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!

THE SINGLE BEST WAY TO PREVENT CROW’S FEET

THE SINGLE BEST WAY TO PREVENT CROW’S FEET

"Creams and serums are terrific, but the best way to prevent Crow's Feet is to wear large, fashionable sunglasses as often as possible! The frames not only look glamorous, but actually block the sun from toasting you delicate under eye area. Be sure they offer UV protection!"

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

Do's N Don'ts for Soft N Silky Skin

Dry and flaky skin is most common problem in winter time for any skin types. Cold air does more damage than we think, it literally sucks the life out of silky and hydrated skin. Few other factors like food habits, smoking and alcohol contribute for skin damage.

We do know stores out there are filled with many lotions and moisturizers to combat this dry skin. Most of them may not suit you best or they have a price tag that you want to re-think on. Hence, natural remedies, these are not only affordable, but also more efficient than any chemical based products out in the market.

Let’s see what are some of the rules to maintain silky and smooth skin?

Don’ts

•  I understand you loving your hot showers for longer time during winters, but did you know that these hot showers are a big No No for skin? They wipe away protective oils from your skin leaving you dead and dry skinned person. 

• Never scratch your skin with your long and beautiful nails. It does longer term damage to your skin than you expect.

• Give yourself a holiday from smoking, sun tanning and sun bathing for a while.

• Have your hands off your face! Your hands touch a lot of surfaces which are a magnet of dirt and germs. Do you want them on your skin?

• Never rub your eyes, apply compresses instead. The skin on your face is extremely delicate, especially under your eyes. So use very light touch on your face every time.

·           

Do’s

•  Always treat you neck and chest as a part of your face. Your upper chest and neck area are covered by very sensitive skin just like your face. Hence, they tend to be one of the primer spot for spots and sun burns and sings of aging such as dryness and wrinkles start to appear soon in these areas.

• Aloe vera gel is the best cure for extra dry spots on your skin. The acids present in aloe vera eat away the dead cells and speed up the healing process.

• Use a loofah daily to keep a check to ingrown and dead cells on your skin.

• Always keep checking the dryness of your skin by scratching a small line on your leg. If it leaves a white mark then your skin is extremely dry and you need a moisturizer as well as exfoliation

• Nourish your body always. Keep your body hydrated from inside by drinking lots of fluids. Avoid salty snacks during your place, instead opt for some fresh fruit.

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.

Good Bye to signs of Aging! (#5 Must Read)

We all heard about those Anti-aging creams that we see in every walk of life at any store. Will they really help? Of course they do, not all but some! Before using them lets start our home work onto knowing what exactly are wrinkles and hence you will know what could prevent them or delay them from hitting you.

Skin owes much of its firmness a fibrous protein called collagen. A second type of protein, elastin, supplies its spring. Oil-secreting glands make it soft and supple, and an underlying layer of fat adds contour. As the body ages, the cells that produce all of these substances become lesser in number and less vigorous. That's a sign of ageing from inside. Lacking protein, the skin weakens and loses tone. Secondly, these are also linked to genes.

How do you think you can prevent them?

There are actions that you can take to prevent/delay the apperance of aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles on your face. 

Wrinkle fighting hacks

1. Food that helps you fight wrinkles

Did you know there are a list of foods that can fight against your wrinkles and make you look younger for a longtime? All the foods that are rich in elements like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, trace minerals like selenium and copper, high-quality protein, plant compounds such as isoflavones, retinol- one of the forms of vitamin A, iron, vitamin E and C, mono-unsaturated fat etc., are best fighters.

Some of the foods to ease your search are Eggs, Liver, Brazil Nuts, Shellfish, dark colored fruits and vegetables, lentils, almmonds & walnuts, fruits like pappaya, watermelon, pineapple, berries and vegetables like giner garlic, cucumber, tomato. Add them to your diet everyday starting today.

2. Oils

Olive oil was first used over 5000 years ago when it was extracted from olive tree, which was quickly adapted as cosmetic product by Egyptians. It is widely used as a moisturizer beacuse it is rich in antioxidants Vit A and Vit E, that helps to fight that skin damanging free radicals that are primary causes of early aging. Hence, take a table spoon of olive oil and massage into the skin twice a day.

Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants and can prevent formation of free radicals. This oil also helps reduce wrinkles that have already developed. Massage coconut oil into your skin before you sleep to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

3.  Banana Mask

This powerfully healthy fruit isn’t just good for eating, but can also be used as a creamy face mask. Mash one banana up with a teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt, then leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. The vitamin A will help fade dark spots and blemishes, while vitamin B will prevent aging, and potassium will moisturize and hydrate skin cells. Vitamin E is known as “the protector” because of its strength in fighting free radical damage and bolstering the skin’s resistance to UV damage.

4. Aloe Vera

The clear gel inside an aloe vera plant has wound-healing and soothing effects when applied to the skin, especially after sunbathing thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains. Having an aloe vera plant inside your home or growing in your garden is convenient and less expensive than buying the gel by itself because the leaves regrow after they’re cut or removed from the base. Sunburns are one of the quickest ways to damage and wrinkle skin, so applying gel can ease the healing process with its anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Use Cosmetics with Care

We use cosmetics and other beauty products to enhance our skin quality but often end up in damaging it a little more. Be aware of such cosmetics that can harm your skin and lead to form wrinkles on them.

·      Avoid products having alcohol in them. Alcohol dries up your skin by dehydrating it. A skin lacking moistures tends to form wrinkles fast. Instead, use water based solutions and products or those that have natural oils in them such as avocado or evening primrose oil. 

·      Avoid using concealer to hide wrinkles. Believe it or not, they make your wrinkles more prominent by settling themselves in the spaces in between the fine lines.

Never over wash your face. The dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center have hold that tap water can strip skin of its natural oils and moisture that protect your skin against wrinkles. Also you should not use harsh soaps while washing your face. Always use one that has moisturizer in it. You can always use natural cleansers like milk to clean your face instead of washing it often.

6.  Don't Stress

Easier said than done! But then, getting rid of wrinkles too is not an easy task. You need to get rid of your stress because it makes your skin thin and weak which cannot fight with the elements that produce wrinkles. Also when you frown or scowl, they only help to make your temporary facial lines permanent. Do whatever will de-stress you. Here are some tips - swim, meditate, yoga, listen to music, read books, spend time with children.

You alone can find a solution to de-stress yourself!