Rescue winter skin with DIY Exfoliating scrub

Low humidity, harsh winds, and extremely cold temperatures wick natural moisture away, leaving your skin cracked from tip to toe. Winter for sure is cruel mistress too skin!

Exfoliation is most important during this season mainly because exfoliating removes the dead skin, and gives a chance to moisture healthy skin beneath. We all know that exfoliation will give a new look to skin anytime.

We do have lot of options in the market for scrubs starting from $8 to $50 or above. However, home made scrubs are way too cost effective than any others. There is no room for artificial ingredients. Handmade is Handmade, don't you agree?

Here is a simple homemade scrub recipe:

Step 1 : The Base

A good scrub will always have an oil base so that when you scrub and wash, it doesn't leave your skin dry. This oil base will also help the gliding particles to just roll over your skin in smooth fashion.

We suggest coconut/olive oil. However, you can always prefer what you love the most

Step 2 - The Main Ingredient

Now you need some sort of abrasive particle to help scrub away dead skin. We have lot of options for this and we recommend to go with Sugar, preferably brown sugar. You can choose raw or refined white sugar as well. 

For acne prone skin type, baking soda with olive oil works best.

Step 3 - The Combination

You don't need to worry on the quantity you need to put in. just take as much sugar you want and mix it with one of the oils to make it a semi thick mixture. If you prefer it to be thick paste, go ahead. this is handmade by you. play around and so what you love :)

Step 4 - Add ons

Yes, this is homemade. So you can always add on something like honey, citrus or anytoher essential oil that you like to this paste.

Step 5 - Apply

Its time to give a new look to your skin. Wash your skin thoroughly from head to toe and rinse. Apply a palm-size amount of exfoliant to a loofah or your hand. Rub an area of skin using circular motion for a good 20 seconds. Continue to do this for your entire body and then rinse.

Note: You will feel a little amount of moisture left after wash. This is the base working as moisturizer.

Happy Scrubbing!

GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES!

🐼GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES!🐼

🙈do you have: Puffy under eyes? DARK CIRCLES? Wrinkles? then try these DIY eye patches- which will not only remove puffiness, but itll get rid of wrinkles over time and lighten up those dark Chanel circles.. HOW? more on that later.

👓to make the EYE PATCHES:
✅Boil 1/2 CUP WATER with CHAMOMILE Tea
✅add 1TSP of AGAR AGAR to thicken
✅WHISK until smooth
✅spread flat onto wax paper and let cool
cut horseshoe eyepatch shapes

💉to make the EYE SERUM:
✅1/2 TSP VITAMIN E
✅5 EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Pills
✅Mix together

🍔Apply the eye serum to the eye patches and sandwich them in pairs for both your eyes
❄️REFRIGERATE UNTIL USE - the COLD patches will reduce puffiness

🌚Apply to your undereye for 10-15 mins before bed
🌬Pat in left over eye serum

💥WHY THIS WORKS!💥
🌞CHAMOMILE tea NATURALLY BLEACHES dark circles to lighten and brighten the under eye
-it is also anti-inflammitory so it will help with the puffiness
💦VITAMIN E is extremely moisturizing, anti-aging, restores collagen, anti-oxidant and fades discolouration!
👶🏾EVENING PRIMROSE OIL is the secret to anti-aging! it is used in many expensive eye creams because its great for reducing wrinkles, dark circles and any under eye concern you may have because its HIGH in fatty acids so it keeps the under eye youthful. Prevents dark circles, and makes your skin more tight and firm.

Disclaimer: As with any skin care regimen, always do a test patch first to see if your skin is allergic to any of the ingredients. Everyone's skin is different, so result can vary from person to person. I can not vouch for any substitute ingredients. This post is provided for information and educational purposes. It is not designed or intended to constitute medical advice. Please discontinue use if your skin does not react well to the regimen.

Why you should To Exfoliate Your Armpits?

In the hierarchy of skin-care priorities, tending to our armpits falls pretty low. Of course, if you asked us, we'd say that we like our underarms to be free of sweat, smell, bumps, and maybe stubble (if you choose to remove hair there), but then we'd have to admit that we don't spend very much energy on getting them there. Instead, we rough them up with razors, swipe a bit of deodorant or anti-perspirant across them, and will them to cooperate whenever we're hot, active, or stressed.




The problem with that plan? It turns out our underarms are a lot more delicate (read: needy) than we've been led to believe. So, if you want to get rid of pesky bumps, discoloration, and odor, you’re going to have to give them a little more of the same TLC you bestow upon your face.

Before we get into that, though, a brief lesson on the anatomy of an armpit: As dermatologist Jessica Weiser, MD, of New York Dermatology Group, explains, the surface of the underarm has two kinds of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are the ones you have all over your body that regulate your temperature. They produce clear, odor-free sweat when you’re doing things like walking down the street on a hot summer day, or doing circuits at Barry's Bootcamp. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are only found in areas with a lot of hair growth. They secrete fluid when the body is under emotional or psychological stress, and that fluid gets broken down by your skin’s bacteria to create what Dr. Weiser refers to as “an unpleasant odor,” and what the rest of us call BO.

But that’s not all. The hair follicles in the underarm can also get clogged with dead skin cells or residue from your deodorant. The most annoying part? Simply shaving the delicate area on the regular is enough to throw your armpits out of wack. Shaving is, yes, exfoliation — but it's a very aggressive form of it, and it makes it easier for dirt, bacteria, and irritants, like alcohol-based deodorants, to build up in the follicles. Not only that, it leads to ingrowns, which darken the area over time. And while there are plenty of creams that promise to lighten your underarms, Dr. Weiser says they often don’t actually get to the root of the issue. 

“

IT TURNS OUT OUR UNDERARMS ARE A LOT MORE DELICATE (READ: NEEDY) THAN WE'VE BEEN LED TO BELIEVE.

”

The good news, according to Dr. Weiser, is that a healthy armpit will look and smell pretty good — and you only have to add a few simple steps to your routine to get it there. It's important to remember, says Dr. Weiser, that “above all, underarms should be treated gently, as the skin in that area is very sensitive and easily irritated."

You don’t have to actually give them a facial (phew, because holding our arms above our heads while a mud mask dries isn't exactly our idea of a good time), but she does suggest using a soft washcloth or a gentle scrub to lightly exfoliate in the shower two to three times per week. Most of us can get away with using a body scrub or a bit of plain sugar, but if your skin is especially sensitive, use your facial exfoliator. “For more severe congestion, try a glycolic- or lactic-acid cleanser to help chemically break down dead skin cells,” Dr. Weiser advises.

In her professional opinion, if you choose to remove hair, laser is your best bet to avoid irritation and discoloration, but she recognizes that it can be expensive and impossible for some skin types. “If you are going to shave, do it in the shower with warm water and a shaving gel or cream to soften the hair,” she says. “Change your razor blade every five shaves for best results, and keep your razor dry in-between uses to prevent bacterial and fungal growth on the blades. And don’t forget to shave in the direction of hair growth!”

Ideally, you should shave at night to allow your skin to heal and take a break from gels and creams, says Dr. Weiser. Then, consider the deodorant or anti-perspirant you've been using. If you suffer from uneven skin tone and dark patches, some brands, like Dove, make formulations designed to help soothe irritation and prevent future discoloration.

However, it's often alcohol, the primary ingredient in many traditional deodorants, that causes irritation in the first place, so Dr. Weiser suggests trying a natural crystal or mineral deodorant instead. Another option: an activated-charcoal deodorant, like the one from Kaia Naturals, which can help to absorb sweat, bacteria, and pollutants from the skin’s surface. Note that these products haven’t been studied enough to show consistent efficacy, but they’re worth considering if you want to make the switch from traditional aluminum-based anti-perspirants.

The most important thing you can do to maintain the health of your armpits is also the most important thing you can do for your face (aside from wearing sunscreen): Wash them every single day. You wouldn’t leave makeup, dirt, and grime on your face at the end of the day and expect it to remain clear and breakout-free, now would you?

Best skin care tip for Summer 

Ever feel your skin after a day in the sun? Even after slathering on sunscreen repeatedly, mine still feels hot hours later. Scientists at Yale University have shed light on this mystery in a recent study showing that “UV light can continue to harm the skin and inflict cancer-causing damage hours after exposure and even in the dark.” Fortunately, thanks to this study, we now know that there’s something you can do about it. The key is to apply free radical fighting antioxidants — before, during and after sun exposure. Yes, after!

Although the skin possesses an elaborate antioxidant defense system designed to help it cope with sun-induced oxidative stress, ongoing exposure to UV light can still tax our skin’s ability to fight off premature skin aging and skin cancer. Studies support the application of antioxidants to help fortify the skin’s natural defenses and prevent free radical damage caused by the sun. [1,2,3] Which is why every medical and skincare expert recommends a skincare routine packed with antioxidants.

Now, it seems that this same wisdom applies even after the sun sets. After a day in the sun (wearing sunscreen, of course), you should continue to protect your skin with natural antioxidants like green tea, astaxanthin, and red raspberry seed oil that provide an extra boost of free radical fighting power.

Knowing that UV exposure accounts for approximately 80 percent of skin aging, I’m going to be extra vigilant about supporting my skin with topical anti-oxidants this summer... even when it gets dark!

Source : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hillary-peterson/hot-tip-for-summer-skinca_b_7546036.html

The Most Versatile Herb – Henna! (#3 Most Useful)

Did you know it is documented that Cleopatra herself used Henna for decorative purpose??

It’s time to know about this versatile herb!

Henna is a flowering plant that grows to a medium height from a species called the Lawsonia genus. It is also called hina, Eqgyptian privet, and mignonette. The word henna comes from the Arabic (hinna). The word henna also refers to dye prepared from the henna plant and the art of temperory tattooing based on these dyes. For many centuries this is used to dye skin, hair, fingernails as well as few fabrics.

The art of henna is called Mehndi which is being practiced over many centuries in India, Pakistan and Middle East. Research did have some documentation that it is over 9000yrs. Have you wondered WHY? Well, because henna has natural cooling properties, people of the dessert, for centuries, have been using henna to cool down their bodies. Best of all is It’s Easy!!! Yes, all they need to do is to make a paste of the leaves and soak your palms and soles of the feet to get that air conditioning affect. They feel its cooling sensation throughout the body as long as the stain remains on their skin. When fading started, it left patterns on the skin surface and that lead to “Henna Designs”.

Here are some the uses of Henna:

1. Headaches: The flowers of henna can be used to cure headaches which are due to excessive exposure to hot sun. All you need to do is chop some flowers and make a paste of them using little vinegar and apply that on your forehead. Good Bye to Headache!

2. Cooling Agent: Henna as the history says is a great cooling agent. Try on the henna paste on your hair and tell me if it hasn’t cooled your burning scalp ;)

3. For Hair: One key benefit you wouldn’t want to miss out is the wellness henna gets to your hair. It is a natural remedy for hair loss and is also excellent for maintaining overall hair quality. Have you ever wondered why the Indians and Mid-Eastern people is adorable? Think now. The regular use of henna will help to seal and repair the cuticle which in turn prevents breakages. One of the main benefits of henna for hair is that it prevents dandruff, hair fall and premature graying of hair. There are many different ways how to you mix and apply this paste on your head. (Shoot me an email to know more on this @westcoastskincare@gmail.com)

4. Henna for Nails: Henna is also known to prevent breaking of nails. Now you know why those little cups of henna stain at the tip of fingers in the olden paints. One can also soak henna leaves in water and drink it the next day which has many medical benefits.

Yes, henna also used to treat sleeplessness, skin infections, burns, liver disorders, fever reduction and lot more. Apart from all these henna on skin can be turned into a beautiful art that you cant take your eyes off.

The traditional Side of Henna:

Henna is used traditionally for a lot of occasions like birthdays, festivals and weddings in many parts of the world. The most popular tradition in that a Mehndi (henna) night where the bride, her family, her relatives and friends gather and celebrate the upcoming wedding. The bride gets her extensive patterns of henna done along with other guests and family.

It is said that as long as the henna stain appears on the bride, she doesn’t have to do any household work. Also, the darker the stain the better the marriage, and the better the mother-in-law will be. Some believe that women with stained hands are often blessed by the goddess. Did you know each pattern of henna has different meanings to it too???

Final Words to Remember

"There is Nothing called Black Henna"

Happy Hennaing J

Ash

Top Skincare Oils for Naturally Glowing Skin - Read on to find out which one you should try

Oil: Perfect skincare ingredient

Have you ever wondered how we end up looking for Oil-Free tag line in all the beauty care products that we purchase? Little we know that they are must haves for any skin related products. We end up assuming we have enough oil on our face, T-zone etc., 

Did you know that our diligent avoidance of oil actually impairs our skins ability to heal. The right combinations of oils which are targeted for various skincare needs provides powerful properties to balance oil production, decrease the signs of aging, and refine the texture of skin. When blended according to skin type, natural oils do not cause oily skin or clog pores. Only when we use synthetic oils (like mineral oil) or some heavy oils do we run into these problems. 

Let me tell you what magic does each natural oil does to your skin.

1.      Olive Oil:

I bet this should be first in the list. No wonder Homer once described this oil as 'Liquid Gold', a term that still resonates with many. In addition to cleansing properties of oilve oil, it also protects and moisturizes for smooth and soft skin. This oil contains antioxidants that can go a long way towards health and beauty, including improvsing on skin tones, helping scars fade away and balancing oil in your skin, thus ensuring in turing what we call oily skin into "normal".

2.     Coconut Oil:

It's no wonder that coconut oil was one of the first beauty oils to hit the mainstream and had (and is still having) such a major moment. It is rich in three fatty acids — capric, caprylic, and lauric — that have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. They not only make the skin instantly smooth and soft, but also prevent it from losing moisture. This oil works at its best when you leave it over night on you. Apply proper amounts of coconut oil before going to sleep and wash it off in the morning. Remeber pure coconut oil isnt greesy.

3.     Almond oil:
Almond oil can do wonders to your hair,skin and overal health. This nut is very rich in antioxidant, high in vitamin E, protein and fat content along with having many other essential nutrients. The daily usage of this wonderful home ingredient can treat many ailments and treats various beauty and hair issues. As it is rich in vitamin A, B and E, which are great for skin health. In fact, most skin care products have these vitamins loaded in them. The oil helps maintaining moisture levels of the skin and gets absorbed in a jiffy without blocking the pores.

4.     Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba is cosidered oil as it looks and feels like an oil, but if you technically speak it is just a liquid wax ester made from pressed jojobaseeds. Since its composition is the closest thing in nature to our own sebum, it creates a quickly absorbing, lightweight moisturizer for all skin types and can penetrate deeply into the skin. If you struggle with oily skin, a jojoba blend is the way to go because it will dissolve excess sebum and allow the pores to breath.

5.     Moringa Oil:

It is a newcomer to America, it was used by ancient Hindus and Egyptians as early as 2000 B.C. Moringa oil contains an extraordinarily high content of antioxidants, which protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Both the fatty acid profile and antioxidant content can diminish the appearance of wrinkles, lighten skin tone, and deeply moisturize the skin.

6.     Argan Oil:

This oil is extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, and is chock-full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which give it serious moisturizing and restorative powers. It's great for more than just skin, but hair and nails, too. “It’s also ultra-absorbent, and doesn’t leave the greasy residue of some of its heavier counterparts.” The vitamin E is the “power ingredient” in argan oil, and is great for helping heal scars, eczema, and dry scalp.

7.     Grape Seed Oil:

The power of the grape plant goes way beyond its fruit and wine-producing abilities. The oil derived from its seeds is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and is especially effective in the fight against acne. Applying oil on the skin actually helps to minimize your own oil production. And, the grape-seed variety is one of the best options. It’s an excellent anti-inflammatory to soothe skin that’s already breaking out, it limits excess oil production to prevent acne from forming.

8.    Pomegranate Oil:

Cold-pressed pomegranate oil is one of the more expensive varieties of carrier oils — and with good reason. The particularly lightweight oil is great for all skin types, absorbent, and has vitamins A, D, E, and K. It’s rich in punicic acid, which promotes the production of collagen fibers and slows down the processes that break it down. Not only does this help prevent wrinkles, it also encourages the healing of acne, wounds, and scars.

The Wonder Leaf

www.westcoastskncare.blogspot.com

Neem Tree has been described in Ayurveda’s prime text, the Charaka Samhita, as sarva roga nivarini (that which keeps all diseases at bay) or arishtha (reliever of disease). The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use.

Neem is an evergreen plant indigenous to India. It has benefits starting from hair and scalp to treating malaria etc., Some of the well known benefits of neem include:

1. Clears Acne & Pigmentation:

Boil a concoction of about 20 neem leaves in half a litre of water till the leaves are soft and discoloured, and the water turns green. Strain and store in a bottle. Use this liquid as a skin toner by just dipping a cotton-ball into it and wiping your face with it every night. Use this regularly to avoid acne and have even skin tone.

2. Prevents Recurrence of Blackheads:

In case you have a very sensitive skin and suffering from blackheads, dilute neem oil with water and apply it over the blackheads. Make sure that that you don’t use more than 2-3 drops of neem oil. Applying this regularly will help you in getting rid of blackheads and also prevent them from coming back.

3. Treats Skin Infection:

To get rid skin infection, prepare the concoction as mentioned above and add about 100 ml of it to your bathing water.

4. Get rid of Acne:

To get rid of acne, take about 10 neem leaves, boil them with small segments of orange peel in a little water. When they become a little soft, let them cook a little and then pound them into a pulp. Apply this to your face and let it sit till it starts drying after which you can rinse with cold water. This face pack will help in clearing acne and prevent breakouts.

5. Controls Excess Oils:

For oily skin beauties who are looking for some sebum control can make a paste by mixing neem powder with lemon juice and a little bit of yogurt. This will not only control the excess oil but also prevent acne and infections that are common problems associated with this skin type.

6. Adds Glow to the Skin:

For getting a glowing skin with clear complexion, mix neem powder with rose petal powder, yogurt and a little milk to make a smooth paste. Apply it and let it rest for 15 minutes and rinse with water that is mixed with 2-3 tbsp. of rose water.

7. Treats Dandruff & Hair Fall:

To reduce hair fall and to get rid of dandruff, boil a handful of neem leaves in 2 cups of water till the leaves changes colour and the water becomes greenish. Use this water as the last rinse after you shampoo your hair. The anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties of neem help in getting rid of dandruff keeping your scalp healthy and help in stimulating hair growth.

8. Reduces Scalp Itchiness:

To tackle the problem of dandruff and itchy scalp you can also apply a paste of neem powder and water and let it sit for an hour followed by your regular shampoo and conditioning

9. Treats All Scalp Related Problems:

Another hair mask that will help you deep condition your hair can be made by mixing neem powder with amla powder, shikakai powder and reetha powder with water and lemon juice. Apply this to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before you wash it off with your regular shampoo. The ingredients of the pack will help in keeping scalp problems at bay while retaining the moisture in the hair and preventing dryness.

10. Treats Malaria:

Neem offers the goodness of an antipyretic agent as well. Malaria is a lethal fever that affects the efficiency of the human liver. Eat few neem leaves daily to keep the liver safe of malarial side effects.

Neem is just about anti-everything:

• anti-bacterial
• anti-viral
• anti-septic
• anti-diabetic
• anti-fungal
• blood-purifying
• spermicidal

Benefits Of Neem For Animals

Wash your dog with neem soap or a neem shampoo, and you'll discourage biting insects,

ticks and fleas, ringworm, mange mites, any skin disorders or fungal infections.

Neem is just as fantastic for the skin and hair of your pets as it is for yourself. Again, you avoid nasty chemicals and harmful medications. They only increase stress for the immune system rather than helping it, whereas neem benefits the immune system and overall health of your pet.

References:

• Chandrika Mahendra, Senior Research Scientist, R & D, The Himalaya Drug Company