Friday, May 31, 2013

What to eat for brighter skin

Here's a list of edible items that can help you get that glowing skin you've always craved for

Shelling out that last penny in the salon and still, women fret about maintaining a glowing complexion throughout the year. It's no secret that drinking about eight to 10 glasses of water on a daily basis will help clear those impurities and give you a healthy looking skin. But it's not just water that will add to your skin's radiance. There are many edibles that will keep you glowing. Here's an index of what you should add to your daily food slot to look bright and pretty.

Strawberries
Yes, this is one secret that has been out of grandma's kitchen trove for the longest time. Strawberries are known to be brilliant as it benefits the skin in more than one way. This accessory fruit is known to be rich in coenzyme Q10, a substance that helps fight free radical damage, and lessens the pace of aging, increases both the adeptness and rate of cellular energy production. Quite high in alpha-hydroxyl acid, this fruit helps get rid of dead skin cells and helps the body build collagen. Another great thing about strawberries, it's highly concentrated with vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that helps prevent skin blemishes, fights the aging process and the harmful effects of the sun.

Tomatoes
There are many reasons to toss a tomato in your diet, it adds to the content of collagen in the skin, thus preventing it from sagging. Also, tomatoes have higher antioxidants , this helps reduce fine lines on the skin. Also, eating tomato sauce and tomato juice can help clear up acne.

Oranges
Another fruit apart from the strawberry that is extremely high in antioxidants are oranges. These help brighten the skin. Orange, a citrus fruit, contains vitamin C, that helps prevent conditions like skin inflammation. One thing known about vitamin C is that, it helps improve the absorption of Vitamin E and iron in the body, and this in turn gives you a radiant complexion. You might have noticed, there are many skin care products that have orange extracts in them.

Eggs
Eggs are great for the skin, they help soften, firm and hydrate the skin. It is known to contain amino acids that help in generation of new skin cells. A study states that two major antioxidants that eggs contain, lutein and zeaxanthin, is known to increase more than four times the protection against the UV damage that leads to lines, brown spots, and cancer. Apparently, eating about one egg a day significantly increases blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (but not cholesterol).

Monday, May 27, 2013

20 best home remedies for all your skin problems

Are you bothered with rash, acne, pimples or skin breakouts? It is common to develop skin problems at any point of your life due to changes in your lifestyle and hormones.

Your kitchen closet is full of home remedies that can treat all your skin problems. Skin Rejuvenation Surgeon and Hair Restoration Specialist, Dr. Sandeep Suttar shares 20 best home remedies for all your skin problems.

Skin problem # 1: Acne

Home remedies for skin problem # 1: Baking soda treatment
This treatment will help to speed up the healing, clearing and reducing acne, and its scars.

Ingredients

Baking soda
Water

Method

1. Mix some baking soda with some water in a bowl to a thick paste.
2. Apply this paste all over your face as a facial mask for 20 minutes.
3. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Home remedies for skin problem # 2: Oatmeal magic
Cleansing properties of oatmeal will help to reduce acne scars

Ingredients

Oatmeal
Water

Method

1. Blend some oatmeal with water, to make a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to your face as a facial mask.
3. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Later, wash it off with lukewarm water and towel dry your face.

Home remedies for skin problem # 3: Treat acne with tomato pulp
The pulp of tomato is a very good toner to your skin; it also helps to unclog the pores and prevents acne formation.

Ingredients

Cucumber juice
Pulp of tomatoes

Method

1. Make a good mixture of cucumber juice and tomato pulp and apply it for 15 minutes.
2. Then wash it off.

Skin problem # 2: Scars

Home remedies for skin problem # 4: Say good-bye to scars with sandalwood powder
The cleansing properties of sandalwood and rose milk will help to remove the scars and blemishes from your face.

Ingredients

Sandalwood powder
Milk/rose water

Method

1. Mix sandalwood powder with milk or rose water and make a fine paste out of that.
2. Apply this paste on your face.
3. Wash your face after an hour using cold water.

Home remedies for skin problem # 5: Almond cure

Ingredients

Almonds
Rose water

Method

1. Soak two to three almonds in water and leave it overnight.
2. In the morning peel the skin and mash it.
3. Mix little rose water and apply to face.

Home remedies for skin problem # 6: Honey blend

Ingredients

Honey
Dry oats
Aloe vera gel

Method

1. Blend some honey, dry oats and aloe vera gel, to fine paste.
2. Apply this paste, on your face for 30 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Skin problem # 3: White heads

Home remedies for skin problem # 7: Honey and egg power

Ingredients

1. Egg white
2. Honey

Method

1. Take some egg white, pour it into a bowl, and add some honey to it.
2. Apply this mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave this paste for at least 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.

Home remedies for skin problem # 8: Garlic remedy

Ingredients

Garlic

Method

1. Wash your face with a good cleanser and rub garlic or garlic juice to the affected areas at least three times a day.
2. Let it stay for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Home remedies for skin problem # 9: Lemon magic

Ingredients

Lemon juice

Method

1. Extract some lemon juice and apply it to the affect area with the help of a cotton swab.
2. Leave it off for some time and then wash it with cold water.
3. Repeat this treatment three times a day for best results.

Skin problem # 4: Stretch marks

Home remedies for skin problem # 11: Castor oil massage

Ingredients

Castor oil

Method

1. Apply some castor oil to the affected area and gently massage the area in circular motions with your fingertips.
2. Massage for at least 15-20 minutes and the cover it with a thin cotton cloth.
3. Later apply some heat to the affected area, with the help of a heat bag for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat this treatment for minimum one month.

Home remedies for skin problem # 12: Sugar scrub

Ingredients

Raw sugar
Almond oil
Lemon juice

Method

1. Make a mixture of raw sugar, almond oil and few drops of lemon juice.
2. Gently rub the mixture on the affected area for at least 10 minutes, before shower.
3. Repeat this for a month or so.

Home remedies for skin problem # 13: Potato juice

Ingredients

Potato

Method

1. Take a medium sized potato and cut it into thick slices.
2. Take the potato piece and rub it gently on the affected area for few minutes.
3. Allow the juice to dry for some time and later clean it with lukewarm water.

Skin problem # 5: Rosacea

Home remedies for skin problem # 14: Chamomile magic

Ingredients

Chamomile tea

Method

1. Steep some chamomile tea bags in some boiling water for 10 minutes then refrigerate it.
2. Once it is cold, dip a cotton cloth in the chamomile and apply it to the affected area.

Home remedies for skin problem # 15: Lavender oil

Ingredients

Lavender oil

Method

1. Wash your face and towel dry.
2. Apply some lavender oil to your face and gently massage it to the affected area.
3. Repeat this procedure daily, for best results.

Skin problem # 5: Ingrown hair

Home remedies for skin problem # 16: Salt scrubber

Ingredients

Warm water
Salt
Cotton ball

Method

1. Make a mixture of one-cup water and 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it over the ingrown hair.
3. Follow this procedure daily, but avoid using it if you face any skin complications.

Home remedies for skin problem # 17: Aspirin mask

Ingredients

3-4 aspirin tablets
Water or jojoba oil
Honey

Method

1. Make a mixture of honey, water or jojoba oil in a small bowl, and place this mixture in a large bowl of hot water.
2. Add some powdered aspirin to the bowl of honey mixture and make a tiny paste.
3. Test the temperature and apply it to the affected area with your fingertips.
4. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes, remove it with warm water, and pat dry.

Skin problem # 7: Black heads

Home remedies for skin problem # 18: Green tea

Ingredients

Green tea
Water

Method

1. Make a fine paste using one teaspoon of green tea and some water.
2. Apply this paste on the affected area and scrub it gently for 2-3 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Skin problem # 8: Suntan

Home remedies for skin problem # 19: Turmeric

Ingredients

Turmeric
Chilled yoghurt

Method

1. Make a mixture of turmeric and chilled yoghurt and apply it on the affected area.
2. Wash it off after 30 minutes.

Home remedies for skin problem # 20: Coconut water

Ingredients

Coconut water

Method

1. Use fresh coconut water on the affected area.

2. Wash it off thoroughly after some time.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Taking care of skin around your eyes

The skin around your eye is much different than the rest of your face. Thus it is extremely important to give special care and attention to this area. Here's how...

Getting acquainted
If you want to know how to take care for the skin around your eyes, you need to know about the skin texture very well. The skin around your eyes is supposed to be the thinnest, sensitive and also the driest area. It is also the first place where the signs of ageing begins to appear.

Cleanse
Just like the rest of your face, cleansing around your eyes is extremely important. Especially because it tends to dry up very easily. Removing excess make-up from around your eyes will also ensure that it remains clean. Put some cleanser on a cotton pad and lightly set it on your eyelid. Gently swipe it off.

Supplements
Not only external care is required for your eyes, but internal as well. Make sure that you are taking vitamin A, B, C, D and E supplements so that not only the skin around your eyes, but also your eyes in general is taken care of.

Sleep

Getting 7 hours of sleep is extremely important. Make sure that you do not compromise on this point. Sleep will ensure that you do not get dark circles and wrinkles around the area.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Top 20 ways to be beautiful in a healthy way

Being beautiful is a perennial wish women have in their minds. Proper skin care and hair care clubbed rightly with body care gives one beauty and good looks.

Try these tips shared by Dr. Sandeep Suttar, a surgeon at Hairrevive, Mumbai, and fall in love with your reflection in the mirror... all over again.

Go scrub yourself
Use a regular scrub for your body, to remove dead cells and to prevent in-growth on your body. One wise tip, dermatologist Dr. Apratim Goel shares, "apply a good body moisturiser all over your body, after every shower. Your moisturiser should be a good source of Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants." The best natural scrub available is a mixture of honey and sugar.

Up your water intake
Make sure that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. This will help to prevent dehydration and will also make your skin healthy.

Get rid of the dirt
If you sweat excessively, make sure that you bathe twice daily. A good shower will help to keep you cool and also maintain your personal hygiene. After your shower, opt for loose cotton clothes, as it will help your skin breathe.

Care for your hair
Rising temperature and pollution can take a toll on your hair health as well. To maintain good hair, shampoo your hair according to your convenience. Dr. Suttar says, "be cautious while shampooing as well, because excessive shampooing can make your hair dry and dull. Add a pinch of baking soda, while shampooing your hair, to remove dirt and pollution."

Use sun protection
One rule you should always follow, all your life, is to use a good sunscreen every day. Find the best sunscreen according to your skin type to avoid allergies and skin rash.

Allow your toes to breathe
Always wear open shoes, as it will allow proper circulation and will prevent smelly foot and other fungal infections.

Make 'yoghurt' your new best-friend
Increase your yoghurt consumption, as it not only revitalises your skin but also slows down your ageing process. You can also use yoghurt as a skin or hair pack, to smoothen sun damage.

Use a new shaving technique
If you are a razor person, then wait for at least three minutes before using it on your arms and legs, during your shower. Use warm water, as it will help to soften the hair shaft and this will provide closer and longer lasting smoothness. Once done, add few drops of natural astringent in cold water.

Use a silky smooth pillow
Using a silk pillow cover, will help prevent friction between hair cuticle and the pillow cover, which can further make your hair vulnerable and frizzy.

Say good-bye to tan
For all those, who get tanned easily; always use natural ingredients to fix your problem. Use a mixture of egg white, corn flower and lemon juice or just simply rub a little potato or lemon juice to remove tan. If this doesn't help, seek help from a dermatologist at its earliest.

Treat your back
To get a sexy back, exfoliate your back regularly. Use a mixture of papaya and apply it onto your skin for 5-10 minutes. This treatment will help to remove dead cells and dirt from your back.

Protect your head
If you cover your hair with a hat, then this technique can trap the oils on your skin causing acne on your forehead. To prevent this, always wipe your forehead with a good cleaner.

Aim for healthy feet
Always use an anti-fungal powder, before letting your feet into the closed shoe. Besides, use a pumice stone to remove dead cells and to rejuvenate your feet skin.

Include a protein rich diet
For a healthy and glowing complexion, add up lots of lean meat, eggs, pulses, milk and cheese as these items are rich in protein. These protein-rich foods will also help in maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Take adequate rest
To be beautiful, get adequate sleep and water in your life. These two important things will help to give you a radiant complexion to your skin, as it helps to detoxify and prevent red and puffy eyes.

Avoid too much make-up
While applying make-up to your face, make sure to keep it minimalistic. Too much make-up can clog your pores, leading to wrinkles and flaky skin. Besides, make sure to get rid of all your foundation, before going to bed.

Always follow CTM ( Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising)
Choose a cleanser and toner according to your skin type and follow the CTM routine every day. A good cleanser will help to remove all the dead cells along. Besides, it will also take away natural oil from your skin, thus supplement it with a good oil-free moisturiser, to give the best to your skin.

Carry a hand sanitiser always
Constantly touching your face, with dirty hands can cause acne and breakouts. Thus, make sure to use a sanitiser regularly when you are outdoors and try to keep your hands away from your face.

Exfoliate your skin
Use an exfoliator, at least once a week. This will help to remove all the dirt and impurities and will give a healthy glow to your skin.

Condition your hair

After washing your hair, condition your hair, with a good conditioner to prevent frizzy and damaged hair due to pollution. Moreover, also avoid blow-drying your hair, more frequently.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Beauty benefits of walnut oil

High in vitamins and proteins, walnut oil works wonders for your skin.

Apart from eating walnuts, the use of it in the form of oil also helps your
skin. They are known to be rich in fibre, Omega-3, protein and other vital
minerals.

Fights wrinkles
It is believed that walnut oil has been recommended to fight wrinkles since
at least the 17th century. Though walnut oil is greasy and rich, yet if you
apply it on your skin daily, it helps treat wrinkles and fine lines and
makes your skin look younger!

Cures infections
Walnut oil is known to be a remedy to treat fungal infections. Athlete's
foot and Candida are some of the infections which are known to get treated
with the application of walnut oil. Apply the oil topically on the affected
area. You can also mix this oil with other herbal anti-fungals like garlic
to enhance its effectiveness.

Treats psoriasis
Psoriasis is known to be a painful and persistent skin condition that can
be eased with the use of walnut oil. Add this oil to your bath or use it
topically on your skin to treat this condition.

Excellent source of Omega-3
Walnut oil is known to be an excellent plant source of Omega-3. It is also
associated with numerous health benefits which includes protection against
heart disease, some types of cancer and other inflammatory disorders like
eczema etc