21.5.13
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
How to Have Perfect Skin
Cleanse Gently
Dermatologists say that they see more problems related to over-cleansing than to anything else. Because of all the cleansers and exfoliating products on the market, many people think they need to “super-clean” their faces. According to dermatologists, the rule of thumb is to use a cleanser only when necessary. Most cleansers cause dryness that leaves the skin unprotected and more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Even people who feel they have oily skin should avoid using cleansers and other products that cause dryness. Alcohol-based cleansers are some of the worst but there are other “bad” ingredients. Whenever possible, just use plain warm water and a clean soft cloth for washing your face. Occasionally, you can use a deep cleansing mask. But you should exfoliate no more than once a month. Daily cleansers with exfoliating beads are popular but not a good choice.
Always Moisturize
After every bath or shower, you should moisturize your whole body. People with oilier complexions don’t like this piece of advice but it helps to keep the skin healthy, beautiful, and more youthful looking. One of the keys to being satisfied with your moisturizer is to choose one that contains the right ingredients. Plant-based oils such as grape seed or olive oil are better choices than petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oil and petrolatum. They also smell better naturally. Plant-based oils are quickly absorbed because they are more similar to the oils produced by the skin. They do not leave a greasy feeling. They simply leave the skin feeling and looking smoother.
Get Some Sun
A little bit of sun helps relieve many skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis. It also gives you vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure increases your risk of wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. There are many benefits to sunshine but check with your dermatologist to determine how much time you can safely spend out in the sun. If you are fair-skinned, spend about 10 minutes a day in the sun. If you have darker skin, you can stay out a little longer. Check with your dermatologist to find out how long you can safely stay out in the sun
Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidant-rich foods help to protect your skin from the inside out. All fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Salmon provides a unique antioxidant called astaxanthin that seems to be particularly beneficial for your skin. You might also consider taking some good dietary supplements. Your skin is an organ of your body. With good nutrition and gentle skincare products, you can have flawless and “perfect” skin.
Source: beautytipsonline.com
20.5.13
Top 10 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight
1. You eat diet food
One of the most common reasons you’re not losing weight could be that the healthy food you’re eating every day might not be as healthy as it appears. Diet food like low fat, low carb and low calorie foods are typically super processed and have tons of preservatives, sugar, sodium and suspicious ingredients that are not what you want to be feeding yourself. Focus on eating clean, whole foods when you can and limit your intake of diet foods.
2. Your portion sizes are distorted
I’ll admit it; I make this diet mistake often. I don’t take the time to measure out portions when I eat or I inflate the portion sizes. Measuring out your food all the time can be a hassle but it helps control how much you eat and ensures that you’re getting the appropriate amount of specific foods. Take the time to measure your portions so you can keep track of how much you eat and help your body realize when you’re full.
3. You're not getting enough sleep
Life gets busy. It’s bad enough we barely have enough time to work out but working in enough time to sleep can be a challenge as well! If you’re having trouble seeing results in your weight loss and you frequently skip out on sleep, your sleeping habits could be to blame. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can affect our ability to control our appetite and it can stimulate the release of a hormone that increases the appetite, according to Dr. Lisa Shives of Northshore Sleep Medicine.
4. You eat nutrition bars as snacks
Nutrition bars aren’t all inherently bad but there are some brands that are just fancy candy bars in healthy-looking wrapping. Even if you choose nutrition bars that are wholesome and nutritious, many of them are pretty high in calories and aren’t meant to be eaten as a snack. If you’re looking for a portable snack, think trail mix, fruit, nuts or air popped popcorn, which are high in nutrients and lower in calories.
5. You don't read labels
Another one of the things that keep you overweight is when you don’t read labels. Some foods are packaged with statements containing diet buzzwords like low fat or natural, but if you take a look at the nutrition facts and list of ingredients, it’s not the case! Some foods mislead us to think we’re eating healthy when they're filled with unwanted ingredients like sugar, sodium and trans-fats.
6. Your meals lack produce
Lacking enough fresh fruits and vegetables is another possible culprit of a weight loss roadblock. Experts recommend eating about 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies a day and studies show that those whose meals contain lots of veggies are more likely to lose weight and keep it off. The great thing about eating a lot of veggies is that you can eat more of them; they’re high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.
7. You eat fast
This is another diet mistake I make, finishing my meals too quickly! Trying to work through your lunch break and only having a limited time to eat can make this bad habit worse. There are absolutely no health benefits to eating fast and you can end up feeling bloated, overstuffed and you can end up eating way more food than you planned. Practice pausing between bites and savoring you food to avoid this diet pitfall.
8. You drink alcohol often
Drinking alcohol often is another one of the things that keep you overweight. Drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages on occasion is fine. But if you frequently have a drink with dinner or indulge in happy hour cocktails a few times a week, it can be sabotaging all of your hard work! Feel free to indulge on occasion but be sure to count the drinks as part of your overall calorie intake.
9. You skip meals
Sometimes we skip meals without meaning to, but if you skip meals in order to save calories, it can end up working against you. Research shows that people who eat less than three meals a day end up consuming more calories throughout the day than those who eat regularly. Set a timer if you have to, but if you’re really serious about losing weight, make meals a priority!
10. You drink sodas
I used to be so addicted to soda that I couldn’t imagine going a few hours without my refreshing drink. Then, I realized that my daily fizzy drink was doing me absolutely no favors so I quit. As hard as it was, I realized that I was drinking a nutritionally void drink that had some undesirable long term effects. Even calorie-free diet sodas can cause bigger waistlines, health problems and ruin your teeth from all the acidity!
Did any of these weight loss roadblocks sound familiar to you? I’ve been there and while we try our best to eat healthy, we’re human and we can make mistakes. If you found yourself agreeing to some of these diet pitfalls, don’t get discouraged! You can easily correct the mistakes and get back on track. Can you think of other ways your weight loss could be stalling?
Source: allwomenstalk.com
19.5.13
10 Tips Cantik Dari Dapur
Buah Pisang
Selain membantu memperlancar pencernaan. pisang juga dapat membuat kulit jadi lebih halus, mulus, serta menyembuhkan jerawat. Caranya: kupas 100 gram pisang dan hancurkan, tambahkan 1 sdt madu, kemudian maskerkan secara rutin setiap minggunya.
Teh
Lebih baik jangan keburu membuang kantung teh yang baru saja diseduh. Simpan dan kenakan sebagai masker mata pada malam harinya. Biarkan saja hingga semalaman, sehingga saat Anda bangun tidur maka mata akan lebih fresh serta kantung mata perlahan pudar.
Garam Kristal
Biasanya garam kristal digunakan untuk mengasinkan ikan, namun jika Anda mencampurkan garam dalam air hangat dan digunakan sebagai berendam, maka khasiatnya akan meredakan otot yang lelah. Otot tubuh akan lebih rileks, tidur lebih nyenyak, dan kulit Anda akan lebih segar keesokan harinya.
Jeruk Nipis
Mendambakan kulit bersih? Manfaatkan saja jeruk nipis dari dapur Anda. Jeruk nipis ini berperan sebagai astringent yang melembabkan, menyegarkan serta membantu pori-pori agar lebih kecil. Selain itu, kandungan vitamin C-nya dapat membantu mencerahkan kulit.
Madu
Baik diminum maupun dipakai sebagai masker, madu sangat baik khasiatnya. Untuk dikonsumsi, tuang madu pada segelas air hangat dan diminum setiap hari. Anda juga dapat mencampurkan 1 sdm madu pada setiap masker wajah Anda.
Santan
Rambut juga butuh perawatan yang tak dapat merawat sekaligus melembabkan. Nah, kali ini Anda bisa mencoba manfaat dari santan untuk melembabkan setiap helai rambut. Setelah berkeramas, pijatkan santan kental pada batang rambut untuk merawat rambut yang kering, pecah-pecah dan bercabang.
Kopi
Setelah menuang kopi di cangkir, biasanya ada sisa ampasnya, kan? Jangan buang ampas tersebut namun pakai sebagai scrub pada telapak tangan atau kaki. Niscaya kulit pada bagian itu akan lebih halus, serta sel-sel kulit mati dapat terangkat.
Oatmeal
Selain baik untuk jantung, oatmeal yang tinggi serat ini dapat menghaluskan serta mengencangkan kulit wajah. Campur oatmeal dengan madu, kenakan sebagai masker dan nikmati manfaatnya setiap minggu.
Kentang
Kentang efektif untuk mengusir noda-noda hitam di wajah. Caranya mudah, massagekan kentang yang sudah di parut dan biarkan sebagai masker. Lakukan seminggu sekali dan amati perubahan kulit wajah Anda.
Gula Palem
Campurkan gula palem dengan olive oil dan madu, gunakan sebagai scrub yang ringan dan lembut. Jangan menggosok kulit terlalu keras, terutama di daerah kulit sensitif, sehingga masker ini dapat bekerja dengan lebih maksimal.
Source: vemale.com
18.5.13
Tips Agar Kulit Wajah Kenyal Dan Supel
Sunblock
Panas dari sinar matahari bisa menyebabkan kulit kering, sinar UV juga bisa merusak jaringan kulit, menjadikannya kehilangan elastisitas. Selalu gunakan sunblock dengan SPF minimal 20 saat akan terpapar sinar matahari.
Perawatan malam hari
Kulit yang bisa bernafas dengan baik dan cukup nutrisi akan dengan sendirinya elastis dan bersinar. Jangan lupa membersihkan wajah dan memberikan night cream sesaat sebelum tidur.
Cukup minum air
Cukupi cairan tubuh agar kulit bisa mempertahankan elastisitasnya. Tidak lain caranya adalah dengan memenuhi kebutuhan air tubuh, minum setidaknya delapan gelas air per hari. Anda juga bisa mengonsumsi buah-buahan tinggi air secara rutin untuk menyegarkan kulit.
Scrub atau peeling
Sel kulit mati harus disingkirkan agar kulit bisa bernafas dengan baik, dan ini butuh bantuan Anda untuk menghilangkannya. Lakukan scrub atau peeling secara berkala (2-4 minggu sekali) untuk mengikis kulit mati.
Vitamin E dan omega-3
Selain air, lemak juga dibutuhkan untuk menjaga kulit tetap lembab dan elastis. Penuhi kebutuhan lemak ini dari minyak esensial yang baik untuk kesehatan dan menunjang perbaikan dan pertumbuhan kulit, yaitu vitamin E dan omega-3.
Source: vemale.com
15.5.13
8 Morning Skin Care Tips You should Know About
Were you aware that there are certain morning skin care tips that we should follow? Yup, there are steps we should take in the morning in order to look the most awake and to look your best! These morning skin care tips can help your skin look and feel revived, refreshed and ready to face the day. Skin care is just as important in the morning as it is as night, so take note of these essential skin care tips!
1. Wash
I’m starting off these morning skin care tips with an age-old beauty tip-remove all your makeup before you go to sleep! Even if you don’t wear makeup, it’s still important to cleanse your face because your skin will likely have dirt and oil from the day. If you have sensitive skin, you might just want wash your face once a day and that’s fine. If you wake up with dry, dehydrated skin, you might be in need of a different moisturizer at night.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin in the morning is a fantastic way to wake up your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. However, depending on your skin type, exfoliating in the morning might not be the best idea. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a moisturizing scrub and exfoliate once every one or two weeks or whatever you’re comfortable with.
3. Tone
Many people skip toner in their skin care routine. I see why, it can be optional for some skin types but it does help balance out your skin and prepare it for moisturizing. If you decide to use toner, look for ones that are alcohol-free and suited for your particular skin type. Just dab some on a cotton pad, swipe your face and neck and let it air dry. Witch hazel makes a great toner and it’s very reasonably priced if you’re looking to try one out!
4. Moisturize
The next step in your morning skin care regimen is to moisturize! Save the thick, heavy moisturizer for nighttime and use a lightweight formula for the day. If you can, look for a moisturizer with sunscreen built in so you won’t have an extra step after you moisturize. If you want to save even more time, look for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with sunscreen and you’re way ahead of the game!
5. De-puff
If you happen to wake up with puffy eyes or just want to refresh your tired eyes, pop your day time eye cream in the fridge for a few minutes while you make your coffee to cool it down. If you’re a tea drinker, you can drain your tea bag (black or chamomile tea is best), place it in fridge until it’s cool and place it on your eyelids for a few minutes.
6. Drink water
Drinking water first thing in the morning is said to be excellent to get your digestive system going, help wake you up and your body really needs it after not drinking anything for 7-8 hours. Drinking water also helps keep your skin moisturized and helps give you energy for the day ahead. Make sure you keep drinking water throughout the day to reap the numerous benefits!
7. Get moving
If you have time in the morning, do some stretching, walking or yoga poses. Doing so can help get your blood flowing, reduce dark circles and help you look less puffy. If you already work out in the morning then you’re already on the right track! Another great benefit to getting moving in the morning is that you’ll be more alert and it gives your metabolism a boost!
8. Protect
The last skin care tip for the morning is to slather on a sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. According to dermatologist Dr. Manish Khanna, the sun is the number one cause of aging in the skin. We can prevent sun damage, so don’t go a day without using sunscreen! While you’re at it, make sure your lip balm contains sunscreen, too!
I know it seems like there are a ton of skin care tips to do but you don’t have to do every single one every day. Some mornings we barely have time to get dressed and brush our teeth, let alone go through a multi-step skin care regimen! Make sure you do the basics of cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen every day. What’s your morning skin care routine like?
Source: allwomenstalk.com
13.5.13
Inexpensive Ways To Beautify Yourself
1. At home facial
One of the best ways to beautify yourself is by giving yourself a facial at home! Forget paying salon prices, all you need is a mask of your choice from the drugstore. Choose according to your skin type. While in the shower, apply the mask to your face while you wash your hair and shave. It won’t dry all the way, but the steam from the shower will help penetrate your pores for a deep clean!
2. Inexpensive body scrub
You don’t need a separate body scrub for every part of your body! One scrub will suffice for everything, and it can be found in your kitchen! The recipe is two parts sugar, one part sea salt, one part honey, one part olive oil, and a drop of lemon juice. Apply over your body in circular motions, and rinse off for baby smooth skin!
3. Refresh your makeup
No need to remove your makeup and reapply for the evening! Simply mist your face with a spray bottle of toner and lightly pat dry. Now, refresh key places, like blush, concealer, or eyeliner. Pat your face with powder, and viola! Your face is brand new, and you didn’t have to start from scratch.
4. Stretching your foundation
In the summer time, most girls don’t need or want to wear a heavy foundation. But that doesn’t mean you need to rush out and spend a load of money on a tinted moisturizer! Just mix a few drops of your regular foundation with a pump of your daily moisturizer. Now you have saved yourself a little money, and still have the product you need!
5. Beauty cheats
It’s nice to know a few inexpensive beauty cheats! Here are my favorites. Hair conditioner works as a great shaving cream, with better results. Vaseline not only moisturizes intensely dry skin and callouses, but it removes eye and lip makeup too! And baby powder works as a dry shampoo in a pinch.
6. Take care of your makeup brushes
This may sound like a strange tip, but taking good care of your makeup brushes helps you save money on your beauty routine! Clogged makeup brushes not only waste product, but they also contaminate your products and your face, causing breakouts and resulting in spending more money on your skin. Your brushes will last longer if you care for them too!
7. Beautiful skin secret
Nice skin care products are great, if you can afford them. We all need one or two beauty items we allow ourselves to splurge on! But here are some inexpensive skin secrets. Never go to bed with makeup on! It clogs your pores and results in breakouts. Use witch hazel as a toner once or twice a week. It’s an all-natural astringent that helps cleanse and tighten the pores, and it prevents breakouts too!
8. Proper application techniques
Do you ever wonder why you need to replace your concealers so often? Most people don’t apply them right! Concealers are meant to be patted on, not rubbed in. The friction from your fingers or brush causes the concealer to melt away when you rub it in, thus using more product!
9. Look more awake
Did you pull a late night? Here’s how to fake a good night's rest! Apply some eye drops to reduce the redness. Pat a brightening concealer around your eyes. Apply your makeup as normal, but don’t line your lower lash line with dark liner. Instead, use a white pencil to line your inner rims! The result is a wider, brighter eye.
Knowing inexpensive ways to beautify yourself will help you out the next time you need to go buy beauty products! You now know which items can pull double duty and multi-task, and a few things you can do on the side to avoid needing extra products. What are YOUR tips and tricks for beauty on a budget?
Source: allwomenstalk.com
101 Best Tips For Clear Skin
101. For bad acne marks, a chemical peel can help to reduce or eliminate the discoloration of skin.
100. If you struggle with hormonal breakouts every month, reduce your alcohol and dairy intake and you’ll see an improvement in your skin.
99. The biggest mistake you can make is leaving your makeup on overnight. Keep makeup remover wipes at your bedside table to avoid acne in the morning.
98. Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, plus they have a low glycemic index so they won’t raise your blood sugar. Because sugar can stimulate a breakout, eating berries will reduce the risk of pimples.
97. Exercise is important to staying healthy and keeping your skin clear, and Dr. Ava Shamban suggests exercising for about 15 minutes a day to keep toxins in your body at bay and maintain clear skin.
96. Using SPF every day will prevent wrinkles and dark spots, while dark spot correctors can reduce the appearance of marks over time.
95. When you work out, be sure to wash your face both before and after you exercise. Leaving makeup on your face while you exercise means that it will mix with your sweat and clog pores, so be sure to start and end with clean skin.
94. Hydration is key to clear skin. Dehydration causes breakouts, because the skin overcompensates and produces more oil than necessary when it’s dry, which in turn causes you to break out. Drink more water!
93. When a pimple comes along and you need to get rid of it ASAP, try a spot treatment like Clinique’s Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel. It helps to zap pimples in as little as 12 hours.
92. Grapefruit is packed with antioxidants, so using skin care products containing grapefruit will help to wake up your skin and leave it feeling clean and fresh.
91. To get rid of any body acne, make sure you don’t “stew in your own sweat;” shower with salicylic acid wash immediately after you workout to avoid clogging your pores.
90. If you’re going to pop a pimple at home, do it the right way. Sterilize your hands and a small needle with rubbing alcohol, then gently puncture the whitehead of the pimple, just enough to break the skin. Using a clean cotton swab, press on either side of the pimple until it’s drained. Cover with a bandage to keep the area clean while it’s healing.
89. Oil from your hair will get onto your pillowcase as you sleep, so change your pillowcases once a week to avoid sleeping on oil all night long. 88. Rosewater is both balancing and soothing, making it great for all skin types to even out redness and calm any irritation that may be happening.
87. Smoking not only dulls your skin and causes blotchiness, it will also give you wrinkles. Ditch the habit (you’ll thank us later).
86. When you get acne, try your best not to pick at it. The dirt and oil on your fingers can make things worse with bacteria and you’ll risk infection, which can lead to scarring.
85. If you can find a tube of moisturizer instead of a jar, use that. The bacteria from your fingers that touches the lotion each time you go to apply it stays in the jar and goes onto your face. If you must use a jar, use a cotton swab to apply product.
84. Benzoyl peroxide products that reduce acne are only good for up to three months after they’ve been opened, then the ingredients become inactive. If you’ve got an old tube, toss it in favor of a new one.
83. If you’re stressed, your skin shows it. Try Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer to even out redness and reduce signs of aging.
82. When booking an appointment for a facial, be sure to stay out of the sun for a few days beforehand so that you don’t irritate your skin.
81. An overnight facial that works while you sleep is key, and Korres Wild Rose and Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial lets you wake up looking refreshed.
80. For a seriously awful pimple, head to the dermatologist for a shot of cortisone.
79. If you’ve got dry skin, opt for a face oil instead of a lightweight lotion. The all day hydration will change your skin for the better.
78. Be sure to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week, if not every day. For sensitive skin, look for a more gentle exfoliator to use it more frequently without harsh effects.
77. If you’ve got irritable skin, try to find skin care products containing goat’s milk. Because of the stabilized pH level in goat’s milk, it’s not acidic and won’t irritate skin, giving you an even complexion.
76. Contrary to popular belief, putting Vaseline on your face nightly will not prevent wrinkles. However, if you put a thin layer of Vaseline over damp skin, moisture will be sealed in and your skin will be much smoother in the morning.
75. Eating too much chocolate could be the cause of breakouts, but the acne is likely just from the sugar in the chocolate or the fact that you’re eating chocolate before your period, so your acne could actually be hormonal.
74. Botox is proven to help with acne, improving sebum production and reducing the size of your pores.
73. While stress can cause flare ups in your skin, working out can reduce stress and acne. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine will combat stress and keep your skin clear.
72. You should always be avoiding skin care products containing alcohol, but take special note if you’ve got dry skin. Alcohol will only dry out your skin even more, making for a dry, flaky situation.
71. You should also avoid skin care products with a fragrance, whether it be a face or a body wash. Fragrances can irritate skin, causing redness and allergic reactions.
70. Don’t let greasy sunscreen be an excuse for not wearing any at all! Instead, find a lightweight, non-greasy SPF formula like Shiseido’s Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 30 and stop dangerous UV rays in their tracks.
69. If you’re a DIY beauty queen, use the milk in your fridge to get clear, smooth skin. Dampen a washcloth with milk and gently pat it over your face, leaving it on your face for about 10 minutes before rinsing. For the effect all over, add a cup of milk to your bath water.
68. Sunscreen is not just for the beach – the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that even being exposed to sunlight through glass (like the windows in your office) can have damaging effects on your skin.
67. For a procedure that will minimize and tighten pores while moisturizing skin, try a microdermabrasion treatment at the spa.
66. For pale-skinned girls everywhere, St. Tropez’s Skin Illuminator makes your skin luminescent and clear.
65. During your morning beauty routine, it’s best to style your hair before doing your makeup. If you’ve got makeup on your face before you start using a blow dryer, the heat begins to melt your makeup, sealing it into your pores and making your skin much more susceptible to breakouts.
64. If you’ve got an ingrown hair on your face, use a hot compress on the area to open up pores for about 10 minutes, softening the hair. Then, use a slanted tweezer to pluck the hair, followed by washing the area to avoid infection.
63. Stop touching your face throughout the day! You pick up bacteria from every surface you touch from your keyboard to your cell phone to elevator buttons to menus at a restaurant, and all of that bacteria floods your face once you start touching your skin. Hands off, and you’ll see less breakouts.
62. Adding coconut oil to your diet will help to moisturize and smooth your skin, and Miranda Kerr swears by this trick.
61. Speaking of coconut oil, mix it with baking soda for a killer facial scrub that will help with eczema.
60. Wine (in moderation) is proven to help shield your skin cells from harmful UV rays, so drink up!
59. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, fighting off bacteria and free radicals that can harm your skin. Try to drink at least one cup of green tea a day.
58. To minimize breakouts during the summer, cut the number of products you use by opting for a tinted moisturizer with SPF, one of our favorite triple-duty products.
57. Vitamin E oil heals scars, but be sure to use it sparingly on your face as too much will overdo it. Dab some over a scar at bedtime to let the vitamin work overnight.
56. As the seasons change, so should your skin care. The heavy cream you use in the winter should become a lightweight moisturizer in the summer so that your skin isn’t taking on more product than it needs during warmer months.
55. Make washing your face in the morning and nighttime a routine by setting a reminder for yourself for three weeks. Once you do it for three weeks straight, it will become habit, and it’ll be integrated into your daily routine.
54. Using retinoids at night helps to prevent acne and fade spots, treating the areas overnight.
53. Try taking up yoga or another relaxing activity to de-stress yourself on a regular basis. Because stress is a huge cause of acne, combating it in any way will reduce breakouts.
52. Can’t find a spot treatment for acne? Try using 100% tea tree oil on the area before bedtime, and you’ll wake up with a much happier complexion.
51. Clean your glasses and sunglasses with rubbing alcohol to kill any bacteria that may be living on them, causing breakouts while they sit on your face.
50. If you’ve got bangs, you may experience breakouts more frequently on your forehead than any other part of your face because of the excess oil from your hair. Be sure to wash your bangs every day if you’re used to going two days without washing your hair, or pin your bangs up while they’re especially in need of a shampoo.
49. By learning which skin type you have, you can also learn how to treat it. Whether it’s dry, normal, oily or combination, there’s a specific type of product you should be looking for that will work best for you.
48. Clean your makeup brushes every two weeks or so. The amount of product and bacteria build up that happens within two weeks is frightening, and the longer you wait to clean the brushes the longer you’re putting the bacteria right on your skin, causing breakouts. Use warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap to clean your brushes, laying flat to dry to avoid any warping that can happen.
47. Don’t over-wash your face. Though clean skin leads to clear skin, washing too vigorously or too often can irritate skin and do more harm than good.
46. Avoid oil-based foundations and other cosmetic products, as the oil will clog pores and certainly cause breakouts.
45. In addition to face wash, use a toner if you’ve got oily skin. Any excess makeup and bacteria will be removed and you’ll have fresh skin.
44. Try to cut back on fast food or anything fried. The excess grease may not immediately cause acne, but over time it can build up and your skin will be showing the effects.
43. Similarly to fast food, avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice in favor of water. A sugar surplus will not do anything to help your skin.
42. If you’re skipping a day of shampoo, sleep with your hair in a ponytail to keep your face away from any grease that may be in your strands.
41. For irritated skin, rubbing an ice cube over your face for a few minutes a day will help to alleviate any burning or redness happening.
40. Don’t just wash and moisturize your face – take care of every inch of skin on your body for clear skin overall.
39. One cause of body acne on your shoulders may be that your bra straps are too tight. By loosening the straps just a pinch, your skin will be able to breathe and will be less prone to breaking out in that area. Plus, make sure you’re not allergic to the fabric in the bra.
38. Products containing almonds can help to moisturize your skin and lighten dark circles, so look for almonds on the ingredients label on your next skin care purchase.
37. If you’ve got sensitive skin, try to buy hypoallergenic products to reduce any allergic reactions that may happen in the future.
36. Treat yourself to a spa day once in a while. Relax, rest and get a seriously awesome skin treatment that will make you feel like a new person.
35. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep a night. A lack of sleep wreaks havoc on your skin, but resting for enough time each night lets your body rejuvenate and restore itself, leading to clearer skin.
34. Your cell phone contains more bacteria than a toilet seat, so putting it against your face when you’re talking on the phone can cause massive breakouts. Be sure to use anti-bacterial wipes to clean your phone, plus use speaker phone or your headphones as much as possible when calling your friends to avoid acne.
33. Using mineral makeup that contains zinc-oxide will help to fight acne as you cover it, instead of other makeup that will simply clog pores. Look for this ingredient the next time you’re due for a new foundation.
32. If you’re someone who struggles with not drinking enough water throughout the day, place a full glass of water on your bedside table at night and drink it as soon as you wake up in the morning to kickstart hydration. Hydrated skin is clearer skin.
31. Carry a pack of oil blotting sheets in your purse wherever you go for touch ups throughout the day. By getting rid of oil and shine throughout the day, it won’t be building up on your face for hours before you wash it off.
30. Don’t be afraid of moisturizer, even if you’ve got oily skin. Applying makeup on top of dry, flaky skin will only make your skin look even more dry and flaky, so opt for a lightweight moisturizer to keep things smooth and clear.
29. Steam and hot water will open pores while cold water and air will help to close them. Never apply your makeup directly after a hot shower because when your pores are open, they’ll instantly absorb more of the makeup, clogging pores. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before applying makeup so that your pores will close up first.
28. Try going without makeup for one day a week over the weekend to let your skin breathe.
27. Ditch your makeup products after they’ve been around for six months. Once they hit the six month mark, they’ve got enough bacteria in them to cause a breakout.
26. Don’t use your hand towel as your face towel. The dirt that is left behind on a hand towel should not be used to rub against your face, so be sure to use separate towels.
25. Cut back on the candy. Sugar in candy builds up in your body and manifests in the form of acne, so try reaching for a healthier snack instead.
24. Even when you’re inside, you should be wearing an SPF on your face. The lightbulbs and screens that shine on your face all day can actually cause damage that’s completely prevented with sunscreen.
23. Try a face mask about once a week, but don’t overuse it (like every day).
22. Sitting close to your laptop and letting your hair fall in your face can cause breakouts, so be sure to sit a bit farther from your computer and pull your hair into a ponytail while you’re at the screen.
21. Crush up aspirin and mix it into water to form a paste, put it on your face and let it dry as a face mask, then rinse it off. It dries up acne, healing it at the source.
20. Apple cider vinegar works as a toner to help clear your skin by balancing your pH level. Try drinking a tablespoon of it a day to cure acne from the inside out.
19. Crush up garlic and mix it with water, then take a washcloth and dampen part of it, washing the areas of your face that usually break out. It works as a great antibacterial solution.
18. Honey is also a natural antibacterial agent. Try placing a dab of honey on a problem pimple at night, and the issue will be much smaller when you wake up in the morning.
17. Mint is an anti-inflammatory, so using mint oil or crushed mint leaves on a red, irritated area of skin will help to soothe the situation.
16. Beefing up your fiber intake will help with digestion, meaning your body will be able to process foods better and in turn, your skin will reap the benefits. Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
15. Limit the dairy products you consume, like milk and cheese. These days, animals are fed hormones so that their food products are super charged, but it means that the milk you’re drinking and the cheese you’re eating could contain hormones, which can throw off your own hormonal balance (like when you get your period).
14. Lavender oil and aloe vera juice can help minimize acne scars.
13. Plain yogurt makes a fantastic hydrating face mask. Apply a layer to your skin and wash it off after about 15 minutes.
12. Taking a biotin supplement will help your body regenerate skin cells faster, so your skin will be clearer faster. Added bonus: it also helps with hair and nail growth.
11. If it seems like a certain beauty product is making you break out, talk to your doctor to test if you’re allergic to gluten or another ingredient that may be irritating your skin.
10. Slice up a tomato and lay it over your face, allowing the juice to act as astringent to break up oil and dirt.
9. If your favorite baseball cap is causing pimples on your forehead, the best way to wash the hat is to put it in the dishwasher. Plus, while it’s washing your forehead will be able to breathe.
8. Wash your hands before you wash your face. Going straight into washing your face with dirt and oil on your hands will defeat the purpose of cleaning your face.
7. Dark spots can take up to four months to heal, so continue to treat with dark spot corrector religiously until you see results. Don’t be discouraged!
6. If you’re prone to hormonal acne, try to avoid spot treating and instead, use a salicylic acid cleanser over your entire face.
5. Unfortunately, caffeine can trigger acne, so cutting back on your coffee intake (especially if you add tons of sugar) will help to clear things up.
4. Look for non-comedogenic makeup and moisturizer to avoid breakouts.
3. Lowering your alcohol intake will also help to clear skin, as drinking alcohol (especially mixed drinks) is as good as drinking sugar.
2. If you’re taking a hot shower, try not to linger. The heat can dry out your skin, leaving it dehydrated and flaky.
1. After you’ve tried every tip and trick out there, if your skin still isn’t clear, make an appointment with the dermatologist for a more personalized plan of attack.
Source: beautyhigh.com
12.5.13
Break These Bad Beauty Habits Now!
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