Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health

Sweet friend Aloe
Aloe vera which is called as searched heaven, wonders of plant, pharmacy of the villages, serves as most important ingredient in preparation of cosmetics. The siddha practitioners usually call it as ‘Kumari’ and the plant is basically originated from South African & Arabian Countries.

The plant is perennial and it is of fern’s type. It grows on well drained soils in the hot regions and in high altitudes it grows on fences. Aloe lives for many years and it grows as Bush, with succulent leaves having a lot of moisture content. Leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern.

There are many types of aloe like Aloe vera, Aloe Littoralis, Aloe Barbedensis, Aloe Squarossa, Aloe Virdiflora. Aloe vera is normally used in the medicinal practices. The leaf of juice contains the phytochemicals such as Anthroquinones, Resins, Polysaccharides and Aloktinepi. The yellow coloured latex is called as “Moosambaram”.

Aloe vera benefits for skin
Aloe plays a vital role in manufacturing of all the cosmetics. The juice of aloe balances the moisture content of the skin and cures the skin diseases.
1. Aloe offers innumerable benefits to skin and hair. The anti bacterial and anti microbial properties in aloe, reduces the pimple, acne, and black spots. Aloe gel shall be applied on the pimple, healing acne scars effectively.
2. It reduces the irritation on the skin and renders a cooling effect on skin. It rejuvenates the tissues and moisturizes. It is applicable for all types of skin. It helps getting rid of the wrinkles, refreshes the skin and helps to maintain the skin young and glowing. The scar marks will be reduced remarkably by aloe.
3. The black marks, scars, sun burns, dry skin can be treated by using Aloe daily.
4. If we apply the juice of Aloe at the night and wash it with warm water in the morning, the darkness will be reduced and the skin will glow.
5. The aloe gel is applied on face to moisturize dry skin and keeps the skin supple. After applying aloe vera and soaked it for some time and after washing that if we apply makeup it will last for long time.
6. The skin turns black while it is exposed to sun for a long time. Sometimes black marks and change in skin colour will happen. Excessive exposure of the skin to sun may cause skin cancer. Therefore whenever we go out, applying moisturizer is essential. In that case aloe vera gel is an excellent moisturizer to prevent sun tan. 7. The aloe along with its skin and the raw turmeric can be ground together and applied to face, neck, hands and legs. It can be washed after few hours with the foam of fenugreek. It is very effective in removing suntan and for promoting a glowing even complexion devoid of dark patches. If we comb the hair after applying aloe, the hair will remain as it is. It will cool the body.

Aloe vera benefits for hair
1. In the protection and maintenance of hair, aloe is used to keep the hair color and stimulates the hair growth.
2. Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for treating dandruff and other problems of scalp.
3. Coconut oil and the aloe gel is boiled together and applied on scalp to induce hair growth. If taken as oil bath it will provide a soothing effect to eye and acts as a sedative.
4. Aloe Vera gel containing anti-inflammatory properties cures baldness and reduces hairloss.
5. The aloe gel is boiled with oil and the oil is massaged on the scalp to increase the hair growth.

Health benefits of aloe vera
 The medicinal properties exists mostly in the matured plant even though there are many colors like pale green, light green and dark green in the plant is available in nature.

1. The wounds that are happened while men shave, can be instantly cured by using aloe. The instant doctor for treating burns caused by fire is none other than Aloe.
2. The aloe gel can cure the eye disorders and irritations.
3. Aloe gel along with the castor oil can be boiled together and one tea spoon has to be taken internally daily twice in the morning and evening. It will reduce the body heat and keeps the skin glowing. It cures the constipation and the leaves the liver healthy.
4. Aloe vera penetrates into the skin faster than water. It contains vitamin C, B and minerals. It contains the fat reducing protein called collagen and resulting in reduction of wrinkles and aged look of the skin. The oil regulates the menstrual cycles in women. But it will abort the pregnancy.
5. If taken internally, the stomach ulcers and all the stomach related disorders will be cured.
6. Aloe gel, soaked and ground fenugreek, garlic pieces are boiled in castor oil and filtered. A tea spoon of this oil is taken internally in the morning or before going to bed to reduce body heat and gain weight. It helps cure gonorrhea.
7. Stretch marks will appear if there is increase in weight and during pregnancy. It is very difficult to cure the marks. But aloe is applied and massaged for some time on the stretch marks for eliminating traces of them.

Now we can say that aloe vera is a good friend for the youngsters. Is that not? So let us grow an aloe in every home.

Source: bestbeautyinfo.com

5 Key Things to Know About Sun Protection

Find out the five key things you need to know about sun protection, before you get too far into the summer season.

1. You can go natural, but know which ingredients to look for. 
Sunscreens come in two different formulations, chemical and physical. As the name suggests, chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UV rays and deactivate them upon contact. While chemical sunscreens are effective and completely safe, some users with sensitive skin may still find certain ingredients irritating. In that case, Dr. Harper recommends looking for a physical sunscreen that contains natural minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which sit on top of skin and physically prevent rays from penetrating. She does, however, caution against using non-FDA approved "alternative" products or supplements, because they just haven't been proven to get the job done. (Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, $11.95, Soap.com)

2. SPF is only half the story.
Most of us have been conditioned to read the SPF number like it's the only important thing on the label. Unfortunately, if you're just looking at that, you might think that you're fully protecting yourself, but you're actually not. The sun emits two types of harmful ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, and the SPF number refers only to how much UVB protection you're getting. As Dr. Harper explained, UVB rays are absorbed in the superficial top layers of skin and causes the actual burn. The higher SPF you wear, the longer it protects your skin from burning. UVA, on the other hand, penetrates deep into the skin where the damage can't be immediately seen (think of it as UVB's silent, but deadly, partner in crime). So instead of just paying attention to the SPF number, make sure that the product you use (especially if you're relying your lotion or makeup to provide sun protection) is marked "broad spectrum" that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. (Restorsea Rejuvenating Day Lotion with SPF 30, $150, restorsea.com)

3. The magic number is between 15 and 50.
Recently the FDA released a set of rules around sunscreen labels that declare what manufactures can and cannot claim about their products. Among the rules, the FDA has stated that only sunscreens with SPF 15 and above can claim to reduce the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Anything with an SPF of lower than that can no longer claim to be effective protection. On the flip side, the FDA has also regulated that the highest SPF one product can claim is 50, as not to lead consumers astray thinking they are getting uber, bullet-proof protection. For daily use, Dr. Harper recommends applying a broad protection sunscreen with minimum of SPF 30. (Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 43, $30, Sephora.com)

4. Sunscreen is not waterproof or sweatproof.
Got sunscreen that claims to be waterproof? It's time to throw it out. According to Dr. Harper, it's technically impossible for sunscreens to be completely waterproof -- instead, the best they can claim to do is to be water resistant for up to a certain period of time (40 minutes or 80 minutes). What this means is that the product will need to be reapplied after that time frame, or it'll be rendered ineffective. Be sure to keep your sunscreen on hand when you're having an active day outdoors, and reapply often because the most effective sun protection is one that hasn't rubbed off. (Cerave Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $11.24, CVS.com)

5. You don't need the sun to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important to maintain strong bones and prevent certain types of diseases, but don't use that as an excuse to lay out in the sun for even a few minutes. "Vitamin D can be obtained through a well balanced diet or supplements," advises Dr. Harper. "There's no need to get your dose from a known carcinogen like the sun." If you're hoping just to get a bit of color this summer, use a self tanner instead. Some, like this one, even contain an added dose of Vitamin D. (Dr. Dennis Grossman Alpha Beta Glow Pad with Active Vitamin D, $18, Sephora.com)

Source: beautyhigh.com

Break These Bad Beauty Habits Now!

WASHING YOUR FACE IN THE MORNING

The Problem: According to dermatologist Dr. Arleen Lamba, your skin regenerates, reestablishes its pH, and increases collagen production at night while you sleep, so using harsh cleansers and scrubs in the morning will only strip your skin off all these essential oil goodies.
The Solution: Leave the cleansing for the P.M. and wash your face only with water in the A.M. If you really need to cleanse, opt for a mild moisturising cleanser.

DRINKING WITH A STRAW

The Problem: As hard as it is to believe, frequent major slurping can cause wrinkles around your puckers over time, according to New York dermatologist Dr. David E. Bank.
The Solution: It's tough to totally dismiss straws, but just try not to engage in straw-drinking competitions.

OVER-PUMPING YOUR MASCARA

The Problem: You just want more product on your brush for better application (we understand), but Manuela Marcheggiani, a cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Canada’s Isomers (Skin Care) Lab­oratories says you’ll get quite the opposite. By pumping the wand in and out, you’re sending more air inside which could dry out the formula, causing it to spread unevenly, form clumps and smudge easily. You also risk introducing bacteria into the tube.
The Solution: Wipe the wand with a clean tissue before use to remove any dried product that might clump on your lashes.

RUBBING YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER AFTER SPRAYING PERFUME ON THEM 

The Problem: If you heard that this could let the fragrance set in better, then it’s time you know the truth from Givaudan perfumer Yann Vasnier. He explained that this only distorts the scent as the friction increases the interaction between the fragrance and your skin’s natural oils.
The Solution: One spritz on each wrist and no rubbing. You can also try two on the neck and one on the décolletage – these are the best spots to help diffuse the scent.

Source: femalemag.com.my

Interesting Facts About Hair Care Through History

1. Hair washing was hardly a daily duty
One of the most interesting facts about hair care before the 19th century is that women didn’t wash it as often as we do now, yet still managed to keep it clean! But how and how often are we talking about? Well, it would be safe to say that washing had not only been far from being a daily duty, it wasn’t even a monthly one! Women living in these times had to brush their hair every evening to remove old oils and that’s pretty much the only time their hair had been let down. Poor gals!

2. The first soaps were quite harsh on hair
Lye-based hair treatments are such a big deal nowadays and we’re constantly being warned about the damaging effects they have on our precious tresses! But how would you feel if you had to use a lye-based soap to clean your hair? Guess that irregular washing don’t sound so bad now, huh? Seriously ladies, modern shampoos came pretty late (1920 to be precise) which left a lot of pre 1920s women stuck with a lye-based soap that would have been too damaging if used too often.

3. Good hair was tied with social status
Having the so called “good hair” had nothing to do with race, texture and whatnot, nor did it mean that richer women had some special means to clean their hair more often. It simply meant that they had more money for hair adornments, various extension-like things with the purpose to make hair appear fuller, wigs, scented oils, dyes and whatnot.

4. Natural care remedies have been quite popular
Miraculous natural ingredients such as coconut and almond oil as well as honey and a form of purified butter called ghee have been the base of hair care in old India! Not bad for seventh century, huh? But that’s not all! They used henna to dye their hair too and the same thing could be said for Egyptians who, as it turns out, had been quite a bit of hair care junkies, fancy wig addicts and even knew which herbs could be used to treat baldness.

5. Modern shampoo is what caused the need for conditioner
Ha! Is that a gasp I’m hearing? Oh come on, you can’t deny that this interesting fact about hair care really is a surprise! The use of natural ingredients in hair cleansing left it soft and shiny, making the product we now consider a must absolutely unnecessary. Lye soaps didn’t do much to change this all thanks to the fact that people didn’t wash their hair too often but, what do you know, shampoos appeared and changed all that, paving the road for this first of many care products we now use and love.

6. Romans were quite hair-conscious
Ancient Greeks might have been the ones to introduce barbershops to the world but we shouldn’t forget Romans either! After all, they haven’t only embraced and perfected all Greek hair care and styling ideas but contributed quite a bit themselves, dictating styling trends, even using the ancient version of what we now know as the curling iron! Wigs and elaborate hairstyles spoke a lot about one's social status and various hair dyes and care concoctions were just as normal and usual as going to the supermarket for a fresh box of dye is for us today.

7. Dyes have been a rather popular choice
Hair dyes are hardly a modern invention! In fact, it would be safe to say they have been a rather popular product in the history of hair care, well…since ancient times! From ancient India, Greece and Rome to even medieval times – women might have been motivated or even forced to wear their hair certain ways but they always had a few dye tricks up their sleeves. Light hair was highly sought after even back then, which yielded a lot of interesting and, as researchers confirm, highly effective ways to obtain the popular color. Romans used hydrogen peroxide, medieval folks relied on natural concoctions and enchantments while the Renaissance was mostly about lye.

8. Some old recipes are worth remembering, others not so much
One particularly famous medieval treaty of cosmetics may sound too passé when compared to the modern cosmetic industry, yet contains pretty cool stuff even the modern naturalistas would find noteworthy. Like washing your hair with vinegar, mint, thyme, rosemary and nettle-infused water. Sounds familiar? Well, don’t get your hopes up too much, I also found some recipes you wouldn’t want to try! Lizards, for example! Now that has been one very popular ingredient in hair care concoctions in both medieval times and the Renaissance! But speaking about the Renaissance – did you know they used to add lye to just everything, including detanglers? Ugh, no thanks, I’ll pass!

Pretty cool hair care facts, huh? Guess the matter of hair is not and has not been a trivial one! What do you have to say about that, lovelies?

Source: allwomenstalk.com