If you want a happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas.

It helps in soothing and softening your skin which can get you relaxed in no time.

With so many useful ingredients in cucumber it can help you in treating so many skin problems.

It has become part of daily beauty product into face packs, facials, juice and many other things which can affect your skin.

Due to its cooling effect it can be termed as a magic wand for all your skin problems. The cleaning and cleansing property helps your skin tremendously making it soft and supple.

Likewise, the regular intake of cucumber juice is very useful both internally and externally. So, why not try it?

To have a glowing and smooth skin you can use this recipe:

Blend 4-5 leafs of fresh mint. Peel and de-seed the cucumber.

Add mint leaves to the cucumber to make a puree.

Beat egg white and keep it separate, then add this egg white to the cucumber mixture.

Apply this evenly on your face for 20 minutes and then rinse it with water and pat it dry.

Take note to exercise all precautions while following instructions on this recipes. Avoid using if you are allergic to something.

14 Cucumber Beauty Recipes

Now, here are other 14 skin care recipes using cucumber as one of its ingredients.

Cucumber Wrinkle Cream

You will need:

1/2 cucumber

1 egg white

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1/2 cup oil*

* Use wheat germ, olive or avocado oil.

You have to:

Wash the cucumber, but do not peel.

Cube and blend with remaining ingredients.

Apply morning and evening, and gently wipe off with tissues.

Cool As A Cucumber Yogurt Facial (For Normal/Oily Skin)

You will need:

1/2 cucumber

1 tbsp. plain yogurt

You have to:

Puree cucumber in blender.

Mix in yogurt, and then apply to the face.

Leave it on for 30 minutes.

Rinse well.

Cucumber Mask (for oily skin)

You will need:

1/2 cucumber

1 egg white

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. mint

You have to:

Purée ingredients in a blender and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 15 minutes.

Rinse with hot, then cool water.

Cucumber Masque

You will need:

1 cucumber, cubed

3 oz. milk

You have to:

Blend together.

Apply to face, and leave on for 5 minutes.

Cucumber Mask 2

You will need:

1/2 cucumber

1 egg white

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. mint

You have to:

Puree everything and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on 15 minutes.

Rinse with hot then cool water.

Cucumber Facial Mask (Cleans and Moisturizes)

You will need:

1 tbs. instant nonfat dry milk

1/2 peeled cucumber

1 tsp. plain yogurt

You have to:

Put all ingredients into a blender and mix well until smooth.

Apply to your face (avoid your eyes).

Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off.

Mix a fresh batch for each use.

Cucumber-Lemon Tonic (soothing astringent for oily skin)

You will need:

1 cup witch hazel

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tbsp. coarsely chopped cucumber

You have to:

Mix in a clean glass bottle, then let set for 2 days.

Remove the cucumber.

Keep lotion in a cool place or the refrigerator to use as a splash.

This tightens pores, soothes sunburn, and can be used as a natural deodorant, also.

Cucumber-Rose Refresher

You will need:

3 oz. cucumber juice

3 oz. distilled witch hazel

1 1/2 oz. rose water

You have to:

Combine all the ingredients.

Place in a pump spray bottle and spritz onto the skin.

Soothing Cucumber Cream

You will need:

1 whole cucumber, unpeeled

1/2 oz. white paraffin

2 oz. sweet almond oil

You have to:

Cut the cucumber into chunks and purée it in the food processor or blender.

Strain the pulp through a strainer lined with cheesecloth.

Melt the wax in a small bowl in the top of a glass or enamel double boiler over medium heat.

As soon as the wax is melted, slowly add the oil, stirring gently.

Add strained cucumber and blend thoroughly.

Remove the pot from the heat and cover with a clean towel.

Let the mixture cool very slowly to prevent crystals from forming in the wax.

Stir mixture once or twice until cool. When the mixture is completely cool and smooth, store it in a tightly capped glass container in the refrigerator.

It will keep for two months.

To use, smooth a bit of cream every night around the tender skin of your face and neck.

Silky Smooth Facial

You will need:

1 cup fresh cucumber juice

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup plain yogurt

6 drops Lavender

4 drops Geranium

You have to:

Mix well and apply to face just before bath…

Silky Smooth Bath

You will need:

8 drops Jasmine

8 drops Fennel

2 tbsp. Coconut or Jojoba

You have to:

Mix the essential oils in the bath water.

Light a candle and relax…

Vegetable Mask (for troubled skin)

You will need:

1 tbsp. cucumber

1 tbsp. parsley

1 tbsp. yogurt

You have to:

Whirl in the blender until fluffy.

Apply to clean skin

Cooling Summer Body Spray

You will need:

1 tbs. witch hazel

1 tsp. lemon extract

1 tsp. cucumber extract

1 cup water

You have to:

For a refreshing cool feeling, make an after shower spray by combining all the ingredients.

Place in a pump spray bottle and spritz onto the skin.

Cucumber Loofah Soap

You will need:

3 oz. opaque soap

2 tsp. powdered loofah

15 drops cucumber fragrance oil

1 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel

green coloring

mold

You have to:

Shred the soap in a food processor and set aside.

Boil 1/2 cup of water over low heat and stir in the shredded soap.

Continue stirring until the mixture becomes a sticky mass, approximately 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel, the fragrance oil and the coloring until well blended.

Spoon the mixture into a mold and let it set for 6 hours or until hardened.

Wrap finished soaps in cellophane.

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

Do you like cucumbers?

What are your favorite recipes with cucumber?

Have you tried putting cucumber pads on your eyes?

Have you tried any of the beauty skin care recipes with cucumber?

Are you aware of other health and beauty benefits of cucumber?

What Are The Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Acne?

Here are 25 consolidated tips on what to do to avoid and treat acne.

What Is Nature’s Best Acne Skin Care Product?

What is acne and does nature have an answer on how to treat this condition? Acne occurs when the pores in your skin become blocked and they can become infected.

They can be quite red and sore and will often have a white head. Although there is no cure for acne there are things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms.

1. When you do get pimples try not to squeeze them.

It is very tempting to squeeze them and get rid of the white head, but squeezing them can actually make them worse.

It is possible to squeeze out all of the bacteria and the pimple will clear up, but more often than not you will actually squeeze the bacteria further into the skin causing more breakouts. It is better to treat the spots with an acne skin care product instead of squeezing them.

2. Have a look at the type of makeup that you are using as your skin may react to certain cosmetic brands.

Try using cosmetics that are suitable for acne sufferers. Many people try to cover up their acne with makeup but they are usually making it worse. Makeup can clog up the pores and cause acne, especially if you don’t wash it off thoroughly.

3. Shampoo, conditioner, and hairsprays can also contribute to acne if you react to them.

Even though they are not directly touching your face, when you sleep and sweat they can end up on your skin.

4. If your acne develops into a cyst then you may need to visit a dermatologist to receive specialist treatment.

You may need cortisone injections for large cysts.

5. Try some over the counter medications before moving on to stronger medications.

Long term use of strong medications can be harsh on your skin and have a negative effect over time. Quite often the more gentle products can be just as effective.

6. Face masks can also be very effective at reducing acne, particularly clay based face masks.

7. Acne can be worse for people who are under a lot of stress.

Thus, take a look at the stress in your life and see if you can reduce it or find ways to manage it better.

8. Eating a healthy diet will help to reduce or get rid of acne.

Some foods may trigger acne so pay attention to what you eat so you can see if any particular foods make your acne worse. Common acne trigger foods are foods high in sugar and saturated fats.

9. Make sure that you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Many acne sufferers are low in vitamin A, E and Zinc so if you aren’t getting enough of these then you might want to take a multi-vitamin supplement.

10. There are some foods that can help reduce acne.

Berry fruits like strawberries, cherries, blackberries, black and red currants are all great for acne as they contain natural anti-inflammatory agents which can help to reduce acne breakouts.

It is often the natural things that you do that give the best results. Even some simple fruits can be the best natural acne skin care product.

10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

1. Do not pick, press or rub your pimples.

These actions actually increase the sebum production and rupture the membranes below your skin. The infection and sebum will spread underneath your skin and cause more pimples. Also, you risk increasing the chances of leaving scars on your face.

2. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soap.

It is even better if you can buy sulfur-based soap especially for acne. If your skin is too oily, use soap with benzoyl peroxide.

Do not use rough sponges, brushes, or anything similar on your face. You shouldn’t, however, over-wash your face because it will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum which will increase your acne.

Washing away the outside layer of the skin with natural oils is not really helpful preventing or curing acne, or pimple for other people, for it develops under the skin. Although it’s a belief the people develop acne due to the fact that they don’t cleanse their skin thoroughly.

For everyone’s information, washing the skin too much can cause irritation and produces more whiteheads and blackheads that turn into pimples after being infected. Gentle washing is only needed.

3. Check if it is because of the food.

For many people, food allergy can cause very serious acne condition. You should avoid eating too much oily and spicy food. Recent studies have shown that acne can also be caused by milk which contains hormones as well as seafood with relatively high levels of iodine.

If possible, cut down on those foods. Other foods you may consider avoiding are: sugar, dairy products, deep-fried food, meat, nut butters, etc. On the other hand, it is believed that green vegetables, vegetable juices and foods rich in zinc can help alleviate acne condition.

4. Drink more water every day.

“Eight glasses of water a day can keep acne away.” says Jennifer Thoden, a respected acne expert. The reason is that water can carry waste material out of our body and it really helps heal and prevent acne flare-ups.

5. Do not wear makeup if possible.

Makeup products can clog your pores, cause more blackheads and pimples. If you have to wear makeup, make sure it is water-based.

Also, make sure that all cosmetics such as powder, lotion, blush on, foundation, and even sunscreen are oil free. Be sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly and cleanse your skin before you sleep.

6. Do not use oily products.

Avoid products such as hair pomades, intense oil-based facial moisturizers, and oily cleansers. Always watch for labels with the term non-comedogenic, which means they don’t cause pores to be clogged.

7. Keep your face clean.

Do not rest your chin on your hands or constantly touch your face. Regular shampoo your hair and keep it off your face, especially when you sleep.

8. Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and elimination of toxins.

9. Stay stress-free.

Studies have shown that stress not only worsens acne flare-up, it also worsens the overall skin condition. Talk to your friends, listen to your favorite music, or take a walk in the park. There are many things you can do to be stress-free.

10. Get Sunshine and fresh air.

Sunshine stimulates vitamin D in the body, an essential vitamin for healthy skin. Fresh air and sunshine can also reduce stress (tip #9) and increase oxygen to the skin. Don’t get burnt in the sun though. Burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a layer on the skin that doesn’t exfoliate quickly enough and can lead to blocked pores.

Home Acne Treatments Tips

Over the counter and prescription acne treatments often contain chemicals that many people do not wish to use.

Instead, these people search for home treatments for acne. There are many home treatments for acne that actually do work.

Here are some things you can try.

Apply essential oils, such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. For sensitive skin, dilute the oil with grapeseed oil. Apply the oil before going to bed at night, then wash it away in the morning with a pure soap, such as Ivory, and clean water.
If you are not taking any medications that could cause you to be overly sensitive to the sun, try getting some sunshine every day. The purpose is not to tan to hide the acne. Instead, the sun actually kills the bacteria, and dries up the sebum oil that produces acne. This is a common home treatment for acne that doesn’t cost anything.
Acne begins on the inside of the body, not on the surface of the skin. Drink plenty of water – at least eight glasses per day – to help detoxify your body and cure acne. Also, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
For home treatment for acne, apply an oatmeal mask at least once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal, and while it is still warm (not scalding hot) apply it to your entire face. Allow the oatmeal to dry, and then wash it away. You can also use dried oatmeal, dampened – but not cooked – with warm water as a facial scrub to exfoliate the skin and clean the pores.
Avoid eating processed foods, and stick to more natural fruits and vegetables. No food has ever been scientifically proven to cause can. However, if you have a food allergy, the allergy often results in acne. Many people have food allergies, and go their entire lives without knowing it. Don’t assume that a food allergy will leave you unconscious on the floor – the allergic reaction can appear in many forms, like acne breakouts. You can visit an allergist for a simple blood test to find out if you have any food allergies.

There are many other home treatments for acne, some of which work, and some of which do not work.

The important thing is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, get plenty of sleep, wash your face at least twice a day, and take vitamins – especially vitamin A and vitamin E.

Indeed, these are loads of tips that you can do at the onset of acne, for preventing it and how to avoid it.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms.

1. When you do get pimples try not to squeeze them.

2. Have a look at the type of makeup that you are using as your skin may react to certain cosmetic brands.

3. Shampoo, conditioner, and hairsprays can also contribute to acne if you react to them.

4. If your acne develops into a cyst then you may need to visit a dermatologist to receive specialist treatment.

5. Try some over the counter medications before moving on to stronger medications.

6. Face masks can also be very effective at reducing acne, particularly clay based face masks.

7. Acne can be worse for people who are under a lot of stress.

8. Eating a healthy diet will help to reduce or get rid of acne.

9. Make sure that you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals in your diet.

10. There are some foods that can help reduce acne.

10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

1. Do not pick, press or rub your pimples.

2. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soap.

3. Check if it is because of the food.

4. Drink more water every day.

5. Do not wear makeup if possible.

6. Do not use oily products.

7. Keep your face clean.

8. Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and elimination of toxins.

9. Stay stress-free.

10. Get Sunshine and fresh air.

Home Acne Treatments Tips

1. Apply essential oils, such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil.

2. If you are not taking any medications that could cause you to be overly sensitive to the sun, try getting some sunshine every day.

3. Acne begins on the inside of the body, not on the surface of the skin.

4. For home treatment for acne, apply an oatmeal mask at least once or twice a week.

5. Avoid eating processed foods, and stick to more natural fruits and vegetables.

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

Do you have any acne problem?
What are your solutions to get rid of them?
Have you tried any of the tips mentioned?
How do you take care of your skin to avoid acne breakout?
How do you take care of your health and nutrition to avoid acne breakout?

How To Do A Facial Massage?

Massaging the face is essential for youthful looking skin especially for the 40 and above. An effective way to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is continued for a period of time.

It is not a magic potion which can bring a change overnight and one has to be patient with it.

However, there is no doubt that massage reduces unattractive fleshiness, tightens facial tissues and muscles and increases blood circulation.

Once you have lines and wrinkles, you can only get rid of them by plastic surgery. Massage and facial exercises can help prevent new lines from forming but cannot remove the old ones already on the face.

By toning up the muscles and nourishing them, you can prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming.

Remember, whether you have a lumpy, flabby, withered or sallow skin, your face can regain the appearance of youth under the action of your own fingers.

Lines and wrinkles usually appear on the forehead, temples, eyes, nose, cheeks, chin and mouth.

Facial exercise protects facial muscles from slacking. Even if you are very good looking and young, as time passes your facial muscles will become loose, slack and creepy.

If you are young and smart and beautiful, doing facial exercise will prevent you from the slackness of face muscles when you grow old and if you are an old aged person then this will minimize the plasticity of you face muscles.

Facial exercise will make your face skin wrinkle free and shiny. This will tone your facial skin and give you a youthful look. At the same time, after performing the exercise, you will feel calm and relaxed

Massage is effective only if the skin is clear. Do not forget to remove all traces of make-up otherwise skin pores will be blocked by particles of dirt. All blackheads should be removed.

If the skin is oily, then remove oiliness by applying cleansing milk. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massaging it.

If the skin is oily, it is advisable to use some astringent lotion. Apply Vitamin E cream before a massage, but the quantity of this cream should be enough only to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that the hands and fingers move smoothly on the face.

After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good cream. Trained fingers can hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure.

With the passage of time, visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness and dead cells are greatly reduced and a fresh and young look is restored.

Massage should start from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples because all veins and tissues get an increased blood supply by this process.

The skin around the eyes is delicate. So it is advisable to apply cream on this part without pressing it. Cream takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed by the skin, so massage should continue that long.

Wipe off extra cream with a cotton wool swab soaked in water, preferably rose water.

The best time to massage the face is before going to bed.

Art of Massaging

Slow Massage – This is the most common method of massage. The secret is to massage slowly and patting/vibrating the skin. Using the fleshy part of your fingertips, press the skin lightly but firmly. The process starts at the base of the neck at a slow speed. The speed increases as the fingers move upwards. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and the vibration is useful in subduing pain that might be caused by massaging.
Fast Massage – The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards.
Pressure Massage – This is a method when pressure is applied by finger-tips. This is effective for removing pouches beneath eyes.
Stroking Massage – Chubby cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers. If the nose is broad, strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on both sides.
Pinching Massage – the skin is held, as in pincers, between the thumb and fingers. Such a massage is effective for a double chin and wrinkles on the jaw.
Friction Massage – The movement requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying structures. Fingers or palms are employed in this movement. Hard movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face especially on the neck.
Piano Playing Movements – This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done on the entire face, especially the cheek area, with your fingers. The movements must be supple yet brisk.

Facial Massage for Acne Treatment

Facial Massaging combined with proper diet and common-sense tips, there will be a drastic improvement in your skin condition.

Facial Massaging Steps:

Wash your hands, especially your fingertips, thoroughly.
Now with your thumbs firmly gripping your jaw-line, proceed to pressing with the free four fingers the upper jaw line working from the center outwards. Do 2-3 sets pressing firmly.
Now press the areas directly above the jaw line in the same center-going- outwards-direction firmly 2-3 times.
Do this working upwards till you reach the forehead line. If done correctly you should see little specks of dead skin on your face.
In a feathery motion, pinch at the entire face for as long as you desire (1-2 minutes) using all the free fingers in firm actions grasping the skin.
Now, in a downward-scraping motion using the finger tips, rub the jugular veins located at the sides of the neck (6-8) times, and then massage the outer part of the chest right next to the armpits in a firm circular motion ensuring you breathe deeply as well. According to the Egyptians this simple procedure has a marked effect on alleviating bags and crow’s feet from the eyes and directing the flow of toxins away from the face.
Wash your hands with soap and rinse the face with cool water only-gently but firmly.
Wipe your face dry with a paper towel or a towel you use only for your face and nothing else. Keep this towel in an exclusive location and wash it every other day.

Now, for an external acne treatment regimen, this procedure is quite effective.

Combined with such internal acne treatment procedures based on a proper diet of your Juicy fruits, some roots and leafy vegetables and if desired but highly recommended, occasional juice fasts or exclusive mono-meals of seasonal fruits.

Facial massaging will be very useful as a means of controlling acne and delaying facial aging as apparent in crow’s feet and wrinkles from the outside.

When performed correctly, it does enhance facial tone and structure not unlike costly plastic surgery. So, put your fingers to work and lovingly massage and sculpt your face with facial massaging while all the while becoming acne free starting today.

What Are The Effective Products for Dry Skin Care?

What are the products you use to relieve dry skin? In this article, check out some recipes for dry skin care, using herbs, essential oils, glycerin soap, and moisturizers.

Dry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a real bad appearance.

The main causes of dry skin include dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders.

Moreover, dryness could be the inherent nature of one’s skin. Whatever be the cause, ‘dry skin care’ is very important but not very difficult.

‘Dry skin care’ starts with moisturizers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally, moisturizers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide ‘dry skin care’.

The first category includes moisturizers that provide ‘dry skin care’ just by preserving the moisture within the skin like Vaseline. These moisturizers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available, even at grocery shops.

The second category includes moisturizers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin.

This is a very effective in humid conditions. The moisturizers that provide ‘dry skin care’ in this way are also called humectants.

For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturizer, as far as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc

This is not about just using moisturizers but also using them properly. The best ‘dry skin care procedure’ is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturizer.

You can make your this even more effective by applying the moisturizer while the skin is still damp after cleansing. Also, make sure that you use soap-free products especially on your face, neck, and arms.

Exfoliation does help by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection.

Avoid too much and too direct exposure to the sun by simply using an umbrella, hat or scarf. Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturizers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care.

You also have natural products that provide ‘dry skin care’ in a natural way without the use of synthetic chemicals.

These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin.

Another, important thing for ‘dry skin care’ is the temperature of water you use for the shower or for washing your face – Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too.

‘Dry skin care’ is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers.

Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.

On the whole, dry skin care is really simple for anyone who takes that seriously.

Recipes For Dry Skin Care Using Herbs And Essentials Oils

Dry skin is generally due to less oil and moisture produced by sebaceous glands. Simple dry skin results from the lack of natural oils affecting mostly women under age of 35 years.

On the other hand, complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture and is distinguished by fine lines, enlarged pores and sagging skin that happens with aging.

Alternatively, dry skin could have resulted from the genetic condition, poor diet especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, exposure to environmental factors such as the sun, the wind or aggressive usage of chemicals, cosmetics and excessive bathing with harsh soaps.

To name a few essential oils for dry skin are Chamomile, Geranium, Hyssop, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, and Ylang-Ylang.

Aloe Vera gel applied topically helps to remove dead skin cells and is soothing, healing and moisturizing.
Calendula & comfrey, with its skin softening properties, are used for the facial sauna.
4 – 5 drops of lavender oil to bath water followed by application of diluted evening primrose oil or Aloe Vera cream moistens the dry skin.
Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acid to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content.
Drink tea brewed with chamomile, dandelion or peppermint. Teas of Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin. Add 1 tsp of either herb to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.
Tea tree oil with its skin penetrating properties helps to moisturize and smooth the skin.

Treat yourself with these recipes using herbs and essential oils:

Dry skin mask

Obtain a smooth paste by mixing 6-ounce of unflavored yogurt, few finely crushed almonds, 2 tsp honey and wheat germ oil each. Apply and massage your skin for 20 minutes.

Wash off with cold water. Crushed almonds exfoliate and eliminate dead skin, honey aids in adhering mask to skin and vitamin E in wheat germ oil fights radicals.

Homemade balm for dry, chapped lips

Heat ½ cup almond or grape seed oil. Add 2 tsp of melted beeswax, ½ tsp alkanet root. Strain the oil removing the root. Add 8-10 drops of natural flavoring oil and 3 drops of vitamin E oil.

If you hands are moisture dry or chapped, massage them with sandalwood, rose or chamomile essential oils mixed with hydrating base oil like hazelnut, avocado or evening primrose.

For energizing natural hand moisturizer, mix wheat germ oil with your favorite essential oil.

Before bath, apply a mixture of 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp orange juice, 1 tsp olive oil, few drops of rose water and lime juice on your skin. This is a good morning skin cleanser.

Add 1 egg, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp olive oil and few drops of rose water make a good beauty mask for dry skin.

Try Herbal facial sauna once a week. Use chamomile, lavender, and peppermint herbs. Simmer 2 – 4 tsp of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water.

After few minutes of steaming, place the pot at a comfortable distance from your face on a table. Bend over the pot with the towel covering your face and the pot to trap the steam.

After 15 minutes, splash cold water and air dry your skin followed by application of moisturizer or facial oil. You can cool the herbal water and use it as toning lotion to be dabbed on your face after cleansing.

Glycerin Soap – Beneficial For Dry Skin

Glycerin soap, as the name implies, is a soap that contains glycerin, which is a natural part of fat or oil. Glycerin is commonly found in handmade soap, which is becoming more and more popular among consumers.

In the beginning, people turned toward handmade soaps because they were crafty, unique and smelled good. What they did not realize is that handmade glycerin soap is also very good for your skin.

Glycerin soap is believed to help replenish the skin and add moisture where other conventional soaps, such as some commercial brands, may have stripped.

In industrial soap, glycerin is often removed for use in expensive moisturizers and other skin care products. In handmade soap, however, the glycerin is not usually removed.

The harsh ingredients found in many commercial brands can actually dry out the skin, which takes away it’s natural moisture and may lead to damage.

Glycerin soap, on the other hand, is believed to be healthy for the skin and is less likely to cause irritation. In fact, many users have found that handmade glycerin soap may be especially beneficial to individuals with otherwise sensitive skin.

Easily found at craft fairs, specialty stores and online, handmade glycerin soap is more than a cleansing product – it is an art and the people who create each bar are artists in their own right. Various shapes, colors, and styles are easily found in handmade soap.

During the winter months especially, many people suffer from the cracked or dry skin. It’s uncomfortable, embarrassing and can make even the simplest motion of bending a finger a painful occurrence.

While not designed to specifically cure chapped skin, handmade glycerin soap does help to add moisture and rejuvenate the natural texture of the surface.

When skin becomes chapped, it is because the moisture is stripped away during cold weather, elevated heat temperatures inside the home and lack of moisture in the air.

Many people buy handmade glycerin soap because it helps to prevent dry, itchy skin. One of the main ingredients in handmade soap, which is known as aloe. It is derived from the inner part of an aloe leaf.

It is commonly used to treat burns, rashes, and insect bites. Aloe actually helps to heal wounds, which is why it is so beneficial to individuals with dry or irritated skin.

How to Quench Your Dry Skin’s Thirst?

Moisturizers – An Important Ingredient In Your Daily Skin Care Routine

If you have dry skin or maybe winter has left your skin itchy, dry and flaky, a moisturizer can help. As you probably know, the top layer of skin is dead, and the layers below supply it with the moisture — water, oils, and salt — that it needs.

Moisture is constantly lost through evaporation even under the best conditions. When you bring in winter winds, low humidity, and dry indoor heat the skin’s water loss is greatly increased. That is why moisturizers applied to the skin play such an important role.

There are two types of moisturizers:

Emollients

These work very much like your skin’s natural oils by forming an oily barrier on the skin’s surface that seals in some of the moisture and blocks evaporation.

Humectants

These attract and hold water on your skin’s surface.

Which moisturizer is best for you depends on your skin type, and the ingredients in the moisturizer. And, most times, it has very little to do with expense.

It’s a choice that you make after evaluating all factors. In fact, there have been studies which concluded the most effective moisturizers were the least expensive ones.

One thing to consider is this: the simpler, the better. The more ingredients in a moisturizer you use on your skin, such as perfumes, emulsifiers, coloring, thickeners, and so on. The greater the chance you will have some kind of allergic reaction if your skin is sensitive.

Preserve Your Skin’s Moisture – Tips and Suggestions

Use warm water as opposed to hot for bathing or showering, and limit the time spent to 10 to 15 minutes a day. Use mild soaps which you dilute with water before applying to your skin.
Excessive bathing, especially in hot water, and the use of strong soaps wash away the natural oils that are there to help keep water in the skin.
If you bath rather than the shower, use a little bath oil in the water.
Apply a moisturizer to the skin all over your body immediately after bathing or showering. In this way, the skin’s moisture is sealed in. Apply light films of moisturizer rather than one heavy coating.
Dry hand thoroughly after washing. Apply a good hand cream.
Give elbows and knees special attention during winter months. Exfoliate gently with a natural luffa sponge, and apply a moisturizing cream.
Always wear gloves in cold weather to limit the evaporation of moisture from your hands.
In cold weather, cover your face with a scarf or possibly a ski mask.
Protect lips with a lip balm when out in the winter months. Avoid licking them which causes chapping and cracking.
Eat a nourishing, well-balanced diet for your inner as well as outer health.
Drink 8-10 glasses a water a day. Drinking adequate water on a daily basis is also important for glowing, healthy, moisturized skin.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to watch your skin improve.

Hopefully, this post provides you some alternative that you can use for relieving dry skin whether it is summer months or winter season.

Take care of your skin and be attentive to find ways and solutions to resolve some concerns or to make it better.

Remember, the information in this post is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of dry skin.

If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of glycerin soap or other effective treatment methods.

What Are The Essentials For Dry Skin Care?

Are you having some troublesome dry skin? Find out some causes and skin care tips of having a dry skin.

Take also the quiz to find out for yourself if you have a dry skin. And check also how to relieve dry skin during winter season.

Dry skin can be a blessing but more often it is troublesome. Those with dry skin generally need not worry about blemishes except for the occasional stray that appears from hormonal changes or stress.

But dry skin looks dull and flaky. And worse, it can emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Age and the environment are two factors that contribute to this skin type.

Over time, the sebaceous glands within the dermis layer slow their production of sebum, the body’s natural moisturizer.

The skin’s ability to retain moisture also lessens as we grow older. This is caused by the breakdown of the intracellular matrix, the collagen and elastin layer that helps hold skin tissue together.

When this layer begins to break apart, it becomes more difficult for the skin to hold in moisture. As moisture escapes, skin becomes drier.

The Causes Of Dry Skin

Skin looks dry. Some flakes may be present. It looks weathered and wrinkles appear faster. The skin does not look plump and healthy. A lot of itching is associated with it. This is a typical dry skin.

Those who suffer dry skin try to find out what can be done about it. Nobody loves either dry or oily skin. We all want a normal skin. Let us find out about the causes of dry skin.

Other causes of dry skin include climates that are arid, windy and dry. Use of harsh soaps and detergents and too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging rays can also negatively influence skin. Genetics plays a role as well.

Why the skin becomes dry?

Skin becomes dry for various reasons. The sebum on the skin is getting washed very fast because you might be over washing it. You might be using harsh detergents.

The weather may be playing a role. Dry air will suck the moisture away from the skin. Air conditioners and room heaters produce dry air and that is one cause.

Many skin problems make skin dry. Psoriasis is one of them.

If you have persistent dry skin with flaking you should consult a doctor and find out if there is any underlying skin condition that is causing this. Sometimes, your daily use cosmetics may cause irritation.

Dry Skin Problems

Dry skin causes many problems. Cracks, itching, premature wrinkles, dry and unhealthy look and marks of scratches are few of them.

If you have no diseases that are making your skin dry, you need to address the reasons that make your skin dry and adopt habits to correct the dryness.

With too many roles for a woman to juggle in today’s fast paced, high pressured lifestyle. There is very little time for her to pamper herself.

With tension, worries, anxiety and age, the skin becomes less active leaving it drier, fragile, prone to wrinkle, lines near the eyes and mouth and losing the youthful color and glow.

Failure of oil glands failing to release enough oils to moisturize and protect the skin results in dry skin.

Environmental causes like dry air, harsh wind, hormonal imbalance, usage of aggressive chemicals, cosmetics or excessive bathing with harsh soaps saps the moisture from the skin making it dryer, flakier and chapped during winter.

Dry Skin Care Quiz

Most people who think they know all about dry skin, chapped skin, chafing, redness and other signs of skin dehydration really don’t. Take this quiz to make sure you know who your skin’s enemies are.

The answers are located at the end of the quiz.

1. What is *not* one of the three most common skin types?

a.) Moist

b.) Normal

c.) Dry

d.) Oily

2. What is “combination skin”?

a.) Oily to dry

b.) Normal to dry

c.) Oily to moist

d.) Normal to moist

3. Which of the following is not one of the most common locations of dry skin?

a.) Lower legs

b.) Arms

c.) Thighs

d.) Tummy (front of the abdomen)

4. Scaling is a symptom of dry skin that is also most commonly called what?

a.) Chafing

b.) Flaking

c.) Cracked skin

d.) Rough skin

5. Which of the following are worst for dry skin in winter (also called “winter itch”)?

a.) Fireplaces

b.) Space heaters

c.) Radiators

d.) Forced-air furnaces

6. The best skin lotions for winter itch are:

a.) Thick and greasy

b.) Light and smooth

c.) Watery and clay-textured

d.) Spray on

7. In order to avoid chafing when drying off, you should:

a.) Only dry lightly; do not dry off all moisture

b.) Dry thoroughly, but pat yourself dry rather than rubbing

c.) Allow as much of the water to evaporate as possible rather than towel-drying most of it off

d.) Dry thoroughly and vigorously to dry as fast as possible

Answers:

1. a. moist

The most common types of skin are dry, oily, and normal. Knowing your own skin type, you can find out the bath and body lotions that will work best at moisturizing your skin.

2. c. normal to dry

Combination skin means that you have to use a product that moisturizes your skin without being so strong that it can make your skin oily.

3. d. tummy

According to Medline Plus, the most common areas of your body to suffer dry skin are the arms, lower legs, thighs and flanks (sides of the abdomen).

4. b. flaking

According to Medline Plus, scaling, also called flaking, is “visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers.” Some of the worst sources of scaling are psoriasis, lichen planus, and athlete’s foot.

5. d. forced-air furnaces

According to Medline Plus, dry skin is often caused by the sudden switch from cold to warm air, and in particular the warm dry air of forced-air furnaces.

6. a. thick and greasy

According to Medline Plus, thick and greasy lotions really do the best job of holding moisture into your skin.

7. b. pat, don’t rub

You have to dry off thoroughly to prevent losing skin moisture through evaporation, but rubbing the towel against your skin will damage your epidermis.

How do I know I have dry skin?

First, consider where you live. Windy areas and areas with low humidity cause dryness by stripping skin of its natural oils. Living in areas where winters are cold causes skin trouble as well.

Even if you don’t spend much time outdoors, interior heaters as well as air conditioning units in hot, dry climates can sap the air of moisture and cause dry skin.

Visible indicators of dry skin include skin that flakes easily. Plus, dry skin often looks tight and taut because pore openings are very tiny.

If you don’t yet see these tell-tale signs of dry skin but you’re at or approaching mid-life, it’s time to start looking.

Caring for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, proper care involves retaining as much moisture as possible. One way is to avoid using products containing alcohol because alcohol dries.

Recommended ingredients for dry skin include alpha hydroxy, lactic acids, petroleum, lanolin and glycerin so take the time to read product labels.

Dry skin won’t always feel like it needs to be cleansed but it does, twice daily, morning and night. Using a gentle cleanser made especially for skin that’s dry, cleanse using warm, not hot water.

Finish off with a cool rinse. It’s never a good idea to use hot water to clean any type of skin or to soak in a tub because doing so will only strip skin of its natural oils.

After washing your skin, pat it dry using a soft towel. Then apply a light moisturizer. Those containing Vitamin E are excellent choices.

If you wear make-up choose foundations that contain the moisturizing ingredients mentioned above.

A well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts provides the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.

Help keep skin hydrated by drinking water and increasing your consumption of high water content foods such as cucumbers and watermelon. Drinking water and reducing solar exposure to a minimum is also beneficial.

Most fruits and vegetables are excellent hydrating foods plus they’re excellent sources of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

Antioxidants are crucial in helping maintain the skin’s intracellular matrix. Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus help to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

Carrots, apricots, rich in vitamins A, C keep the skin supple. Increase intake of foods like leafy raw green veggies, dairy products like yogurt or milk.

Lessen fried foods, soft drinks, sugar, chocolates, junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and other foods that have diuretic effecting causing the body and skin to lose fluids, vitamins, and essential minerals.

Below are more tips on how to take care of dry skin:

Cleanse and Moisturize: The dry skin should be cleansed with a cold cream and alcohol-free skin fresheners to remove the cream. After cleansing, the skin needs a lubricating emollient or a moisturizer when the face is damp after the wash.
Splash your face with cold water or gently wipe the skin with rose water to tone the skin nicely.
Avoid using highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing sodas and powders.
Avoid the sun, harsh winds and hot baths. Use oil-based creams and make-up products only. Use soft towels or washcloth to avoid irritation to the skin while wiping it.
Smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health making the skin dry and leathery.
Chapped or cracked skin – increase consumption of water. Keep chapped areas well lubricated and protected from the elements using a good nourishing cream or moisturizer.
Use creamy, mild, pH-balanced products such moisture based cream gels, lotions, etc for dry skin care.

Relieving Dry Skin And Winter Itch

The winter air can leave a chill in the air and on your skin that chaps and chafes our skin.

The additional heat, can warm your hearts and your home, but dry out the air and again, your skin, leaving it dehydrated and dry.

And, in both cases, you can experience a common condition known as winter itch.

According to experts, dry skin is a direct by-product of a loss of moisture.

They note, that depending on which layer (dermis or epidermis) the water content of the skin can vary, but is estimated at 80% for the epidermis, but much dry for the dermis, or surface layer of skin.

In fact, according to the experts, the dermis is comprised of dead skin cells and has a water content of about 10-30 percent.

When the outer layer, the stratum corneum dries out, it loses its luster and results in dry skin. And, skin that is low on water and dry will fissure, making it more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Moisturizers can help re-hydrate the skin preventing further water loss and dryness.

While some may result in skin swelling slightly reducing fine line and wrinkles and making pores appear smaller, they do not repair sun damage.

However, they can also help skin feel softer and smoother. And experts notes the four target areas moisturizers generally address.

1. Skin barrier repairs

2. Increasing water content

3. Diminishing amount of water loss

4. Restoring skin’s capacity to attract, hold and redistribute water.

And, experts offer the following suggestions for dealing with dry skin and winter itch.

Refrain from hot tubs and hot baths. While the heat may feel soothing, it actually serves to strip your skin of essential oils and depletes it of water, making skin drier and matters worse.
Lather your ligaments while still wet. Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps seal in the moisture.
Creamy, rich moisturizers are the best kind. Consider putting some petroleum jelly on your hands covered with cotton gloves while you sleep at night to keep hands supple and smooth.
Note that moisturizers containing lactic acid or urea can draw water into the skin.
Moisturize hands after each washing or when coming in from the cold.

Facial Exercise for a Firmer Skin

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but time has a way of not making it easy. As the years go by, the muscles in your face start to lose their elasticity.

It’s this lack of resilience that leads to the formation of wrinkles. The muscles in the throat and neck are usually the first to succumb, and that can lead to a flabby, wrinkly neck.

Luckily, there are facial exercises that you can do to delay the onset of this problem, or start to reverse it if it’s already an issue.

Every facial expression you make adds to the adverse effect on your facial appearance.

The repetition of smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions can speed up the creation of wrinkles and other aging factors.

The good news is that there is a natural method to help combat this aging process.

Face Exercises are free alternative to other medical procedures to help strengthen the muscles underneath our skin in our face.

They help fight the natural signs of aging that can occur from years of facial expressions and using our face muscles.

It’s been proven that rejuvenation of the face through friction and massage are the best ways to look young and feel young.

Realize that the main reason your facial muscles sag is a lack of muscular exercise.

Like any other muscle in the body, constant exercise can make these facial muscles expand and develop, effectively removing the sagging look.

Wrinkled skin, on the other hand, has been proven to be made elastic again through regular application of friction.

Giving your face the desired look is very simple and it involves no cost. It’s for free. Only you need to add an extra task in your daily routine and that too for only 15 to 20 minutes and the task is very simple exercise

Facial exercises are a much better alternative than risky plastic surgery procedures which come with a whole host of potential side effects.

Exercises are natural, effective, and free. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting the exercises, in case there are any underlying health concerns.

Also, be sure to not overdo it. These exercises will work, but you don’t want to risk hurting yourself when you do them.

Regular face exercises help strengthen the damaged face muscles after years of use. While it’s not easy to fathom years of smiling, frowning, and wrinkling our brow line does a toll on those muscles.

Over the years these muscles begin to weaken and out face begin to wrinkle due to the elongated weakening muscles.

So, it makes sense that strengthening these muscles can reverse these negative effects. We tend to the rest of our body at the gym so why not keep our face in shape.

Unfortunately it’s more or less impossible to go through life with no expression on our faces. We’d be pretty boring company, however, an all-star poker player possibly.

By regularly performing face exercises we can recapture our youthful image we had when we were younger, without going through any painful injections or surgeries.

In a nutshell what happens under the skin is this. As the muscles weaken and begin to elongate our skin will begin to sag.

Of course sagged skin on the outside is what causes those aging effects to occur.

By working the right muscles with face exercises you are able to stimulate blood flow to those muscles, and also increase the amount of oxygen that the skin receives.

By receiving more blood and oxygen the skin can begin to produce more health skin cells, helping to reverse the aging effects.

Since there is no equipment required face exercise can be done anywhere any time. Work them into your daily routine, or do some when you have a private spare moment.

It’s only a few minutes a day and the results you’ll experience are well worth it. Isn’t an improved appearance worth that amount of time?

What the facial exercise does?

Facial exercise protects facial muscles from slacking. Even if you are very good looking and young, as time passes your facial muscles will become loose, slack and creepy.

So, if you are young and smart and beautiful, doing facial exercise will prevent you from the slackness of face muscles when you grow old and if you are an old aged person then this will minimize the plasticity of you face muscles.

Facial exercise will make your face skin wrinkle free and shiny. This will tone your facial skin and give you a youthful look. At the same time after performing the exercise, you will feel calm and relaxed.

How to do facial exercise?

By getting punch from the famous boxer in the locality, the idea is not bad but the tough task is how heavy you need the punch and the champion may charge you for that.

However, facial exercise is completely free and you can do it your own. Only you need to do different exercise for different parts of your face like ear, nose, head etc.

If you are a beginner, do face exercise daily for at least 20 minutes for different parts of your face.

Nonetheless, after doing so one month you can opt for thrice in a week. Some spots of very minor type may start looking in your face, but this is normal and will disappear automatically within time.

How was applying friction on the skin done?

With the help of some lotion to minimize irritation (not too much lotion, though, as there will be no more friction), work on the areas that would normally leads to sagging such as the cheeks, the throat, the chin, the forehead and around the eyes.

Start as though you are polishing a pair of shoes. With a slight, circular friction on the surface areas, which should gradually increase in pressure.

But not too vigorous that you will end up abrading and irritating your face. This process will progressively restore the elasticity of your skin and smoothen out the wrinkles.

To exercise your facial muscles, use your palm heel. With enough pressure, massage your cheeks and other parts of the face in circular motion.

This process will build up the muscles and fill those “hollows”, those sunken areas around the eyes and the cheeks.

Do this also on the chin and throat. Make sure you apply an equal amount of pressure to the entire face so that the buildup of muscles will be uniform.

Do these exercises a few minutes daily–even while you are watching the TV– and you will soon see the “miracle” of a younger looking you.

The process of looking older does not have to be as fast as it is now.

With the right determination, and knowing the proper techniques, you can almost stop the advance of the “aged” look, no matter that your actual age is unstoppably moving ahead.

It’s been proven possible and there’s no reason you can’t achieve the same.

More Facial Exercises

If you want to sharpen your jaw line you can slap your chin with the back of your hand quickly and very lightly for at least 30 times.

Stroking your face with upward movement can relax your mind and body.

To reduce the small lines around your mouth you can curl your lips into your mouth and then try to bowl air through your mouth without opening your mouth.

This would help to stretch your muscles around the mouth. While doing this count till 5 and then relax, repeat this at least 10 times for better results.

But there has been a long running debate about facial exercise, whether they are really good or just make things worse. This can be found only when you talk to other people or consult your doctor about the same.

How to do eyes exercise?

1. Tone the eye muscles. To do this, apply pressure to your forehead from the two sides of your temple with your fingers. Though do it very gently.

2. Do close your eyes and sit upright. While closing your eyes, look first down and then up as far as you can see. Repeat this activity 10 times.

3. Close your eyes and sit upright. Now lift your eyebrows and stretch the eyelids down and up to the possible extent. Repeat this activity 5 times.

4. With open eyes, sit upright and be relaxed. Start closing your top eyelids, and lift your eyebrows until your eyelids are half closed. Now, open your eyelids, until you start seeing your iris.

5. Sit upright with your eyes open and look straight, then look down. Keep your head static. Repeat the activity 10 times.

Forehead Exercise

1. Frown as much as you can and try bringing your eyebrows over your eyes. In the process pull the eyebrows towards one another. Now lift your eyebrows as far as you can while opening your eyes.

2. Lie on bed and keep seeing ceiling. Lift your eyebrows upward with your eyes open. Relax and repeat the activity about 10 times.

3. Sit upright, seeing straight, start bringing your eyebrows down, wrinkle nose as much as possible, flaring your nostrils. Count up to 10. Relax and repeat the activity 5 times.

Facial Exercises for a Firm Neck

Let’s take a look at some effective exercises to help tone the neck and throat and reduce sagging.

For this exercise you need to sit on the floor and have your legs folded comfortably and your back straight.

Slowly tilt your head backwards and hold this position for 10 seconds. Return head to the forward position. You should feel the stretch in the jaw line as you do this exercise. Repeat this exercise for five sets.

Next, stay in the sitting position, relax your shoulders and look straight ahead. Turn your head slowly to the right and have your chin even with your shoulder.

Hold this position for five seconds and then return to looking straight ahead. Repeat on the left side so you are looking left and your chin is even with your left shoulder.

Hold for five seconds and then return to the facing forward position. Repeat this exercise three times on both sides.

While still in the sitting position keep your head facing forward and your shoulders relaxed. Tilt your head to the right side and hold for five seconds. Come back into the middle.

Tilt your head to the left side and hold for five seconds, then come back into the middle. Repeat this on both sides for three sets. You should feel the stretch in your neck during this exercise.

For the next exercise you want to be on your hands and knees. Drop your head down toward the floor and keep your neck, spine and elbows straight.

Slowly inhale. Exhale slowly and as you do so curve your back downward and lift your head upward. Repeat this five times.

Sit on the floor again facing forward. Tilt your head back slowly and move your jaw up and down. Hold this position for ten seconds then return to the forward facing position. Repeat this three times.

These simple exercises are very effective for toning and tightening the muscles in the neck and throat area.

If you do these exercises every day you will build stronger muscles that will give you a more youthful appearance. Performing the exercises every day will start to give you results in a couple of weeks.

Try to stay in a calm, relaxed mood while doing these exercises so the muscles are relaxed and more flexible for the exercises. Burning a candle or listening to relaxing music can help.

These facial exercises can be done in just a few minutes, but do not rush through them. You should do them slowly to prevent injury, and the routine itself should be a soothing one.

In fact, you can light a few candles and put on some relaxing music as you do them. Try to do these exercises every day, and you should start to see noticeable results within a few short weeks.

How To Use Olive Oil For Your Skin Care?

Due to the great number of benefits, olive oil has been ranked among the top nutrition provider.

Olive oil has been widely used in your salads as well as many other things. It is one of healthiest components to make your food taste better.

It has been widely used in soaps making it mild and very skin friendly. It also helps to moisturize your body by the use of this oil in the soap.

This oil comes directly from the Mediterranean Region and it has become so famous that it has been used in all the continents. It is a favorite among all the health conscious people.

Having beautiful skin just seems to be the proverbial never-ending quest of women.

One only needs to visit the local supermarket or beauty shop to see the wide array of skin products that are supposed to provide the secret to youthful skin.

Many of these products promise rejuvenation and revitalization of the pores, making the skin blemish-free and silky white.

Many of these products cost a fortune but the buyers keep on coming just to attain their goal of having the perfect complexion.

But unknown to many, one of nature’s best kept beauty secrets might be found sitting on a shelf in one’s kitchen pantry.

Organic skin care has already been used by many because of its natural ingredients that can help the skin feel and look healthy, without the harm of other rough, harsh, and strong skin care components.

For many years, the earliest of cultures have seen the potential of olive oil when it comes to organic skin care.

First cultivated by the Greeks over 4,000 years ago in Crete, olive oil was an integral part of the Minoan economy, and was often kept in large settling tanks.

The Greeks then quickly learned that this organic oil had amazing properties.

Aside from being a flavorful food source, olive oil was also used to heat oil lamps and to make soap.

It was not long before the Greeks, together with other Mediterranean women, used it as a skin moisturizer and ointment for soothing dry skin and sunburns.

Olive oil was also used as a skin highlighter, allowing the user to emphasize the curves and shapes of the body.

In terms of actual health benefits, the consumption of olive oil has been shown to stimulate bone growth and calcium absorption. Tests show that the oil helps prevent cancer, diabetes, and skin aging.

Studies also show that the consumption of olive oil results in favorable effects on cholesterol regulation and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation.

Olive oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-hypertensive properties.

Since olive oil is rich in antioxidants, it is speculated that its use may help counteract the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Studies in Japan have also proven that the antioxidants in olive oil help in neutralizing free radical damage.

While olive oil is not a sunscreen and does not prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin, using it as a cosmetic does help in protecting the skin against acquired aging and damage from the sun.

Being an excellent organic skin care product, olive oil is also a superior moisturizer and humectant. It can attract moisture from the air and binds it to the skin.

Skin conditions such as eczema and acne respond well to skin care products containing, or made with olive oil, because of the anti-bacterial properties of this organic oil.

So before buying the latest and most expensive chemical-based skin care products, consider using natural skin beauty enhancers that contain olive oil.

Aside from its proven effects as a beauty product, olive oil can also be massaged onto the cuticles to restore nail strength and resiliency to the nail bed.

In addition, olive oil may also be used as an all-body moisturizer when it is added to bathwater.

Massaging it into the hair and scalp will also restore the head’s crowning glory.

Indeed, olive oil is such a gift of nature that allows women to regain their youthful skin.

Olive Oil Home Made Recipes

If you want to have smooth and fine nails olive oil is the best solution. Dowse your nails in a cup of olive oil for 30 minutes and find the best results.

Apply Olive oil liberally on your hands. To avoid spreading it elsewhere, wear cotton gloves. This method helps you to get a smoother and softer skin.

Olive oil is the best solution for chapped lips. It does wonders to your lips.

To have beautiful, lustrous, shiny, silky and dandruff free hair, olive oil is the best bet.

You can apply a good amount of oil on your hair and cover it with a shower cap for 30 minutes, later shampoo it.

It is a great moisturizing solution which makes your skin softer and smoother.

To make yourself an interesting bathing solution you can add 3-4 tbsp. of olive oil with a few drops of essential oil.

You can make an excellent night cream by using 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup water.

This helps to lighten your skin, kill bacteria and makes your skin smooth and clear.

It can work as a cleansing cream if you have dry skin.

Apply olive oil and then scrub with a good amount of sugar. Later, wipe the sugar off your face with a wet and warm cloth. One of the easiest ways to get facial done.

Soften your feet by applying olive oil on your feet.

Mix in bowl 1 egg, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp olive oil and few drops of rose water. Use this as a mask for dry skin. Once applied keep it for some time. Later, rinse it off with warm water. Dab it dry.

Make a paste by mixing some mashed apricots and warm olive oil. Apply this paste all over your face and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it off with water.

The benefits of using olive oil for shaving are huge.

It is such a natural lubricant that the right kind of razor will slide right across your face giving you smooth and soft skin and still getting the job of cutting the growth from your face.

And the best part is that your skin may actually start to look younger after using olive oil to shave with over the long term.

One nice thing about it is that you don’t have to use high-quality olive oil.

You can buy the inexpensive low-grade olive oil that doesn’t taste very good from your local supermarket to shave with. A bottle will last a really long time.

You can kiss your shaving cream goodbye. You can also leave out aftershave if you so choose. Your skin should feel great without it.

Below are some additional homemade recipes you can prepare using olive oil. Use some precautions and check with your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to the ingredients.

Olive Oil Cream

You will need:

1/2 tsp. borax

2 tsp. boiling water

4 tbsp. petroleum jelly

4 tbsp. olive oil

You have to:

1. Dissolve borax in boiling water.

2. Melt petroleum jelly and olive oil over low heat until liquid.

3. Add borax mixture.

4. Stir to mix thoroughly.

5. Remove from heat.

6. Beat as the mixture cools to emulsify.

7. Store it in the refrigerator.

Olive Oil Shaving Cream

You will need:

1/4 cup stearic acid

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup hot water

1 tsp borax

2 tbsp. grated soap

You have to:

1. Melt stearic acid and oil in the double boiler until clear liquid forms.

2. Mix hot water, borax, and soap and stir until the borax and soap are dissolved.

3. Pour the soap solution into a blender and blend well for about 1 minute.

4. Slowly pour the melted stearic acid mixture into the soap solution.

5. Blend on high until a smooth cream form.

6. Pour into a clean container and allow to cool completely.

7. To use, soften your beard or legs with warm water and then apply the shaving cream. Use a sharp, clean razor.

Carolina Cleansing Cream

You will need:

3 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 cup lard

1/2 tsp. tincture of benzoin

Several drops peppermint extract

You have to:

1. Mix well in a clean glass bottle.

2. Apply to face with fingers.

3. Remove with tissues.

4. Keep in a cool place.

Lotion Bar

You will need:

2 oz. Olive Oil

2 oz. Sweet Almond Oil

6 oz. Beeswax

Essential Oil or Fragrant Oil of your choice

You have to:

1. Just melt the wax and oils in a double boiler.

2. Scent if you wish and pour into whatever small mold you like.

4. Allow to harden.

Egyptian Facial

You will need:

1 egg beaten

1/2 tsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. flour

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 tbsp. whole milk

You have to:

1. Mix all the ingredients together until creamy and blended.

2. Spread mixture over the face and neck.

3. Leave on 15 minutes.

4. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry

Lady Godiva Body Scrub

You will need:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp. light olive oil

2 tbsp. fresh whole milk

You have to:

1. Mix together all ingredients into a smooth cream

2. Before bathing, gently massage the mixture all over your body to increase circulation and remove dry, flaky skin.

3. Rinse with warm water and moisturize.

4. Store in refrigerator, discard if milk sours.

Scented Salt Body Scrub

You will need:

3 cups fine sea salt

3/4 cup olive oil

3/4 cup sweet almond oil

Essential oils as desired

You have to:

1. Mix salt, olive oil, and almond oil in a glass bowl.

2. Add an essential oil such as peppermint, for scent.

3. Store it in a tightly sealed glass jar.

4. Leave on for five to 20 minutes, then rinse.

This scrub is perfect after a bath or shower while the skin is still warm and damp. Massage a tablespoon or two onto the skin in small circles.

* Note: Do not use any equipment with copper, aluminum or Teflon finishes because these will react with the ingredients. Stick with stainless steel, glass, ceramic or plastic.

Also, if the scrub is used on children, the elderly, or if pregnant, check with an aromatherapist concerning the use of essential oils.

What Are The Causes Of Wrinkles And Their Effects On Your Skin?

As you get up there in years, several problems are going to crop up and one of them is wrinkles. They can show up around your eyes, forehead, cheeks, and neck.

Maybe you cannot stop time from marching on, but you can reduce the signs of the aging process and look better than ever.

According to specialists in dermatology, you don’t have to pay a fortune for great anti-aging skincare. Go for products you can afford and understand.

There’s enormous confusion about skincare, and some outrageous prices being charged for creams that lack vital ingredients, such as sunscreens and this is no good at all.

The big question is, will any cream ever erase lines as well as Botox? Dermatologists say there’s no such thing as a miracle in a jar.

However, cosmeceuticals – cosmetics that have advanced medical-like effects – do contain active ingredients that can make a significant difference to your skin, and can help lay a good foundation for your beauty future.

According to dermatology experts, if you’re worried about wrinkles you need to get serious about skincare, uses the right creams for you and, crucially, give them time to work.

A slapdash approach means you’re wasting your time. Lines and wrinkles can only be lessened by the conscientious care and daily ritual. Another classic mistake is slathering skin care products on thickly. Don’t overdo it.

A pea-size blob of cream may be enough for your face without clogging pores. Be prepared to experiment with new formulas as your skin changes.

What Makes the Skin Wrinkle?

Your skin is divided into three layers. The deepest is a layer of subcutaneous tissue, to which the whole skin structure is attached.

The middle layer is the dermis, where cells called fibroblasts to produce collagen fibers – supporting proteins that help to keep skin plump and elastic. Above this lies the top layer, or epidermis.

Here, mast cells divide gradually and migrate upwards towards the skin’s surface.

These are surrounded by natural compounds called epidermal lipids (or fats), including ceramide, which forms a ‘glue’ that hold cells tightly in place, like cement in the brick wall.

As a person ages, the skin undergoes significant changes. The inner layer of the skin begins to thin and the cells begin to divide more slowly. Fat cells begin to lessen or die beneath the dermis.

The network of collagen fibers and elastin which provide a sort of scaffolding for the surface layer begin to loosen and unravel. The skin then loses its elasticity. It tends to droop and forms furrows.

The collagen bundles in the dermis work like springs in a mattress to support the skin’s surface.

But when collagen is damaged, troughs open up between the bundles, the upper layers of tissue collapse into these troughs, and lines, wrinkles or folds can develop.

By the time you see a wrinkle. The underlying skin has already lost collagen and elastin – its ‘snap-back’ factor.

The oil secreting and sweat glands atrophy and the skin cannot retain its moisture. Therefore, it becomes dry and scaly. Constant facial expressions form characteristic lines.

Gravity makes the situation worse and contributes to the formation of drooping eyelids and jowls.

Also, eyebrows tend to move up as someone ages perhaps because of forehead wrinkles and the skin has less of an ability to repair itself so wounds heal more slowly.

Collagen is damaged, by various factors. Some are inevitable (such as aging), and some can be lessened, if not prevented.

What are the main culprits and what can you do about it?

CAUSE: The environment

EFFECT: Brow and eye creases, fine lines fanning over cheekbones, rings and crisscrosses at the back of the neck

New research by The British Skin Foundation found that 80 percent of us don’t always use a sunscreen abroad. Sun damages DNA so cells can’t replicate properly.

If that cell blueprint is changed in any way, it can lead to blotchy skin, lines and wrinkles. At the same time, UV boosts enzymes known as MMPs, which help to tidy up old collagen but can become so aggressive that they destroy fresh collagen, too.

Smoking in the sun is especially bad news. Even second-hand smoke is harmful to the skin.

Exhaled smoke contains significant levels of nicotine, tar, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, which disrupt and weaken the skin’s barrier, leading to collagen breakdown.

Smoking causes the thickening and fragmentation of elastin, blood vessels to constrict, which limits the amount of oxygen reaching the skin.

This lack of oxygen reduces collagen and elastin production and reduced water content in the skin.

Smoking stimulates the MMPs to degrade collagen – just like the sun does. Lastly, smoking compromises the ability of the skin to fend off free radicals causing cell destruction.

CAUSE: Facial expressions, stress

EFFECT: Frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines

Expression lines equal character. Even Hollywood directors have started to complain that Botox has robbed some star’s faces of real emotion.

While channeling the angst may help divas to win an Oscar, it doesn’t do their skin any real-life favors.

Stress triggers corrosive hormones including ‘killer’ cortisol that not only hamper immunity but also increase moisture loss, leaving skin drier and more line-prone.

Clenched muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw – where so many of us hold our stress- limits blood and oxygen supply to the skin on our faces. But a furrowed brow is the most obvious sign of stress.

Constant pleating of the skin through frowning causes micro-tears (minute stress tears). The knock-on effect is inflammation, which damages collagen, making skin appear less plump.

Not only expression lines are stress-driven, however. Whenever skin is constantly mobile – such as around the eyes and mouth – creases are inevitable.

So what about damage limitation? Invest in sunglasses. Wrap-around frames with wide sides provide excellent UV protection, and can save a fortune in Botox!

CAUSE: Aging

EFFECT: Creepy skin, deeper eye creases, nose-to-mouth lines, marionette (mouth to chin) lines, lip lines, neck rings

Great skin is in your genes but even if you are one of the lucky ones, don’t take it for granted. After all, hereditary aging may only account for 20 percent of total skin aging.

This intensifies from our mid-thirties when protein levels in our skin begin to decline by a steady one percent each year.

Later, the estrogen slump after the menopause more than doubles the rate at which protein declines. There’s a staggering 30% loss of collagen proteins in the first five years, resulting in a two percent loss of skin thickness.

As well losing collagen, skin also loses plumpness because cell division slows with age. This is because stem cells are no longer able to divide and replicate accurately and become dormant.

New research shows that one of the latest hi-tech ingredients in skin creams – polypeptides – mimic growth factors in skin to wake up dormant stem cells and encourage fibroblasts to make more collagen.

Although results look promising in the test tube, the use of growth factor peptides in anti-ageing creams remains controversial.

In the meantime, retinoid-derived from vitamin A is still the only ingredient clinically proven to boost both collagen and moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

This was confirmed by research at the University of Michigan Medical School earlier this year. Some peptides can help smooth fine surface lines within a couple of weeks.

But you need retinoid for long-term cell growth and real anti-ageing benefits.

Like vitamin C, you also need to use them around the clock for up to two months before you see results, but it’s worth the wait.

There are other forces at play that can make your skin suffer, such as:

Rapid weight loss – This can cause fine lines since it reduces the volume of fat cells which cushion the face. This will cause the skin to sag.

Heredity – You may have inherited some skin characteristics from your parents.

Wrinkles are the most noticeable signs of aging. As tissues sag, these lines form a type of canvas that is covered with cracks that have varying depths.

As time marches on, they deepen and reach the dermis. As the dermis loses its elasticity, it becomes slack which leads to the formation of more pronounced wrinkles over 0.05 mm in depth.

Here is the normal progression of wrinkles characterized by age group:

20-25 – Vertical wrinkles on one’s forehead and even between the eyebrows may already be visible. Fine lines at the external edges of the eyes are not yet noticeable.

25-40 – In the epidermis, wrinkles begin to deepen. They are less than 0.0005 mm in depth. They are caused by the superficial drying out of one’s skin as well as the slowing down of cellular renewal.

40-50 – Fine lines around the lips, crow’s feet, furrows along the side of the nose and the line between the eyebrows are all beginning to deepen. The skin loses it elasticity and the facial contours are not less well defined.

50 and over – Hormonal secretions end as menopause appears and this speeds up the aging process. The skin’s surface begins to modify and intermediary lines are replaced by ever-deepening furrows.

The older you become, the more wrinkles you get. You can minimize this damage by taking good care of your skin.

Knowing the causes of wrinkles would help you prepare and avoid them. Being aware and informed assist you in many ways to combat the upcoming emergence of wrinkles.

But in the end, the best way to prepare is the acceptance that age comes and all you have to do is do the best you can to age with grace and age with meaning as you look back on your achievements and contributions to the humanity.

How To Use Avocado For Your Skin Care?

Avocado is also known as Alligator Pear originated in southern Mexico. It has become a useful ingredient for our daily skin care routine. It is rich in fat as well as protein.

These fats are monounsaturated which is good for a healthy heart. The provision of vitamin E in avocado helps the heart to remain fit. It is also known to supply 60% more potassium in comparison to banana.

It is also rich in fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin B6, iron, copper, and magnesium.

Other than applying avocado on your skin, consuming it in salad form can also be beneficial for your skin.

Avocado contains vitamins like A, D, and E which has penetrating qualities to improve your skin.

Avocado oil is also very useful for skin care. The oil is useful to remove any sun damage or age spots.

It also softens the skin and provides a moisturizing effect and can do wonders on damaged, undernourished and dehydrated skin.

Simple Recipes for Skin Care

Puffed Eyes

Cut avocado into slices and place it on or under each eye and relax with it for next 20 minutes.

The changes would be remarkable.

Eye Cream

Make an eye cream by mixing 5 drops of almond oil in 3 ripe slices of avocado.

Blend this mixture and dab it around your eyes.

Keep it for five minutes then rinse.

Another method of making the eye cream is by using 1/4 cup avocado oil with 1/4 cup aloe vera gel.

You could also use an apricot kernel, grape seed or sesame oil.

Facial Mask

This facial mask is useful for dry skin.

Mash half avocado and apply it leisurely on your face.

Keep it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

Make a paste of ½ ripe avocado mixed with 1 tsp vegetable oil.

Apply this paste on a washed and clean face.

Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse it with warm water.

This masque is very good for dry skin.

Smooth and Beautiful Hands

Make a paste by mixing 1/4 peeled & smashed avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 1 tsp lemon juice.

Apply this paste on your hand and leave it for 20 minutes.

Rinse it with warm water and pat it dry.

You would be thrilled by the results by using it regularly.

Facial Scrub

You would need 2 tbsp. flax seeds, 1/2 mashed banana and 1/2 avocado peel.

Use a small bowl to mix flax seeds and banana.

Scoop the banana and flax seed by using an avocado peel.

Massage this scoop on your face in circular motion, slowly and gently. Rinse it with warm water.

Avocado Eye Cream

You will need:

5 drops almond oil

3 ripe avocado slices

You have to:

1. Blend almond oil into the avocado.

2. Dab around eyes and leave for 5 minutes.

3. Rinse it.

Avocado Mask

You will need:

1/2 ripe avocado

1 egg white

You have to:

1. Mash avocado into a thick paste.

2. Add the egg white.

3. Apply to face. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

5. This mask conditions the skin and prevents dryness.

Avocado Mask (for dry skin)

You will need:

1/2 ripe avocado

1 tsp. vegetable oil

You have to:

1. Mash avocado into a paste and add vegetable oil.

2. Apply to a clean skin. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Rinse with warm water.

Avocado-Banana Mask (for dry or sensitive skin)

You will need:

1/4 mashed ripe avocado

1/2 mashed ripe banana

2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low-fat)

1 tsp. wheat germ oil

You have to:

1. Mix all ingredients.

2. Apply mixture to face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Avocado & Honey Moisturizer Mask (For Dry Skin)

You will need:

2 tablespoons avocado

2 tablespoons honey

1 egg yolk

You have to:

1. Mash up 2 tablespoons avocado.

2. Mix with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 egg yolk.

3. Apply to face, leaving on about 15-20 minutes.

4. Rinse with warm water.

5. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Avocado Honey Mask #2 (For Dry Skin)

You will need:

1 ripe avocado

1 tbsp. of honey

You have to:

1. Peel one ripe avocado, mash the meat into a creamy texture.

2. Heat it over a double boiler until just warm.

3. Add 1 tbsp. of honey.

4. Massage into the face and neck.

5. Finish with a rinse of rosewater, witch hazel or vinegar pH balancer.

Avocado Cleanser and Mask

You will need:

1/4 ripe avocado

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 beaten egg yolk

You have to:

1. Blend avocado with egg yolk and buttermilk.

2. Apply to face and throat and leave on for 5 minutes.

3. Spread on a little more. Leave on for another 5 minutes.

4. Rinse with tepid water.

Creamy Avocado Mask

You will need:

1 tablespoon ripe avocado

1/2 tsp honey

Almond meal

You have to:

1. Mash 1 tablespoon ripe avocado.

2. Add 1/2 tsp honey and mix.

3. Stir in a little almond meal until creamy.

4. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

5. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Avocado-Yogurt Hand Treatment

You will need:

1 mashed avocado

Juice from 1/2 lemon

1/2 C. plain yogurt

Petroleum jelly

You have to:

1. Mix together the avocado, lemon juice, and yogurt.

2. Slather over hands. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off. This will gently slough off dull skin and will gradually fade age spots, also.

3. After rinsing, lavish on petroleum jelly or super-rich hand cream and then wear white cotton gloves for one hour or overnight for maximum hydrating.

Note: do not use this treatment more than twice a week as it can be irritating. Also, do not apply it to cuts or sores as it may sting.

Deep Conditioner for Beautiful Hair

You will need:

1 small jar of real mayonnaise

1/2 of an avocado

You have to:

1. Put ingredients together in a medium bowl and squish together with your hands until it’s a minty green color.

2. Smooth into hair all the way to the tips.

3. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head with saran wrap.

4. Leave on for over the shower cap or saran wrap.

5. If you have really long hair and only need conditioning at the ends, cut the ingredients in half and apply only to the ends and just wrap them.

Avocado Softening Mask

You will need:

1 egg yolk

1/3 cup avocado, peeled and mashed

1/3 cup milk

You have to:

1. Beat the egg yolk until fluffy. Add milk and avocado, mixing thoroughly with the yolk.

2. Apply to face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Rinse with hot water.

What Is The Best Hair Removal Technique You Can Do At Home?

Hair removal could be one of the frequent problems faced by many women. Men can get away by shaving their beard, mustache and cutting their hair.

For women, it is not that simple. There are some common measures which every woman must have tried in her lifetime.

You can successfully remove unwanted hair from your body from home. If you have thought about products that are overly expensive, laser treatments as well as unsightly treatments, then you may not need to. There are many at home remedies that actually can help you.

Shaving

Tips For Men:

One of the best places to shave is the shower. The goal is to soften the skin which will help the hair to stand up enough for you to get a close shave. You can also take full advantage of the many products available including gels and creams.

To help, make sure that you use a good quality razor and that you keep it clean and dry between uses. This will help you to keep cuts to a minimum. Afterward, rinse with cold water and if you like, use an aftershave.

Tips For The Ladies:

Just like the men, there are many things that you can do to improve the quality of your shave. For example, if you hold the razor at the right angle you will get a closer shave.

Softening the skin with warm water, lotions or shaving gels can also help. If you would like to cut the costs, use conditioner instead of these creams.

It can do the same job for much less of the cost. You can shave any area of the body, with most women shaving their legs and underarms about twice per week or more depending on the need.

Tweezing

Tweezing is another method for removing facial hair by using tweezers. It is a painstaking as well as a time-consuming job. Usually used for bushy eyebrows. Tweezing eventually stops your hair growth by the continuous pricking even though it may take a lot of time.

Using clean tweezers, you can easily pluck away stray hairs or shape the eyebrow. You should not use them on nose hairs, though as it can cause an infection.

To do so, pull the hair in the same direction as it grows. You have no need for creams as these can block pores. In most cases, you can go about two weeks between tweezing sessions.

Depilatories

Here, you’ll want to make sure that you take the time to follow the directions provided on the containers of depilatories.

You need to ensure you are not allergic and you need to ensure that you pay close attention to the time frame.

If you leave these products on too long or use them when you should not, you are likely to suffer from a rash or burn. You can use these about every other month to your desired results.

You’ll want to try to use them after you have taken a shower or bath so that the hair is soft and easily removed.

These options for at home hair removal are options that you can easily do and benefit from. Take the time to learn a little bit more about them, purchase the products needed and get rid of unwanted hair.

There are some more at home options for hair removal that you should consider. You will find these to provide you with a good quality finish.

To choose, look at your conditions as well as your preferences.

Waxing

Waxing is an effective method of hair removal that will last several weeks. You can purchase at home kits to help you to do it. You’ll apply a thin coating of wax, allow it to dry and then rip it away.

Yes, it hurts a bit but that is only going to last a second. And, you’ll be able to take advantage of the hair free beauty for a while afterward.

Homemade Wax

Use two cups of sugar, one-fourth cup of water and one-fourth cup of lemon juice. Heat a pan and pour all the mentioned ingredients in it.

Heat this over a low flame and keep stirring until it’s melted. You will get a thick brown liquid which can be used once slightly cool.

Before you start waxing check it on your finger for consistency as well as the temperature.

Before applying this mixture with a butter knife, cool it by blowing air over it.

Use a clean cloth or any waxing strip. Pull it in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Once done, apply ice as well as astringent over the area to tighten the pores.

This method may be painful and you must take care of the temperature of the hot wax, and skin irritation after waxing. Waxing can also cause folliculitis, ingrown hair a, scars and hyperpigmentation.

You can wax any part of the body, small or big in size, except the bikini area. If you are taking oral Vitamin A derivative pills such as Isotretinoin, you need to avoid waxing till your doctor advises.

It also applies to topical applications of Vitamin A derivative creams. All these products dry the skin and there is a possibility of hurting the skin while waxing.

You should avoid waxing if you have irritated skin, broken sun burnt or bruised. Waxing should be performed on healthy skin only.

Waxing removes hair from the root of the shaft and removes a large quantity of hair at a time. It takes about two weeks for hair to grow.

With repetitive waxing of hair, you can expect less hair because of permanent damage to the hair follicle.

Sugaring

Sugaring, as often called, is a very old method of hair removal. With the change in time, this technique of hair removal is back in fashion. Its popularity has increased tremendously.

Most people find that sugaring works best on hair that grows on the upper lip and the bikini line. It’s a relatively messy process. So, do it in the bathroom or some other area where clean-up will not be a problem.

Regardless of where you do it, the results last for two to six weeks. Actually, fine hair will start to show around two weeks after the procedure is done, and the thicker, darker hair growth becomes apparent about four weeks later or so.

The Sugaring Process

You can actually use a homemade solution of hair sugaring and get great results.

Here’s what you should use:

– One Cup Sugar

– Juice from half of a lemon

– One-fourth cup of honey

Mix these well and then microwave on high for about two to three minutes. You are looking for a smooth consistency.

You can do the same by keeping it on the gas on a low flame. Leave the bowl standing for several minutes to cool to a safe temperature.

Now, you will need to get some white cotton cloth in strips or use store bought waxing papers as well as wooden tongue depressors to apply the mixture.

Here’s what to do:

Clean the skin and make sure that it is completely dry. No soap or body lotions should be used in the area.
Apply cornstarch to the area. This will draw out the oils that are within your skin making the procedure work even better.
Use the tongue depressor to apply a thin layer of the mixture over the area that you will want the hair removed from.
Cover the area with a cloth strip. Rub the strip so that it is firmly in place. Do this with moderate pressure and in the opposite direction of the hairs growth.
Grab the end of the strip and pull it back quickly in the opposite direction of the hair’s growth.
Wash the area with water to remove the sugary mixture.

Like waxing, the area may be sensitive and will turn red for a few minutes but this is a temporary condition. You will find it to be one that you can deal with if you want great looking hair removal at a very low cost.

Hair sugaring is a procedure that can be done within a few minutes and can be repeated as necessary. You can use it throughout the body since it is a natural product and see results.

Many individuals find it most beneficial to the bikini line as well as to the upper lip. When the hair is removed, it will grow back.

But, many people have found that it will grow back at a much lighter and finer way and it is like that it will not be nearly as thick either.

Bleaching

While you will not be actually removing hair, you will be able to hide it carefully. Bleaching is a chemical reaction which will remove the color from the hair allowing it to blend in with your skin.

You can purchase bleaching products for the hair above your lip or in other areas as well. Make sure to follow the directions of the product that you use. It is also important to note that tanned skin can cause bleached hair to stand out.

You can naturally bleach your hair with lemon juice and chamomile tea. One should not use lemon juice undiluted so you can mix honey with lemon juice.

Abrasives

If you have fine hair, then abrasives can be the right method for you to remove hair. You will use an abrasive stone, pumice mostly.

By rubbing the stone to the skin in a circular motion, you will lightly remove the hair without damaging your skin.

Although you’ll see some redness afterward, it will likely go away quickly. And, the results of abrasives will last up to three weeks.

Home Version Electrolysis

There are several home electrolysis products that you can purchase. Careful purchasing can lead to the best results.

While these products promise permanent hair removal, they are hard to use and do not always provide this. They are not as effective as professional services, but far less costly. You’ll want a blunt needed version.

This will get placed inside the follicle. Products called Electric Tweezers do not work nearly as well. You’ll need to make sure that the hair is in a growing cycle and follow the directions provided carefully.

A small area of at a time should be attempted. It will take you a long while and it will not be as pain-free as you may think.

Threading

Threading is one of the most common and known methods of hair removal used on any part of your body.

This form of hair removal is used for upper lips, chin, eyebrows or any little patch which hasn’t been taken care while waxing.

It requires detail and attention. It is very useful for people with sensitive skin. It is the twirling of the cotton threads which removes the hair for that perfect look.

Of course, this is not easy for the first timers. It is best to learn first the technique of the proper procedure before actually doing it on your own.

Wrapping Up

These options for at home hair removal are choices that you can easily do and benefit from.

Take the time to learn a little bit more about them, purchase the products needed and get rid of unwanted hair.

There are some more at home options for hair removal that you should consider. You will find these to provide you with a good quality finish.

To choose, look at your conditions as well as your preferences.

This includes the sensitivity of your skin, tolerance to pain, availability of time and resources, and frequency of the treatment.

Hair removal can happen at home. There are many methods and ways that you can effectively get rid of unwanted hair that is throughout the areas of your body that you do not want it to be.

While there are many options, it is completely up to you, your preferences and your budget to determine which method is the right one to go with.

How To Choose An Age-Defying Eye Cream?

Why do we need eye creams?

Believe it or not, your lifestyle takes a toll on your eyes. Eating and sleeping habits along with the growing age leave a visible impact on the soft tissues that guard your eyes against the outside.

These tissues don’t have any fat glands, which makes them the most sensitive organ in the human body.

Everyday, your eyes are exposed to dust, smoke and other irritants that have harmful effects.

Fine lines, wrinkles, mottled pigment are some of the symptoms of skin damage around eyes. Other aspects like skin color, skin tone also get affected.

Eye creams have formulations that deal with these issues.

With the prescribed use of these creams, your eyes will look young again.

Some of the advantages of eye creams are:

Very effective
Absorb quickly
Safe ingredients
Reasonably price
Wrinkle-reducer ingredients
Match the pH level of your tears

An eye cream protects the delicate folds of your eyes from dehydration by supplying essential moisture to the thin walls (layers) of tissues that are often neglected.

To protect your skin from withering and age prematurely, vitamins A and D are used in the formulation of eye cream.

It’s because of the upper damaged layers of tissues that your eyes give a tired and aged look.

An eye cream that contains acids can clean up and remove these dead layers revealing fresh, younger skin from beneath.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause maximum damage to the eyes.

Absorbing sunlight may healthy for other parts of the body but not for the delicate skin around your eyes.

Protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Use sunglasses when exposed to the sun.

Remember, eyes are the most beautiful and sensitive part of human anatomy.

A thin, fine line makes all the difference in times when being young is everything.

Eye Wrinkle Cream – Are they really effective?

Many are unsure of this answer. Today one can find hundreds of different types of skin care products in the market.

The growing market of these products makes it difficult for an ordinary man to judge which one is the best.

At times some products work while others fall below the expectations. It’s unto you to decide which one best suit your skin and produces results.

Uses of Eye Wrinkle Creams

The anti-wrinkle cream for eye wrinkle is a re-firming cream. It helps in firming the skin around and under the eyes.

It stimulates the blood circulation.

Prevents the eyes from getting the crinkles lines look, thus, diminishing crow’s feet.

The best cream eye wrinkle revitalizes the skin and promotes the healing of the skin.

The cream eye removal wrinkle creates an invisible shield to protect the eye skin from getting further damage while smoothing out the eye wrinkles.

Steps to combat eye wrinkles

The use of a best eye wrinkle cream could be a treatment for the wrinkles. Since the skin is very delicate, a proper care has to be taken of this skin.

For this, regular application of best under eye cream is needed.

The eye wrinkle cream will help you get rid of most of the wrinkles appearing around and under your eyes. You can see the result for yourself by applying the cream regularly.

Moreover, you will see that the appearance of your skin has become healthier and younger.

Anti – Wrinkle Eye Cream

Anti-wrinkle eye cream contains ingredients that provide extra moisture to your skin.

This helps in diminishing darkness from the skin and makes it look more firm.

Many anti-wrinkle eye creams contain vitamins A and D. These are the vitamins that are lost when skin is exposed to sun rays for longer duration.

This eye cream come in different potencies and times of application.

The creams can be classifieds based on their time of application.

Day Creams: Day creams work on puffiness and dark circles.

Night Creams: Night creams usually contain Alpha hydroxy acid and/or retinol. It is used to protect against damage to the skin.

General Creams: The primary purpose of these creams is to provide moisture to the skin.

What is the cause of wrinkles?

Due to the gravitational force, the tissues of our body are pulled down. This phenomenon is helped by the loss of moisture in our skin.

Loss of moisture results in collagen breakdown and the free radical damage over a period of time.

This results in sagging of the skin, marking thin and deeper lines.

Anti-wrinkle eye creams work to prevent the easing factors by providing extra moisture daily, reducing collagen damage, and free radical activity with anti-oxidants.

Does anti-wrinkle cream work?

Creams are local applications and effects produced a veer off after some time. We need to catch the root cause of wrinkle and act on them.

The onus is on everyone to try on their own and check the results over time.

Many women think about it far too late and for creams and lotions to have any protective effect you need to start the treatment at the right time.

A good diet and active lifestyle are the best ways to take care of wrinkles – especially water, vitamin c, antioxidants from vegetables, etc.

Choosing An Anti-Aging Eye Cream

When it comes to choosing an anti-aging eye cream, the possibilities are endless.

The choices range from high-end department store brands to affordable names brands and can be found in all shapes, sizes, and forms.

So you can imagine that when it comes time to choose an anti-aging eye cream that will produce the best results for you, the job is a tough one.

Whether your target area is above the eye, below the eye, or the eyelashes, the possibilities are definitely there.

For the Eyelashes

Although not your ordinary anti-aging eye cream, the products available for your eyelashes are enriched with a complex of lecithin along with plant extracts.

It’s meant to promote the growth of the lashes and is clinically proven to do so while conditioning your existing lashes.

Many Internet websites and beauty stores carry this type of treatment, so your best bet is to shop around for particular differences in products as well as price.

Wrinkle Reducers

A few different kinds of anti-aging eye cream can be found that reduce wrinkles while promoting healthy skin.

Some of these wrinkle reducers are left on overnight and then washed off, while others are meant to be used under makeup or as a lotion alone.

The severity of the eye lines you are trying to reduce or smooth will probably make a big difference in which type of anti-aging eye cream you decide to use.

For more deep lines or crow’s feet, you will probably want to sue an overnight treatment, couple with a leave on treatment.

And for softer lines that need just a bit of smoothing, a leave on conditioner should do the trick.

Age Defying Choices

In addition to worrying about wrinkles, lines, and brittle eyelashes, we simply want to defy our age.

It’s natural, as getting older means feeling older. What better way to feel younger than to look younger?

With age defying anti-aging eye cream choices, defying age is a possibility.

The choices in this area include firming cream and glow enhancers but the line tends to also offer natural choices such as chamomile anti-aging eye cream, and herbal treatments.

Many products offer multiple benefits in one treatment, while others come in kits and require multiple steps.

The severity of your problem areas doesn’t really matter as to whether a one step or multiple step treatment is the best choice.

However, pricing, time availability, and satisfaction should be the deciding factors.

Take care of your eyes, it is the window to your soul. Whether you opt to buy anti-wrinkle eye creams, it is definitely your prerogative.

However, if you decide to do so, it is much better to start early and choose the best product with no harmful ingredients that would harm your delicate eyes.

In addition, remember to use sunglasses if you are out in the day for their protection and for you to avoid squinting too much.

Also, do not abuse your eyes, give it a rest from time to time.

Perhaps, you know other ways how to properly take care of your eyes beyond using age defying eye creams.

Hopefully, the factors affecting in how you will choose an age-defying eye cream gives you an idea of what you should be looking for.

Read some reviews of the product and check the potent ingredients as well before making the final decision.

How To Use Honey For Your Skin Care?

Honey by itself is an amazing gift of nature. It is wonderfully therapeutic when taken internally.

It has been used for centuries to promote internal and external healing. Used as a food it can give you energy.

Externally, it can be particularly useful. For starters, it is a natural antiseptic.

It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Another characteristic of honey is that it will attract and retain moisture. It also acts as an anti-oxidant.

The nectar collected from the flowers is transformed into honey to dress upon some of the most mouth-watering desserts.

With the passage of time honey has continued to be one of the main ingredients for skin care.

It has maintained its importance due to the beneficial factors. The healing capacity of honey is astonishing, making it one of the favorite components for home remedies.

A large portion of honey is made up of protein, with other nutrients, including carbohydrates, minerals, B-complex vitamins (including bioflavonoids), and vitamins C, D and E.

Honey has many good properties like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, iron and phosphate.

The Vitamin B complex, as mentioned above like B1, B2, B6, B5, and B3. There is a presence of copper, iodine, and zinc in small quantities.

Honey is very good for your skin due to its properties.

You can use honey for the face mask as it treats your skin very well. It nourishes your skin by the essential properties present in it.

It is very good to remove wrinkles from the face and works as an anti-aging remedy.

Honey is able to maintain moisture which helps your skin remain soft and supple.

The hydration quality of the honey proves to maintain the skin’s elasticity, smoothness, and softness. The presence of antioxidants in honey protects you from UV rays.

Here are some homemade recipes using honey that you can try but be cautious. Test first if you have any allergic reactions to the ingredients.

Honey Recipes for the Skin

Honey Cleanser

Mix 1 tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. finely ground almonds with 1/2 tsp lemon juice.

Rub it on your face. Rinse it with warm water.

Honey Toner

Make a concoction of 1 tbsp. honey with peeled and de-seeded apple.

Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse it with cool water.

Honey Facial Mask

Mix 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg white, 1 tsp. glycerin and in proportion add flour to all the ingredients to whisk up a smooth paste.

Spread this paste all over your face including the neck and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

For A Pleasing Bath

To have relaxing bath add 1/4 cup honey to your bath water and ease out in that smooth and silky water.

A Smooth Conditioner

Mix 1 tsp. honey with 1 tsp. vegetable oil and 1/4 tsp lemon juice.

This mixture is very natural conditioner to be rubbed on every part of your body which is dry.

Leave it on for 10 minutes and later rinse it off.

Acne Reliever

Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 tsp salt. Use a cotton ball to soften the blemish by applying constant pressure.

Apply honey with the help of cotton and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it and pat it dry.

Lip Care

The use of honey on chapped lips is a great hit.

Body Scrub

Use 1/4 cup freshly ground coffee, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp. wheat germ, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp grape seed oil, 1 egg white. Mix buttermilk, honey, grape seed oil and egg white.

Keep adding coffee and wheat germ to this mixture slowly to avoid any lumps.

Apply this paste all over your body when in bath helping in exfoliation.

Rinse it completely and pat dry to see the effects.

A Sweet Treat with Honey for the Skin

For the ultimate natural all round healing potion, try Honey. Thanks to Cleopatra’s milk and honey baths, Honey has become a favorite with one and all to be used in a beauty regime.

Beside Cleopatra, there were other beauties from the past, who swear by honey being an indispensable ingredient in beauty treatments.

Pollution, dirt, and other chemical agents in the air make the skin lose its ability to retain water, making it look dry, wrinkled and aging the person bit earlier.

The natural hydrating and antioxidant properties of honey trap and seal the moisture, rejuvenate the skin, cleanse the complexion leaving it soft and supple.

Honey in its purest form is suitable for all skin types’ even sensitive skin. Beauticians suggest using honey abundantly for a radiant complexion.

Skin care products like baths, shower gels, face creams, skin lotions, moisturizers, body scrubs and even newborns products contain pure honey.

Treat yourself to some simple natural skin care remedies with honey at your home –

– Mix ¼ cup of honey to your bath keeps your skin soft and supple.

– For dry skin, mix 1 tsp. honey, vegetable oil each and ¼ tsp. of lemon juice. Pat it on dry areas of your skin, leave for 10 minutes and rinse with water.

– Make a moisturizing mask with 1 tsp. of honey, 1 egg yolk, ½ tsp. almond oil and 1 tsp. yogurt. Apply on your face, neck and other parts of your body. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. Your skin will feel moisturized and polished with tightened pores.

– For the silky-smooth skin, mix ¼ cup of honey and 3 tsp. of rosewater. Apply to face, neck avoiding sensitive areas around the eye. Massage well and rinse with lukewarm water and enjoy the sensation of an all different skin.

– Open the pores on your face by place a cloth dipped in warm water. Smear honey on your face for 20-30 minutes. Rinse first with warm water and then cold water to close the pores.

– Indulge your skin with the paste of 1 tsp. of honey, 1 egg white, 1 tsp. glycerin, and flour. Smooth it over your face, throat, leaving it on for 10 minutes and then washing it off with warm water. Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

– Mix 4 tablespoon of whole milk powder and 2 tablespoons of honey make an excellent baby bath.

Besides all these, there are still many simple recipes that you can do with honey. You can use it as one of the ingredients or just as it is.

What Are The Essential Facial Skin Care Tips You Can’t Live Without?

Facial Skin Care Tips

Facial skin care is more a matter of discipline than anything else.

It is not as complicated as some think. With the right attitude and discipline, one can actually create a facial skin care routine that will help bring about that healthy glow.

Below are just some top tips for you to start.

1. Never sleep while still wearing make-up

This is perhaps the most cardinal rule when it comes to facial care. Make-up that is left on overnight can clog the pores and trap the dead skin cells inside with the hair follicles.

This may cause blackheads and even acne when not treated early. In addition, chemicals on the skin will prevent the skin from regenerating and breathing while you are asleep.

2. Good Night Sleep

They did not call it beauty sleep for nothing. Having the right amount of sleep can actually help the skin regenerate.

This is also the time when the skin can breathe in from going all day with make-up.

3. Balance Diet

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help the skin stay supple and soft. In fact, foods that are rich in Vitamin C and E are good for the skin as it serves as excellent anti-oxidants.

4. Moisturize

The skin on the face needs to be kept moisturize all the time as this is the part of the skin that is often exposed to the sun and the harsh environment.

Moisturizing the skin will help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and lines that may let you appear older than you really are.

5. Always keep your skin clean

Although you would not really know for sure if your skin is clean or not, it is always a good idea to practice a little bit of hygiene just so that you can prevent your skin from the onset of acne.

Although some people may survive with only water as facial wash, most people would use soap or cleansers to help keep their skin clean.

Experts recommend that people use mild cleansers on their faces. Remember that the face is very sensitive to irritations.

Women who wear make-up should also include toners, moisturizers and make-up removers in their regimen. These are essentials in keeping acne and pimples at bay.

Well, very simply, a facial skin care routine can follow the following 4 steps:

Cleansing

Toning

Exfoliating

Moisturizing

Cleansing is the first thing in facial skin care routine. Cleansing helps in removing dust, pollutants, grease and extra oil from your skin, thereby preventing damage to your skin.

Just spot your face and neck with a good cleansing lotion or cream and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes.

Use a soft face tissue or cotton wool to wipe your face in a gentle patting fashion, do not rub.

Cleansing should be done at least twice a day. It could be in the morning as part of complete facial skin care routine and evening on a standalone basis.

Water soluble cleansers are the best for inclusion in your facial skin care routine.

Toning is the next in a facial skin care routine. However, this is the optional part of the facial skin care routine.

Mostly, proper cleansing can compensate for toning. Toning helps remove all traces of dirt, grease, and excess cleanser.

Instead of making it part of your daily facial skin care routine, you can use toning occasionally such as when you have been exposed to the particularly harsh environment or pollution.

Exfoliation is again, kind of, optional step in everyday routine for facial skin care.

However, exfoliation is necessary at least once a week or twice, depending on the skin type and the environmental conditions.

Exfoliation finds its place in facial skin care routine because of the natural tendency of the skin to replenish the skin cells every 3 or 4 weeks.

As a facial skin care technique, exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells that block the pores, thus assisting the skin in the natural process.

Beware, excessive or harsh exfoliation can cause damage to your skin. So, you need to balance it out.

The next thing in facial skin care is moisturizing.

In fact, moisturizing is the most important part of facial skin care routine. Moisturizers prevent your skin from getting dry.

Dry skin is really undesirable since it cause the upper layer skin to break, leading to dead skin cells. Again, use light upward strokes to make the moisturizer more effective.

Moisturizers work the best when applied on the warm and damp skin. So do not try to remove all the moisture in the previous steps of facial skin care routine.

6. Use Sunscreen

The sun’s harmful ways can bring much damage to the skin. In fact, the sun is the number one culprit when it comes to wrinkles and fine lines.

It is also the one responsible for the appearance of brown spots, not only on the face but also on the shoulders and on the back.

The sun can destroy the skin’s natural protection.

It may not be visible when you are young but the effects will definitely be seen in later years.

There is also, of course, the danger of developing skin cancer from direct rays of the sun. As uncommon as it may seem, tumors can actually develop on the face.

This is the reason for putting on sunscreen whether you plan to stay outside for long or not, whether it is summer or winter is highly recommended.

It is important that you put sunscreen every day, even when you are not planning to go to the beach or to go out.

Experts recommend the use of sunscreens that have SPH 15 or higher for all day protection.

Choosing a Facial Skin Care Product

Talking about skin care, ‘facial skin care’ seems to top the chart. There are loads of facial skin care products available in the market.

The most common facial skin care products are the ones that are used as part of daily routine. These include things like cleansers and moisturizers.

Toners and exfoliation ones are well known too but not many people use them as such.

The general classification of facial skin care products is based on the following:

Gender: there are facial skin care products for men and there are facial skin care products for women

Skin Type: facial skin products for oily skin, facial skin care products for dry skin, facial skin care products for normal skin and facial skin care products for sensitive skin

Age: facial skin care products for old and facial skin care products for young

Skin Disorder: i.e. facial skin care products for the treatment of various skin orders like eczema, acne etc.

That is your starting point for choosing a facial skin care product that suits you. A good way to start is by determining your skin type first.

Also, note that the skin type changes with age, so the facial skin product that suits you today, might not suit you forever.

Hence, you need to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of your facial skin care product.

Taking great care of your facial skin is easy once you establish the right routine.

Sticking to a regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing schedule can help you achieve a flawless, smooth complexion that glows with health.

Every person’s skin is unique, so developing your facial care regimen will be likely to require some trial and error.

Knowing thoroughly what different kinds of products do, and what your skin type needs, can help you create the ultimate skin care plan custom designed for your individual complexion.

The first thing to consider when choosing skin care products and coming up with your treatment plan is your skin type.

If you often notice flaking, find your skin is easily irritated, or feel that you are prone to premature wrinkles, you probably have a dry skin type.

If you are vulnerable to acne and blemishes, or find that you constantly need to powder your nose to keep shine at bay, you have an oily skin type.

If, like many people, you have pimples and grease in some areas and irritation and flaking in others, you have combination skin, which usually requires the most individualized care.

Keep your skin type in mind when buying the four products that will make up your skin care routine.

You will need a cleanser to use twice daily, an exfoliant to use a few times per week, a moisturizer to use as needed, and one intensive treatment for weekly use.

The cleanser should wipe away dirt, makeup, and excess oil, and will keep your pores free of clogs.

The exfoliant will slough away dead skin cells that can cloud your visage, and exfoliating will help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

The moisturizer will tackle dryness, redness, and irritation so that you can maintain a silky smooth texture and a fresh, dewy look.

The intensive treatment should be a commercially available or homemade mask that will tackle your biggest skin problem.

The facial skin care products are available in various forms i.e. creams, lotions, gels, masks, and others.

And a lot of people try to pit one against the other in their discussion on which form is best.

However, one can’t really rate one form as better than another form. What suits you and whatever you are comfortable with is the best form of facial skin care product for you, really.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that these products work differently for different people.

So, the best thing is to try the facial skin care product on a small patch of skin (e.g. ear lobes) before actually going ahead and using it.

For your cleanser, look for a product free from alcohol or other potentially drying agents, and choose the gentlest product possible.

It should be strong enough to cut through excess grease, but not so strong that it strips your face of the natural oils that keep it resilient.

Your exfoliant should be especially designed for facial skin, the most delicate skin on the body. So, don’t try to make your body scrub do double duty on your face.

The moisturizer you pick must be non-comedogenic to keep your complexion clear, and should be water based for maximum effectiveness. Use your moisturizer only when you notice redness or dryness.

For people with dry skin this may mean applying a thin layer after every cleansing, but for others it might mean occasional spot treatments.

Use a mask treatment once a week for a luxurious, deeply penetrating solution to your skin problems.

You can find a mask recipe or premixed product for any issue under the sun.

Whether you’re dominant skin trouble is acne, dryness, or visible wrinkles, or if your skin is in great shape but could use an infusion of nutrients, you will be able to find a treatment ideal for your skin.

Another important consideration is the state of your skin.

If you are suffering from a skin disorder of any kind, it is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist before you actually make your selection and start using a facial skin care product.

Once you have selected the facial skin care product for yourself, you also need to ensure that you use the facial skin care product in the right way.

Follow correct procedures for application, use the correct quantity and make the facial product a part of your skin care routine.

How To Treat The Dark Eye Circles And Puffiness?

It has often been said that the eyes are the window to the souls, but it’s really hard to get people to look you in the eye when you have dark circles or puffiness serving as a distraction.

Puffy eyes and dark circles can be tricky to take care of, but if you have them, then it’s a safe bet that you want them to be gone.

With that in mind, here some tips that will show you how to get rid of dark under-eye circles and puffiness.

If you suffer from dark circles under your eyes or shadows or puffiness under the eyes then be assured this is something that does happen to all of us at some stage and is quite common as you get older.

Aging does many things to the body and these eye problems are one of them. There are some great products available that can help to reduce these signs of aging and they are much cheaper than going for the surgery option.

One of the natural moves that you can make to reduce circles, shadows and puffiness under the eyes is to add Vitamins A, C, and E to your diet and reduce your consumption of sodium. You also need to make sure that you are getting enough sleep every night.

Surgery and injectable fillers should only be used as a last resort. While these procedures are relatively safe, there is always the chance of side effects.

Also, they can be expensive and most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. There are several natural methods for circles, bags, and puffiness, so try those first.

Then we move on to the longer term fixes such as injectable wrinkle fillers.

The eyes can develop an indentation as a result of puffiness and the filler is injected around the puffy area to remove that indentation.

Botox is another product that is commonly used to smooth out all those fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

All of these fillers give the effect of the skin appearing smoother and younger. Filler methods last for around nine months at which time you will need to have the procedure repeated. These procedures can cost several thousand dollars each time.

Now, let’s look for some other cheaper and doable options to resolve this dilemma.

Many of us suffer from dark eyes in the morning, sometimes referred to as ‘raccoon eyes’.

Dark eyes will make a person look tired, older and they may even look a little like they are taking drugs.

Unfortunately, some people have dark eyes more than others even when they are getting adequate sleep so they may look for alternative methods to remove those dark circles.

There is an old wives’ tale floating around that says you can treat eye puffiness with hemorrhoid cream (such as Preparation H).

The theory is that this will shrink the tissues causing bags or puffiness, and seems to make sense.

However, it does not work, and can cause damage to your eyes, so do not try it under any circumstances. But as you will see, there are things that do work.

One of the easiest things you can do is reduce your salt intake. Too much sodium leads to retaining water, and this can add to the puffiness under your eyes.

Also, be sure that you are getting an adequate amount of vitamins A, C and E as these are vital to having healthy skin.

Getting plenty of sleep is also a vital part of how to get rid of dark under-eye circles and puffiness.

Products that include Vitamin K are great to stimulate blood flow which will help to repair any broken capillary walls around the eyes.

Also try products that include Vitamin A, C, and E as these increase the antioxidant protectors and get rid of free radicals.

Hesperidins strengthen the capillaries which will reduce blood pooling and it also helps to improve micro-circulation in the eye area.

Peptide technology will help to promote collagen synthesis that will help to make the skin firmer around the eye.

Konica acid in products can help to lighten the area of skin around the eyes that has become discolored.

Concealers are great for camouflaging the darkness around the eye, particularly peach or salmon colored.

Use a nylon concealer brush to add a layer of concealer in the creases below the eyes and this can reduce puffiness. It is best to buy a good quality concealer to get the best results.

Here are solutions for under eye dark circles:

1. Avoiding use of bleach or peels to make the dark circles around eyes light.

2.Treat the cause of illness mentioned above.

3.Sleep for sufficiently long hours to prevent the formation of dark circles under eyes.

4.Do not scratch the under eye skin.

5.Diet rich in nutrients helps to remove dark circles around eyes.

6.Lightly tap the under eye skin with one or two fingers to increase the blood circulation.

There are some great home remedies that many people swear by for removing darkness and puffiness.

Home remedies for these eye problems include placing fresh sliced cucumbers or tea bags on the affected area.

These work better in some people than others, but at the very least they will be soothing, so they are worth a try.

Another method used back in Grandma’s days was Preparation H but please stay away from this one as it can cause eye damage.

If the home remedies don’t work, then you can look for products at the store.

Check the list of ingredients for things like horse chestnut, aloe, ivy, caffeine, tea, cucumber, and licorice.

Horse chestnut is an ingredient that you should keep an eye out when looking for eye products as this ingredient promotes micro-circulation and helps to reduce the dark circles.

Aloe is another great substance that soothes and hydrates the eyes and skin.

Ivy will help to decongest and to eliminate excess water so will help to reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Caffeine can help to reduce swelling.

White or green teas are both great substances for soothing inflammation and redness.

Cucumber also reduces inflammation and licorice can soothe irritation and reduce puffiness as well.

Keep thin cold cucumber slices on eyes when your eyes are too tired.

Grate cucumber and squeeze fresh juice out of gratings. Dip two cotton balls in it and keep these cotton balls on eyes. This relaxes eyes and relieves tiredness of eyes. This is considered as the best remedy for under eye dark circles.

The above process has been found to be effective when done using some potatoes.

Apply a paste of lemon juice, tomato puree, orange lentil flour and turmeric powder (if you are not allergic to it) on under eye dark circles. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off.

Drink plenty of water (more than 15 glasses)

Eat fresh fruits, green vegetables which are rich in fiber.

Sleep well at least for 7 to 8 hours daily.

Reduce stress levels by practicing yoga and meditation. Pranayama reduces dark circles and increases glow of the skin.

Avoid sweets and chocolates.

Dip two cotton balls in rose water and place them on your eyes, covering dark circles.

EYE PUFFINESS ERASER Recipe

You will need:

2 tsp. grated raw potato (no skin)

1 tsp. moisturizer (without urea)

You have to:

Mix well, and then apply around the eyes.

Cover with cool, damp cotton or gauze for 10 to 15 minutes.

The main thing to remember is that there are ways of how to get rid of dark under-eye circles and puffiness.

No more will you have to worry about people looking at you funny.

Try the above methods and see for yourself what a difference they make in your appearance. Not only will you look better, but you will feel a whole lot better too.

Why Take Advantage Of Vitamin C For Your Skin Care?

Vitamins are essential in keeping the skin healthy. In fact, there are a lot of beauty and skincare products in the market that use these natural vitamins and minerals as their ingredients.

Vitamin C is said to be one of the vitamins that are very beneficial in helping the skin regenerate.

In order to be used on the skin, Vitamin C is transformed to L-ascorbic acid but it is unstable and hard to use in cosmetics.

This is perhaps the reason why there are only a few cosmetic products that carry Vitamin C when compared to other vitamins like A and E.

L-ascorbic acid is dissolved in the water. Although it is concentrated inside the cell, it cannot protect its shell from the free radicals.

It also possesses strong acidic properties and sufficiently irritates the skin and then it rapidly decomposes and loses its force after 24 hours.

Still, chemists are trying to find ways as this form is found to stimulate collagen synthesis on the skin.

Unlike other vitamins, it is also able to stay on the skin for as long as three days as well as prevents a reaction called UV immunosuppression, often seen in 90 percent of cancer patients in the country.

The ether form of vitamin C is derivative from L – ascorbic acid with the fatty acid, isolated from the palm-tree oil. It’s also called palm acid.

The ideal medicine for the skin will come out if we add a small quantity of palm oil to the molecule of vitamin C.

In this particular case, ether won’t irritate the skin and it is possible to bring that kind of vitamin C even to the open cut of the skin.

More importantly, the ether form of vitamin C is capable of being dissolved in the fat.

Therefore, it easily absorbs by the skin.

Thus, the ether form of vitamin C is capable of penetrating the thin membrane surrounding cells. The membrane of the cellular plasma itself consists predominantly of fat.

As a result, the ether form of vitamin C will strongly protect against free radicals precisely that part of the cell, where they can cause the greatest harm.

The stability is another advantage of the ether form of vitamin C.

That’s why it is possible to add this form to the creams and the lotions, and it will preserve the ability to act for months and even for years, completely without spoiling or losing its anti-oxidant effect.

In looking for Vitamin C in products, make sure that it contains a stable L-ascorbic form and a low pH level. Highly concentrated products are also recommended.

Remember that just because a product advertises Vitamin C on its front level, it does not mean that it contains the kind or the form (L-ascorbic acid) that your skin can use.

Vitamin C as Shield from the Sun

Vitamin C serves as a good shield from the sun, which harms the skin by drying it up and causing wrinkles and lines to show up.

Vitamin C does this by neutralizing the reactive oxygen or free radicals, which is often caused by the interaction of sunlight, skin tissues and of course the cell membrane.

But though it prevents the absorption of light, it should not be used to replace sunscreen. Skin care experts still recommend the use of sunscreen for maximum sun protection.

Still, vitamin C can be combined with sunscreens for more coverage and longer protection because once this gets into the skin. It cannot be easily washed or rubbed off.

Vitamin C as an Anti-oxidant

Vitamin C is known to play a crucial role in the oxidation process. It prevents free radicals from destroying the skin.
Free radicals are caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun and its reaction with oxygen.

Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen

The vitamin helps synthesize collagen, a component of the skin that is essential in slowing down the aging process of the skin.

L-ascorbic acid signals the collagen genes to begin creating new collagen

Vitamin C Treats Scars

Mildly deep scars are healed skin lesions. The only difference is that some collagen is missing from the bottom of the scar. It, therefore, looks depressed.

You can get this collagen refilled with an injection at regular intervals or try to use Vitamin C and find out if you are getting satisfactory results.

Vitamin C encourages production of collagen and elastin in the skin. With more collagen and elastin, the skin looks healthy, young and the scars don’t look that prominent.

The Vitamin C Challenge

Vitamin C skin care, however, faces a major challenge today. This is related to the oxidation tendency of Vitamin C skin care products.

On coming in contact with any oxidizing agent like air, the Vitamin C in the Vitamin C skin care products gets oxidized. Thus, makes the Vitamin C skin care product useless and counter-effective.

The oxidized Vitamin C imparts a yellowish-brown color to the Vitamin C skin care product.

This is something that you need to check before buying a Vitamin C skin care product.

Even after you buy a Vitamin C skin care product, you need to store it properly and keep checking that it’s still good to use. For example, examine if it hasn’t attained a yellowish-brown texture.

The manufacturers of Vitamin C skin care products have tried to deal with this (oxidation) problem in multiple ways and research on Vitamin C skin care products is on the top of their list.

One such method of retaining the effectiveness of Vitamin C skin care products for a long term is to keep a high concentration (say 10%) of Vitamin C.

However, this makes the Vitamin C skin care products even more expensive. The Vitamin C skin care products are already pretty inexpensive and making them even more expensive will throw the product manufacturers out of business.

The other way is to use Vitamin C derivatives like ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

These are not only more stable but also inexpensive.

Even though the derivatives-based products are not as effective as the Vitamin C skin care products, their stability against oxidation is a very desirable feature that makes them very attractive. Moreover, these are known to be less irritating too.

Talking of effectiveness of Vitamin C skin care products, it’s important to mention that not everyone responds to Vitamin C treatments. So it’s not a magic potion in any way.

If you don’t see a noticeable difference in your skin, it might be because of your skin not responding to Vitamin C treatment and the Vitamin C skin care products might not be at fault, at all.

As more research goes on, one can only keep our fingers crossed and wait for a complete solution to the challenges faced by ‘Vitamin C skin care’ today.

Vitamin C is often regarded as a wrinkle fighter or an anti-aging agent.

The main objective of ‘Vitamin C skin care’, in scientific terms, is to increase the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that is found in the skin.

The additional benefit is related to its capability of countering free radicals which cause damage to the skin.

Please consult your doctor about vitamin C topical formulations. Vitamin C is unstable and your doctor will guide you best about which brand to use. Your doctor will also guide you about your scar concerns and how Vitamin C will help.

To have a glowing and smooth skin you can use this recipe:

14 Cucumber Beauty Recipes

Cucumber Wrinkle Cream

Cool As A Cucumber Yogurt Facial (For Normal/Oily Skin)

Cucumber Mask (for oily skin)

Cucumber Masque

Cucumber Mask 2

Cucumber Facial Mask (Cleans and Moisturizes)

Cucumber-Lemon Tonic (soothing astringent for oily skin)

Cucumber-Rose Refresher

Soothing Cucumber Cream

Silky Smooth Facial

Silky Smooth Bath

Vegetable Mask (for troubled skin)

Cooling Summer Body Spray

Cucumber Loofah Soap

What Is Nature’s Best Acne Skin Care Product?

10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

1. Do not pick, press or rub your pimples.

2. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soap.

3. Check if it is because of the food.

4. Drink more water every day.

5. Do not wear makeup if possible.

6. Do not use oily products.

7. Keep your face clean.

8. Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and elimination of toxins.

9. Stay stress-free.

10. Get Sunshine and fresh air.

Home Acne Treatments Tips

Here are some things you can try.

Apply essential oils, such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. For sensitive skin, dilute the oil with grapeseed oil. Apply the oil before going to bed at night, then wash it away in the morning with a pure soap, such as Ivory, and clean water.

Acne begins on the inside of the body, not on the surface of the skin. Drink plenty of water – at least eight glasses per day – to help detoxify your body and cure acne. Also, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

Art of Massaging

Facial Massage for Acne Treatment

Recipes For Dry Skin Care Using Herbs And Essentials Oils

Treat yourself with these recipes using herbs and essential oils:

Dry skin mask

Homemade balm for dry, chapped lips

Glycerin Soap – Beneficial For Dry Skin

How to Quench Your Dry Skin’s Thirst?

Moisturizers – An Important Ingredient In Your Daily Skin Care Routine

There are two types of moisturizers:

Preserve Your Skin’s Moisture – Tips and Suggestions

The Causes Of Dry Skin

Why the skin becomes dry?

Dry Skin Problems

Dry Skin Care Quiz

Caring for Dry Skin

Below are more tips on how to take care of dry skin:

Relieving Dry Skin And Winter Itch

More Facial Exercises

How to do eyes exercise?

Forehead Exercise

Facial Exercises for a Firm Neck

Olive Oil Home Made Recipes

Olive Oil Cream

Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Carolina Cleansing Cream

Lotion Bar

Egyptian Facial

Lady Godiva Body Scrub

Scented Salt Body Scrub

What Makes the Skin Wrinkle?

CAUSE: The environment

EFFECT: Brow and eye creases, fine lines fanning over cheekbones, rings and crisscrosses at the back of the neck

CAUSE: Facial expressions, stress

EFFECT: Frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines

CAUSE: Aging

EFFECT: Creepy skin, deeper eye creases, nose-to-mouth lines, marionette (mouth to chin) lines, lip lines, neck rings

Here is the normal progression of wrinkles characterized by age group:

Simple Recipes for Skin Care

Puffed Eyes

Eye Cream

Facial Mask

Smooth and Beautiful Hands

Facial Scrub

Avocado Eye Cream

Avocado Mask