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.

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!"

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?

Recipe to look 10 years younger

We will give you a recipe of a rice based mask that softens wrinkles and makes your skin glow.

To prepare the mask, you will need:

– 3 tablespoons rice
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 tablespoon of honey

After you boil the rice, strain it and put aside the water in which the rice boiled. Add a spoon of heated milk in the rice and mix them. After you stir the mixture well, add honey to it.

Apply the mask on clean, dry skin and let it dry. Afterwards, take off the mask and wash your face with water in which the rice boiled.

Rice water has antioxidant and healing properties that moisturize the skin and improve circulation, avoid age related spots and ease inflammation. Rice water will give you healthy, clear and more moisturized skin. Also, it offers you a mild sun protection.

Do this procedure once a week at least, if you want to feel the benefits and look ten years younger.

Rice is a rich source of linoleic acids and squalene, a powerful antioxidant that promotes the collagen production in the skin. It is a substance that keeps skin from wrinkling. In addition, squalene protects the skin from sun damage. Large amount of vitamin E and gamma oryznol are present in rice as well, which protects heart health and lowers cholesterol.

Source : http://myilfestyle.com/

Reduce your Sun Spots Naturally!

I am a child of the sun.

I spent the majority of my childhood playing outdoors under the warm California sun. Whether we were at tennis practice, hiking Jack London State Park, jumping waves in Bodega Bay, or simply playing in the field (country living, right?), the sun’s rays were a constant comrade. Back then, the sun would leave tiny freckles across the bridge of my nose and lightly dust my cheeks — sun kisses or sun freckles we called them. Now, many years later, I am still drawn to the sun as ever. Any free moment I have is spent outside hiking, swimming, or kicking back in the patio with a book and cold drink. The only thing that has changed is the trace that the sun leaves on my skin. Sweet sun freckles have been replaced with dark sun spots.

Though I wear sunscreen everyday, I am prone to hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition that occurs as a result of excess melanin production in the body and can cause uneven skin color and dark patches. Prolonged sun exposure, inflammation, acne, or hormonal imbalance can trigger excess melanin. Though my sun spots are mostly on my face, hyperpigmentation can also occur anywhere else on the body. For several years, I have tried expensive creams and fancy oils to reduce the look of dark spots but nothing has worked — anyone who also has dark spots knows how frustrating this can be.

I recently came across an article about the benefits of turmeric, a spice that is native to Southern Asia from the ginger family of plants. The stems — or rhizomes — of the plant are harvested, dried, and usually pounded to create a fine, yellow-gold powder. It is commonly used in cooking but has also been used to treat inflammation, skin wounds, and even liver disorder in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It also has a wide variety of beauty benefits, including reducing the appearance of dark sun spots.

Turmeric:

Acts as an antioxidant. Circumin, the yellow pigment and active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant that combats premature aging. An antioxidant protects cells from free radicals and environmental toxins that can damage cells over time, resulting in aging.

Reduces inflammation. Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some people add a pinch of turmeric to their daily regimen to help reduce inflammation.

Has antibacterial properties. Not only can you combat colds and sore throats with turmeric, the spice can be applied to cuts and wounds to prevent infection.

Some people believe that turmeric is an effective ingredient in treating acne and sun spots due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. I wanted to put it to the test so I researched different ways to safely apply it to my skin in the form of a mask:

Turmeric Face Mask

Ingredients:

Pinch of turmeric. I recommend starting with a small pinch and gradually adding more as you see fit. The turmeric will make your mask a yellow-to-orange color. Personally I use a small portion of turmeric so my mask is a lighter yellow.

2 Tbsp organic plain yogurt. Yogurt is a gentle ingredient that evens out skin complexion and brightens skin due to the lactic acid.

Juice from half of a lemon. Lemons contain citric acid which helps to lighten dark spots. They also act as a natural exfoliator. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend using much less lemon or skip the lemon altogether.

2 Tbsp cucumber juice. Cucumbers bind collagen and help firm skin. Cucumbers also have an incredible cooling effect.

1 Tbsp aloe vera gel. Aloe vera works on hyper-pigmented skin due to the mucilaginous polysaccharides in the gel. It removes dead skin cells and promotes regeneration of new skin cells. Aloe vera also has natural salicylic acid that keeps skin clear.

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Once it is mixed, it should be a little runny. You can either apply to the affected area or to your entire face. Because turmeric stains, and might leave your fingertips a shade of yellow, I recommend using the back of a spoon or a brush to apply. I also recommend wearing a shirt you wouldn’t mind staining if the mask accidentally drips onto it.

Keep the mask on for 15-20 minutes. If it dries and feels tight, try adding more yogurt next time.

Rinse with warm water. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen after!

After the mask, my face feels soft and has a much brighter glow. I am anxious to see how my sun spots reduce in a few weeks!

There are many different turmeric face masks out there so I suggest researching a few to find one that is best suited for your specific skin type.


Source: blog.freepeople.com

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.

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!

6 Secrets for a Glowing Skin

Every woman wants Crystal Clear, picture perfect & flawless skin. Clear and beautiful skin is one of the main elements of a person’s beauty.

Your skin care regimen and lifestyle habits are the primary predictors of your skin’s health. Some of the leading factors that take a toss on the quality and texture of your skin are stress, lack of sleep,poor nutrition, pollution, damage from the UV rays, excessive smoking & alcohol.

There are millions of skin and beauty care products that promise to give you clear and glowing skin. Instead of relying on these products, you can also try some simple and easy home remedies to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Here are the 6 secrets for a Glowing Skin

1. Turmeric

Make a paste by mixing equal amounts of turmeric powder and gram flour with a little water or milk. Apply it evenly on your skin and leave it on until it dries. Wash it off with lukewarm water, scrubbing your skin gently in a circular motion. Follow this remedy once a week to lighten your skin tone and remove scars.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera moisturizes the skin and stimulates new skin cell growth

·          Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.

·          Apply the gel on your face using a cotton ball.

·          Allow it to dry on its own for about half an hour, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water·       

3. Honey

Apply raw honey directly on your skin. Let it dry naturally and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. The water content in honey will deeply moisturize the skin, making it soft and supple. Do this simple remedy once daily or every other day.

4. Lemon

Lemon is one of the best ingredients that you can use to promote clear skin. The citric acid present in lemon helps keep the skin clear by removing dead cells, and its vitamin C content helps reduce dark spots by increasing the cell renewal process.

Apply fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your entire face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. After this, rub cucumber slices on your skin to soften and moisturize it. Do this daily or every other day.

5. Cucumber

Cucumbers contain hydrating, nourishing and astringent properties that are very good for skin. They can improve the overall appearance of your skin by repairing damaged skin cells, removing dead skin cells and adding a fresh glow.

Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices, and rub them thoroughly all over your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning. Do this daily before going to bed.

6. Papaya

Papaya can be used to improve your skin’s texture and maintain clear skin. It has natural bleaching properties that help reduce the appearance of scars. Plus, the enzyme papain present in papaya has antibacterial and wound healing abilities and also aids in removing dead, damaged skin.

•    Chop a ripe papaya into small pieces.
•   Combine the papaya with one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and honey &     grind these into a paste
•   Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
•   Leave it on for half an hour. Then rinse it off with cool water and pat dry your skin.
•   Finally apply some rose water on your face.

Treat Yourself with this Miracle Skin Saver!

www.westcoastskincare.org

Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. This spiky, green gem has a rich history of various cultures and personalities who used the plant's moist middle in a plethora of practical uses. The ancient Greeks who used it to cure everything from baldness to insomnia to the Native Americans who called aloe vera the "Wand of the Heaven."

It helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker. And hence It is called the "Plant of Immortality" by the Egyptians. 

"Treat Yourself with this Miracle Skin Saver"

• As an exfoliator 

Aloe is a great base for a homemade scrub because it helps soften your skin and supply oxygen to your cells, strengthening the tissue to create vibrant skin, says Pekar. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe with just enough brown sugar or baking soda to get a gritty (but not sharp) texture. Then rub it on your elbows, heels, arms, or wherever else needs softening in the shower.

• Treat your sunburns 

Aloe Vera helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker.

• Treat your acne

Aloe is soothing and can reduce skin inflammations, blistering and itchiness, while helping the skin to heal more rapidly. Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.

• Treat your stretch marks

When the skin stretches too far, too fast (due to sudden weight loss/gain or due to pregnancy) the elasticity of the skin can be damaged. Hence resulting in unsightly stretch marks. Everyone love to hate them. Aloe vera gel can help hide these stretch marks by healing these wounds. Apply it on the area and leave it for ten minutes. Wash it off with luke-warm water

• Treat your feet

Baby feet! Awee... everyone's dream. That soft, silky and smoothing feet. This is possible with an ex foliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.

Is there anything it cant do??