Thursday, 30 April 2015

Dry skin: Tips

Dry skin: Tips | AAD

Here are tips that can prevent dry skin or keep it from getting worse.

Do not use hot water. Hot water removes your natural skin oils more quickly. Warm water is best for bathing.

Use a gentle cleanser. Soaps can strip oils from the skin. Stop using deodorant bars, antibacterial soaps, perfumed soaps, and skin care products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizers. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap substitute that moisturizes.

Limit time in the bathtub or shower. A 5- to 10-minute bath or shower adds moisture to the skin. Spending more time in the water often leaves your skin less hydrated than before you started. Do not bathe more often than once a day.

Moisturize right after baths and showers. To lock in moisture from a bath or shower, apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

Before you shave, soften skin. It is best to shave right after bathing, when hairs are soft. To lessen the irritating effects of shaving your face or legs, use a shaving cream or gel. Leave the product on your skin about 3 minutes before starting to shave. Shave in the direction that the hair grows.

Change razor blades after 5 to 7 shaves. A dull blade bothers dry skin.

Use a humidifier. Keep the air in your home moist with a humidifier.

Apply cool cloths to itchy dry skin.

Soothe chapped lips. At bedtime, apply a lip balm that contains petrolatum. Other names for this ingredient are petroleum jelly and mineral oil.

Cover up outdoors in winter. In the cold, wear a scarf and gloves to help prevent chapped lips and hands.

Be good to your face. If you have very dry skin, cleanse your face just once a day, at night. In the morning, rinse your face with cool water.
For more dermatologists’ tips, read Dermatologists' Top 10 Tips for Relieving Dry Skin.

Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Zu San Li – A point of a Hundred Diseases on your Body: Here is what will happen if you massage it!

One Japanese legend says that, once upon a time there lived a happy man who received priceless knowledge from his father – the knowledge of the longevity point or a point of a hundred diseases.
Following the advice of his father, the son massaged this point every day and he lived to see the birth and death of several emperors.
The massaging of some points is one of the oldest methods of treatment in the East, which has been used for thousands of years.
Overall, the human body has 365 points and 12 main meridians, which is the same as the number of the days and months in one year.


The effects of these massages (acupressure, finger pressure to certain points), is based on the theory of the meridians and channels that are connected to certain organs.



In Chinese medicine, the body is seen as an energy system, and therefore, the massage can affect the flow of energy and the functional activity of the organs.
The activation of the Zu San Li point causes a permanent rejuvenating and healing effect, delaying of the aging. In China, this point is known as – “the point of longevity” in Japan – “the point of a hundred diseases”.
Where is the magic point (Zu San Li) in our body?
The point of longevity is located below the kneecap. In order to find it, you should cover your knee with the palm of the same hand. The point is located between the ends of the little finger and ring finger, in the form of a small dent between the bones.
You can find in another way as well.
You have to sit on the floor, firmly press your feet to the floor and pull them towards you, do not raise your heels from the floor.
You will notice that below the knee there is a higher area. Find the highest point, put your finger on it and take a starting position.
The point at which you pressed your finger is the point – Zu San Li.
Read more: http://www.healthyfoodplace.com/zu-san-li-point-hundred-diseases-body-will-happen-massage/

Monday, 27 April 2015

A Natural Treatment for Rosacea & Redness

The healing power of the Western Red Cedar Tree


Beta-thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-cin), an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar is also known as hinokitiol.  Used by generations of  First Nations people, this natural ingredient is celebrated for its healing properties.  Specifically, beta-Thujaplicin has proven to be a natural antibiotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.



Beta-thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-cin), an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar is also known as hinokitiol.  Used by generations of  First Nations people, this natural ingredient is celebrated for its healing properties.  Specifically, beta-Thujaplicin has proven to be a natural antibiotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
The beta-Thujaplicin molecule has been intensely studied with more than 120 peer-reviewed scientific articles on its biological effects and benefits for use in cosmetics and personal care products including:
  • Potent antioxidant
  • Anti-pigmentation effects.
  • anti-melanogenic effects - inhibits tyrosinase activity
  • Natural antibiotic
  • Natural antimicrobial
  • Antifungal
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-cancer via inhibition of cell proliferation and UV absorption
These properties confer multiple advantages for use of thujaplicin in anti-aging skin care. First and foremost, thujaplicin has been found to be a potent antioxidant, quenching free radicals from environmental and inflammatory processes and limiting the skin damage that they can cause. Thujaplicin also appears to provide natural prevention and repair of pigment defects—one of the chief age-related complaints. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests thujaplicin exhibits anticancer activity in a variety of cancers through inhibition of cell proliferation.  Shown to be a natural anti-biotic this ingredient is well suited for acne and rosacea.  

Natural Whitening Agent 

Beta-Thujaplicin inhibits the formation of pigment through the blockage of the enzyme tyrosinase, thus acting as a biological whitening agent. While the most common chemical whitening agent, hydroquinone, also uses this mechanism of action, thujaplicin as a biological agent (naturally occurring) can do this without causing major health concerns. As hydroquinone has been derived from a phenol compound, there is a concern for potential carcinogenic effects along with the paradoxical effect of skin darkening when this product is used at high concentrations. For these reasons, hydroquinone has been banned for use as a lightening agent in several countries around the world.

Natural Alternative to Antibiotics

For Rosacea and other sensitive skin conditions that are mediated by inflammatory biological reactions or where bacterial, microbial and fungal agents are thought causative, Beta-Thujaplicin can provide natural antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory relief. Beta-Thujaplicin has been found to have a very strong ability to inhibit the growth and resistance of most bacteria and several microorganisms, including influenza virus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Beta-Thujaplicin can be used to treat infections and contact dermatitis without any undesirable side effects or the generation of mutant resistant strains.
Dr. Jason K. Rivers is a clinical professor of dermatology and previous director of the dermatology residence training program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is currently a practicing dermatologist and owner of Pacific Dermaesthetics in downtown Vancouver. He is the chief clinician and researcher behindRiversol - a line of skin care products containing Beta-thujaplicin, which is an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar. 
Dr. Rivers is Board Certified in Dermatology in Canada and the United States. He has received numerous awards from the Canadian Dermatology Association and the American Academy of Dermatology Association and is listed in Best Doctors in Canada.

Monday, 20 April 2015

DIY: Non-Toxic Full Spectrum Coconut Oil Sunscreen





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Homemade Coconut Oil Sunscreen Recipe by Jessica Espinoza at Delicious Obsessions

Ingredients:
-1/4 cup coconut oil
-1/4 cup shea butter
-1/8 cup sesame or jojoba oil
-2 tbsp. beeswax granules
-1-2 tbsp. zinc oxide powder (optional)
-1 tsp. red raspberry seed oil 20-30 drops
-carrot seed essential oil
-Essential oils of your choice (lavender, rosemary, vanilla, and/or peppermint are nice)

Instructions
1. Using a double boiler (or a small pan over very low heat), melt your coconut oil, sesame or jojoba oil, beeswax, and shea butter together. The beeswax will be the last to melt.
2. When the beeswax is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let cool to room temperature. If you’re using zinc oxide, whisk it in at this point, being careful not to create a lot of dust. If there are some lumps, that’s OK. They will break up when you whip the body butter in step 4.
3. Move the mixture to the fridge for 15-30 minutes. You want it to start to set up, but still be soft enough to whip.
4. Take the mixture out of the fridge and using a stand mixer or hand mixer, start to whip it. Drizzle in the red raspberry seed oil, the carrot seed oil, and any essential oils of your choice, and continue whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Use as you would any regular sunscreen. Application rates will depend on your activity and exposure to water. Store in a glass container in the fridge between uses.


Thursday, 16 April 2015

29 Home Remedies for Scar Removal

Scars are something nasty that affects your pretty look. It’s a stain on a person’s overall personality. Scars are painless. A lot of potions and creams are available in the market for sale to fade the scars. If you don’t want to spend on these products and want to heal the scars naturally, you can opt for home remedies.







Causes

  • Burn
  • Accident mark
  • Cuts
  • Acne
  • Scrapes
  • Bites

Home Remedies for Scars

Stop hiding your scars with the help of a concealer and try out the following natural remedies for removing scars at home.
1. Lemon Juice : Take a fresh lemon and cut it into half. Rub the juicy part on the scar. Lemon works as a natural bleach and thus, reduces the blemishes and scars. Drink lemon juice (without mixing sugar in it) twice a day for 15 days.
2. Rosehip Seed Oil : Rosehip seed oil is used most commonly in cosmetics, especially in the scar removal creams. Take a few drops of rosehip seed oil on your fingers and gently massage it on the scars. Do this twice a day. It can be applied directly on the skin.
3. Ice Cubes : Ice cube is a very easy and simple home remedy for fading the scars. Take an ice cube and rub it gently on the scars.
4. Aloe Vera : Take an aloe vera leaf and cut it into half. Squeeze out the gel and apply it on the scar.
5. Tea Tree Oil : Tea tree oil is a very effective natural remedy for removing scars. It works like a charm on scars. Make sure, you use the diluted tea tree oil.
6. Honey : Apply honey on the scar. It works great in removing scars.
7. Sandalwood Powder : Sandalwood powder is a very good home remedy for removing scars from face. Take sandalwood powder and mix it with rosewater or milk. Rub it on the scars, gently. Leave it on for an hour and wash it off with cold water.
8. Almonds : Take 2-3 almonds and soak them in water. Leave them overnight. In the morning, peel off the skin from the almonds and mash them. Add a few drops of rosewater and apply on the scars.
9. Potato : Take a raw potato. Extract its juice and apply it on the scars. This will let the scars fade away. You can also rub a slice of potato on the scars, directly.
10. Coconut Oil : Whenever you get a scar, apply coconut oil on it. This will reduce the scar, ultimately making it invisible.
11. Lavender Oil : Take a few drops of lavender oil and apply it on the scars.
12. Fenugreek : Fenugreek can be used in many ways in reducing the scars. You can take fenugreek leaves and make a fine paste and apply it on the scars. Take fenugreek seeds and boil them. Make a paste and store it in a cool place. Apply it on the scars.
13. Olive Oil : Olive oil is said to be really effective when it comes to scar removal. Take a few drops of olive oil and apply it on the scars on the daily basis. Olive oil will also moisturise the skin.
14. Cucumber : Place a slice of raw cucumber or apply its juice on the scar.
15. Tomato : Apply a slice of tomato on the scar or massage with tomato juice. Like lemon, tomato also works as natural bleach.
16. Yogurt Mix : If you have a burned scar, then, this home remedy will help you out. Take barley, yogurt and turmeric in equal proportions and make a paste. Apply it on the scar.
17. Vitamin E Cream : Apply vitamin E cream on the scars.
18. Cocoa Butter : Apply cocoa butter on the scars. It will not only help the scars to fade away, but also moisturise the skin, making it smooth and soft.
19. Baking Soda : Take 5 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix it until you make a fine paste. Apply this paste on the scars and let it dry. Wash it off, later on. Repeat this natural remedy thrice a week.
20. Apple Cider Vinegar : Dab a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the scars. This will fade the scars. Wash it off after 10 minutes. Else, take 1 part of apple cider vinegar and 2 parts of water. Wash your face with this solution after cleaning the face and before going to bed. Apply skin moisturiser afterwards. This will also help in fading the scars from face.
21. Salt Scrub : Use a salt scrub, which contains papaya. Papaya will provide a new shine to your skin while salt scrub will exfoliate and remove the dead skin, making the scars almost invisible.
22. Camomile Tea : Wash your scars with camomile tea. It will help the scars to fade away.
23. Cod Liver Oil : Apply cod liver oil on the scars for making the scars invisible.
24. Aspirin : Take 2 aspirins and crush them. Add a few drops of water to prepare a paste. Apply it on the scar.
25. Azadirachta Indica (Neem) : Take few Azadirachta indica leaves (neem leaves) and make a paste. Apply it on the scars. It can also be used as a face pack. This will not only fade the scars, but also solve the skin problems, like acne, etc. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which works great if applied on the skin.
26. Fuller’s Earth : Take 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth and 1 tablespoon of rosewater, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix them all together to form a fine paste. Apply it on the scar and rub it gently. Then, apply 1 more layer on it and leave it for 15 minutes to dry. Wash it off afterwards.
27. Garlic Oil : Take a few drops of garlic oil on your fingers and apply on the scars. Let the oil stay for 15 minutes. Garlic contains antibiotic properties and is a natural remedy for scars.
28. Gotu Kola : Take leaves of Gotu kola and make a paste. Apply it on the scars. It will not only reduce the scars, but also speed up the healing process. Also, it will improve the blood circulation.
29. Salicylic Acid : Salicylic acid is available in various forms, like creams and lotions. It’s a good remedy for severe scars.

Homeopathic Remedies for Scars

Thiosinaminum is an effective homeopathic remedy for scars removal. This medicine helps to heal the scar tissues. It comes in a capsule form and is made from the extracts of mustard seed oil.
Thuja and Arnica are also effective homeopathic treatments for scar.

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Get informed about skin cancer risks

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common cancer of the skin (after basal cell carcinoma but more common than melanoma). It usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun.

 Sunlight exposure and immunosuppression are risk factors for SCC of the skin, with chronic sun exposure being the strongest environmental risk factor..


















Get informed about skin cancer risks and the need to practice sun safety at www.skincancer.org/facts 

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Thursday, 9 April 2015

Deep cleansing clay masque



A 15 minute treatment that calms and purifies revealing radiant new skin with refined pores and beautiful texture and tone. Formulated with natural Kaolin which reaches deep to remove impurities, absorbing excess surface oil while calming skin.

Orchid extract seals in moisture and replenishes skin hydration while antioxidant Vitamin C protects and boosts radiance. With unique combination of Certified Organic Botanicals to Calm/Soothe: Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Mallow, Aloe and Buckthorn.

Key Benefits: Helps unclog pores and removes surface impurities | Moisturizes and revitalizes skin

How to use: Apply a generous layer to clean face and décolleté. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Use 1 or 2 times a week as needed or every day for oily complexions.
 



Wednesday, 8 April 2015

REAL BEAUTY Tips and tricks for natural body care

 




















Garden Apothecary’s Vanilla Sugar Scrub Ingredients

If you are not a vanilla fan, then this vanilla sugar scrub, which even contains a whole vanilla bean pod, is not for you. The winter oils comprised in this sugar scrub offer a bevy of benefits. Vanilla oil (Vanilla planifolia) is a natural antioxidant, sedative and aphrodisiac. This scrub also features balsam oil (Myroxylon balsamum), a natural stimulant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Often mistaken for brown sugar, organic turbinado sugar is also used in this scrub to exfoliate skin. Here is a full list of the ingredients:
Organic turbinado sugar, organic almond oil, vitamin e, organic vanilla beans/powder/oils, organic balsam oils
After double checking the safety of these ingredients on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, I confirmed that none of these ingredients show any signs of concern. Use this product to your heart’s desire!

Mother Earth Living