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!

Freedom from Acne - Clear Skin from your pantry & Refrigerator!

Acne is a common skin problem that affects all ages. This is more often seen in teenagers due to their increased hormone levels in their body. Apart from hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, wrong usage of products, unhealthy eating habits, hectic lifestyles also cause breakouts on your skin.

Remember there no definitive cure for this for all skin types. However, home remedies, botanical and organic products are always best to try. We never know which one suits best and when it comes to skin be sure you try out the right ones that have zero reactions. 

Let me tell you some proven home remedies that can help you prevent or reduce the problem, which are definitely available in your pantry or your refrigerator.

1. Toothpaste 

This is one of the easiest home remedy for acne. The regular toothpaste that we use to clean our teeth can be used to reduce acne.

Directions: Apply a small amount of white tooth paste (Note: I am talking about white ones, not the gel toothpastes) on the affected area and leave it over night. This will help reduce the swelling and gets the acne dried. You should see the difference in a day or two.

2. Lemons

This is well known fact that Lemons are high in acidic property and hence these are very useful to treat acne. Lemon juice will help clean out the dirt from the pores and will harden the sebum.

Directions: Rub a slice of lemon on the affected area and leave it for sometime. You can also try mixing lemon juice with rose water and applying on the affected area. (Note: If you feel it is over drying your skin, use it 2-3 times a week instead of daily)

3. Honey & Cinnamon

Yes, you read it right. We do wonder sticky and spicy cinnamon on face? True, they make a killer combo when it comes to acne reduction. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that will help those acne bacteria out.

Directions: Mix two tbsp of honey and one tbsp of cinnamon until they blend and form a thick paste. Apply this mask on your face or just on the spots and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off completely and pat dry. (Note: This is a sticky mixture so make sure you have enough paper towels handy)

4. Tea Tree Oil

This is yet another popular remedy for acne treatment. This acts as an antiseptic and disinfects the pores. It also kills the bacteria that caused the acne at first place.

Directions: Just apply a drop of Tea Tree Oil on the affected area three times a day. (Note: highly concentrated ones may cause irritation to few skin types, if so, take 5% concentrated one and repeat the process)

5. Orange peel paste

Thanks to vitamin C, astringent properties and citric acid present in oranges. Vitamin C promotes the growth of new healthy cells keeping the skin in better condition

Directions: Grind two orange peels and make a paste by adding little water to it. Apply this on face or just on the spots and leave it for 20 minutes. Ideally it should become dry and then wash your face with water, pat it dry.

6. Oatmeal

This is very beneficial to skin because it cleanses your skin and also absorbs excess oil present on the face. Hence this best suits for oily skins. 

Directions: Mix 1tbsp of honey, lemon juice from half sliced lemon and a cup of cooked oatmeal. Rub this mixture on your face and leave it for 30minutes. Wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry. Do this twice a week for best results.

Better Hair at Home

Hair loss is a common problem in todays world. As hair is regarded as an asset that enhances one’s physical appearance, balding or thinning hair is a problem that many want to correct as soon as possible. No body wants dead and thin hair.

Some of the common factors contributing to thinning hair are excessive physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, pollution, allergies, use of wrong hair care products, poor hair care routine, and heredity.

Better Hair at Home is possible with the following:

1. Healthy Hair - Egg Mask

Egg contains high levels of proteins which help in the formation of new hair. It is also rich in sulphur, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorous and iodine. The high protein content makes eggs one of the best ingredients that promote hair growth.

How to use:

·         Take the white of one egg

·         Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and honey to it

·         Mix it all well to form a smooth paste

·         Apply it all over your hair carefully and leave it for 20 minutes

·         Rinse with cool water and shampoo it off

2. Get rid of Split Ends - Banana Mask

Bananas are excellent ingredient for treating extremely dry and damaged hair. The high potassium and moisture content in bananas prevents split ends, and softens and improves the elasticity of your hair.

How to use:

• Mash one ripe or overripe banana and spread it thoroughly on your hair, from the roots to the ends. Leave it on for up to an hour and then rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Do this once a week for effective results.

•  Alternatively, mix one ripe or overripe banana, one tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of honey. Apply this hair mask on your hair thoroughly. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse well with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once week to enjoy smooth and shiny hair.

3. Hair Growth - Fenugreek

Fenugreek has been used to treat hair fall since ages in many parts of the world. Even you can use this spice for growing hair.

How to use:

·         Soak the fenugreek seeds in the water for 24 hours.

·        Strain and use the water to rinse hair.

·       Do not immediately was hair with normal water. Let this water be there for at least 3 hours

·        After 3 hours, wash your hair with lukewarm water (never use hot water on your hair)

·        Repeat this daily for at a month to see your hair gaining strength and volume

4. Strong & Healthy Hair - Avacado

The saturated fats, vitamins A and E, protein and various other minerals in avocado are highly beneficial for dry and damaged hair. Avocado also helps add moisture to dry hair shafts and strengthen your hair.

How to Use:

•  Mash one ripe, peeled avocado
• Mix in one teaspoon each of wheat-germ oil and jojoba oil to make a smooth paste.
• Apply the mixture on freshly washed hair, from the roots to the ends. 
• Cover your hair with a shower cap. 
• Leave it on for half an hour and then shampoo your hair with lukewarm water. 
• Follow this remedy once or twice a week.

(or)

• Mash a ripe, peeled avocado and add two tablespoons of olive oil to it. Mix well until the consistency is thick and smooth. Shampoo and rinse your hair. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse your hair. Do this once a week.

 5. Good Bye Hair Fall - Olive Oil

Olive oil helps in preventing as well as curing hair loss. It stimulates the formation of new hair. Regular use of olive oil prevents the formation of DTH hormone and thus facilitates hair growth. Rich in antioxidants, it is beneficial for overall hair health. Olive oil also acts as a natural conditioner by making your hair soft and silky.

How to use:

·         Include olive oil in your daily diet

·         Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment.

·         You can also mix it with lavender, sage and rosemary oil for hot oil treatment.

Know your H2O

“Water makes up about two thirds of who we are, and influences 100 percent of the processes in our body,” says CamelBak hydration expert Doug Casa, PhD. That probably explains why we feel better when we’re drinking enough of it. To learn exactly how water is helping us, as well as some creative ways to use it.

Whether you want shinier hair, younger skin, a healthier body (or all three!), pure, clear water is the world's best beauty elixir.

Benefits of H2O

1. Improves your Mood

Drinking water makes us feel so refreshed that it actually improves our state of mind. You don’t even have to be severely in need of it to benefit: Even mild dehydration has been shown to negatively impact moods.

2. Add Shine

I always heard hairdressers saying a cool-water rinse leaves hair glossier. Is it true? Yes! The chilly temp constricts the cuticle layer of your hair so it lies flatter; making strands smoother and more reflective.

3. Keeps your kidneys on the run

Kidneys remove waste from our bodies, help control our blood pressure, and balance fluids, so they’re crucial to keeping our systems running smoothly. One surefire way to keep them working properly? Adequate water consumption! So drink up to keep those kidneys in tip-top shape. Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys, which dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they are less likely to crystallize and form clumps. Hence, drink water and don't you worry about your kidney stones!

4. Have your Edge off of Hangovers with your bottle of water

Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, which can lead to hangovers. Having a glass of water with each alcoholic drink you sip is one way to offset the dehydration (and the day-after misery).

5. Frozen water

Ice has been shown to be an effective short-term therapy for sprains and strains. Cold packs reduce blood flow and swelling in the affected area and also treat pain.

6. Aid in Weight Loss

Anyone looking to lose weight could be helped by upping their water intake. Studies have found that when participants drink water before a meal, they lose weight faster than those who did not drink water. Extra H2O helps us eat less by making us feel full, and it may also boost metabolism. 

7. Protection against some types pf Cancer

Research has found that the greater the fluid intake, the lower the incidence of bladder cancer, with more significant results when the fluid is water. One possible reason could be that urinating more frequently prevents the buildup of bladder carcinogens. Staying hydrated may also reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer.

I'm sure after knowing this much about water, we all want to have an extra glass of water starting today!

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??

Proven Benefits of Green Tea (#4 The Best)

www.westcoastskncare.blogspot.com

Everybody talks about this. Everybody knows something about this. I am sure we all don't enjoy this drink as much as we enjoy our cup of coffee. Lets get down and see what benefits it has  and see if we can make it a delicious drink like our coffee.

Green Tea - The Healthiest Beverage on planet, as told by many researches & I definitely agree to this statement. I read a research paper the other day about the benefits of green tea and then decided to share The gist of it with you.

This miracle drink from China made all its way to America, India, Australia and most other countries with its touted health benefits. From weight loss aid to treating few types of cancer, this cup of miracle beverage does a make over to your skin as well. 

Here are few surprising healthy benefits of this Green Tea:

1. May lower the risk of various Cancers

Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, so it makes perfect sense that it could reduce your risk of cancer, which it appears to do:

• Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
• Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.
• Colorectal cancer: A study of 69,710 Chinese women found that green tea drinkers had a 57% lower risk of colorectal cancer.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Replacing unhealthy snacks and drinks with green tea could actually help keep your cholesterol levels at bay. Green tea’s powerful antioxidant, EGCG, is believed to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the large intestine.

3. Tooth Decay

Studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions. Some studies also show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. 

4. The Smarter You

Yes! It does more than just keeping you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine. It contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function. Hence it makes you smarter.

5. UV Protection

You may want to add a packet of green tea in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses when you visit the beach. The catechins in green tea can actually make the skin more resistant to the effects of UV rays and therefore premature skin aging. They can also lead to reduced skin redness after UV exposure.

6. Boosts Eye Sight

Carrots have long been associated as a food that promotes good eyesight, but science suggest there’s a new kid on the block. The antioxidants found in green tea can actually penetrate the tissues of the eyes and produce antioxidant activity. Catechins, an antioxidant in green tea, are capable of being absorbed into the tissues of the eye.

How do you make this?

Let me give you some of the awesome recipes of Green Tea

1. Iced Lavender Green Tea

Ingredients:

§  Dried Lavender  Blossoms (Fresh) – 11/2 tsp

§  Tea bags- 4

§  Sprig Lavender (Optional)- 1

Procedure:

Heat ½ cup of water in a saucepan until it gets simmer. Remove the pan from heat and add tea and lavender to the heated water. Steep for about 5 minutes, strain it into a bowl and let it cool for some time. Now, pour the prepared tea in ice filled glasses and season it with some lavender sprigs to make it more appealing.

2. Iced Green Tea

Ingredients:

§  Green Tea Bags – 6 to 8

§  Boiling water – 4 cups

§  Cold water – 2 cups

§  Artificial sweetener (non- caloric) – ½ cup

Procedure:

Pour boiling water into a saucepan over the tea bags and steep for about 5 minutes. Squeezing gently, remove tea bags from the water. Add sweetener to cold water and stir for 2 minutes until the sweetener dissolves. Let the tea come to room temperature and is now ready to serve.

3. Tulasi Green Tea

Ingredients:

§  Tulsi Leaves – 8 to 10

§  Green tea bags – 1

§  Honey – 1 tsp

Procedure:

Wash and chop the tulsi leaves roughly, add the tulsi leaves and the green tea bag in a cup. Pour warm water into the cup, cover it with a saucer and let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucer, take out the tea bag, add the honey, mix well and enjoy it warm or cold.

Always remember ,no one food will protect you from disease. Your health is just wrapped up in your lifestyle and your genes, so even if you drink green tea all day long, you also need to take care of yourself in other ways, like not smoking way too much, working out daily, and having a healthy diet.

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

For the More Youthful Skin

www.westcoastskncare.blogspot.com

Last time I talked about few skin savers and Now I want to talk about My personal favourite fruit as well as one of the best skin savers - Papaya

Awesomely sweet with musky undertones and a soft, cheese-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus. Papayas are actually found in Central America.  The fruit was bought to many sub tropical regions by Portugal and Spain explorers, later on it travelled to places including India, Philippines and some parts of Africa.

Not only the Papaya fruit but other parts of it are also very good for skin, hair and health. It contains an enzyme called ‘Papain’ that helps you in digesting proteins easily. It is used as a main ingredient in chewing gums and also used in many other dietary supplements. Papaya is a wholesome fruit that offers many benefits for your skin. And hence, this is my favourite.

Let me share some of the skin benefits of papaya that I am aware of

1. Papaya is a best source of Papain and Vitamin A, which helps in breaking inactive proteins and also aids in the removal of dead skin cells, leaving skin to glow
2. This is also less on sodium which helps in retaining water and hence your skin is always hydrated
3. Mashed papaya can also be used to treat cracked and painful heels
4. Papaya also acts as skin exfoliater, that cleans the skin and makes it healthy & glowing
5. The skin shines everlastingly with the application or consumption of papaya on a regular basis
6. It helps your skin discoloration, with the application of papaya on a regular basis
7. Papaya peel can not only whiten the face but also helps in whitening the arms and legs
8. It also helps you in reducing the signs of aging on the face

Tips on Using Papaya on Skin:

• Papaya is fruitful for treating the dark spots.  The application of mashed and uneaten papaya with or without milk on your face can help in removing the dark spots and evens out the skin tone which results into a fairer and glowing skin

• Papaya peel is good for the treating the aging signs. You have to rub the papaya peel all over the face and leave it for 5 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Use it on a regular basis for better results. Papaya contains AHA’s or Alfa-Hydroxy Acid in abundance, which has great anti-aging properties; these properties make papaya an acidic fruit. 

Note: Avoid applying it regularly as it causes irritation and dryness to your sensitive skin due to its high acidic properties.

• It can be used  to keep your skin hydrated, take mashed papaya and mix it with few drops of honey and gently apply the mixture on your face. Papaya is very efficient in treating dry skin. Take a small slice of papaya, mash it well and 1 tbsp of milk cream or Malai and mix them. Apply the mixture on your face. After 20 minutes, wash it off carefully.
• It can be used to tighten your skin, mix mashed papaya, rice flour and honey. Now apply the mixture on your skin and leave it for 20 minutes. Apply this pack thrice a week for good results.
• Papaya can also be used as a scrub. The body scrub can be made by mixing mashed raw papaya along with salt spa, olive oil and honey.

Have a Papaya Day!

References:

• Pattison DJ, Silman AJ, Goodson NJ, Lunt M, Bunn D, Luben R, Welch A, Bingham S, Khaw KT, Day N, Symmons DP. Vitamin C and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis: prospective nested case-control study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004 Jul;63(7):843-7. 2004. PMID:15194581.
• Wood, Rebecca. The Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Prentice-Hall Press; 1988. 1988. PMID:15220.