Shaving Vs Waxing: Which Method is Best for Your Legs?

When the weather warms up and summer is about to burst on the scene, clothes tend to get skimpier and skin becomes more visible. Having smooth legs that are free of hairs and stubble is almost a must to get through the season in a fashionable manner. Waxing and shaving are two of the options you have to get rid of the hairs on your legs. Both methods have pros and cons, and learning about these, might help you decide which method is best for your gams.

The Pain Factor Shaving Vs Waxing

Although you can get your legs waxed at a salon, you can also give yourself a wax job right at home. Regardless who does the waxing, expect the experience some pain, because you're pulling a bunch of hairs out at the same time. When the wax is applied to your legs, it adheres to the hairs. A cloth is then used to pull the wax and unwanted hairs off your legs. As for shaving, the process is pretty much painless, unless you don't have a sturdy hand or shave your hairs when your skin is dry

The Duration Shaving Vs Waxing

Even when done at home, waxing takes longer than shaving and tends to be messier. Heating the wax, whether it's rubbing wax strips between your hands or using the microwave, takes time. At a salon, it might take 30 minutes, if not more, to get the job done. Shaving is quick and easily done while taking a shower. Quick touch ups are easy, and unlike a wax job, which requires hair to be at least 1/4-inch long, you don't have to wait for the hair to grow to a certain length.

The Cost Shaving Vs Waxing

The supplies needed to shave your legs will most likely cost under $10. A sharp razor and shaving gel are all you need. A home wax kit can cost about the same amount, but if you have the process done by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $70, depending on the salon.

The Risks Shaving Vs Waxing

The biggest risk with shaving your legs are the nicks and cuts that might occur when you're in a rush, and the red bumps that might emerge on irritated skin. Taking your time, using a shaving gel, shaving your legs when the hairs are soft and moving the razor in the direction of the hair growth, can ease the process. Waxing can result in ingrown hairs, and because the hairs are removed root and all, the follicle stays open, increasing the risk of an infection/ This is why it's essential to apply antibacterial lotion after waxing hair.

The Results Shaving Vs Waxing

When you shave your legs, you remove just the visible part of the hair. You cut it off at the point where it meets your skin. Waxing, removes the entire hair including the root, which gives a cleaner, smoother appearance. The latter also lasts longer. A wax job can keep your legs free of hair for two to three weeks, while shaving can result in stubble within a few hours of as soon as the next day, depending on how fast your hair grows.

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Best Facial Cleanser and Lotion ... And It's Homemade

I have never grown out of the acne-prone skin I developed in high school. It's not as bad as it was back then, but I still have monthly breakouts that sometimes include very painful pimples across all layers of my skin. During the past two decades, I have experimented with every acne product in the drugstore: the cleansers, the scrubs, the lotions, the creams, the vitamins, the sponges, the soaps and the masks. I have tried multiple brands of each of these products, as well. In college, I even tried that expensive monthly club that charged $40 a month for a little bottle of cleanser and astringent that I could barely stretch over the 30 days. It didn't help, anyway.

So, here I am, with acne that isn't quite that bad, but skin that still breaks out and, worse, has pitted scars to remind me of the skin that plagued me in my teens and early 20s. My adequate drug-store skin regimen included a Buff Puff sponge with Noxema to exfoliate, wash with antibacterial Dial soap, and then moisturize with Cetaphil lotion. But I still wasn't happy with my skin.
 

The Recipes

I use two 2-ounce baby food jars: one for my face cleanser and the other for my homemade moisturizer. The cleanser lasts me about two weeks washing morning and night, and the lotion lasts for weeks. There is at least one night per week, however, that skip my cleanser and go straight for a pure baking soda scrub for a microdermabrasion effect. A regimen of one microdermabrasion a week is helping reduce the appearance of my pitted acne scars. After two months, people have started to notice that my skin is smoother and more even without any prodding from me whatsoever.

Face Cleanser

3 Tbsp ground oatmeal (not instant)

3 Tbsp baking soda

3 Tbsp of honey

3 Tbsp of water

1. Ground up your oatmeal in a blender. I have another container I use to store the unused portion so that, when it's time to make a new batch, my oatmeal is ready to go.

2. Add the oatmeal and the baking soda to the baby food jar.

3. Next, add the water. Put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously. This helps shrink the mixture down and thin it out enough to mix it with the honey.

4. Add the honey to the jar and shake again. Really shake it so that all of the ingredients mix together well. The solution will likely be thin at first, but will thicken overnight as the oatmeal absorbs the water and honey.

5. When it's time to use the cleanser, you may need to reshake the jar or stir it with your finger first. The thinner the mixture is, the more the ingredients will separate with the heavier baking soda settling on the bottom.

Understanding that this recipe is the one that has been working wonders on my skin, you may require a slight adjustment. For example, one of the recipes I tried included a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil. This reduced the abrasion of the baking soda and thickened the solution into a paste-like texture. If you find that my recipe is too harsh for your skin, consider reducing the baking soda to 2 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil.

Moisturizing Lotion

2 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil

.5 Tbsp of honey

.5 Tbsp of water

Put everything in a jar and, if your coconut oil is soft enough, just shake the jar until everything is mixed; if not, use your finger to mix it together. It should be creamy when you're done, with a slight brown tint. For your morning moisturizing, use a small amount on the tip of your finger. A little bit of this lotion goes a long way. If you do a pure baking soda scrub at night, use a bit more and really coat your skin to protect it.

Since this lotion is oil-based, be aware that its texture is dependent upon the temperature in the room. If it gets too warm, it will liquify; if it gets too cold, it will be harder. Additionally, keep the lotion in an air-tight jar. The honey in it will crystallize if you leave the lid off. If this happens, simply put some on your finger, run it under water and rub your hands together to smooth it back out.

Pure Baking Soda Scrub

If you have scars that you want to treat, one or two nights per week, wet your face, add about half a tablespoon of baking soda to a damp washcloth, and massage it over your face for about a minute. Thoroughly rinse and put a generous amount of coconut oil over your skin to protect it overnight.

The Research

How did I come to these recipes? Well, first I spent some time researching homemade facial scrubs. I came across a lot of recipes online. Some mixed different combinations of these ingredients with oils, vinegar toners, citrus juices, and other household and food products. As I researched those products, I found that the four ingredients in this recipe had all the properties I needed in a skin-care regimen.

After selecting my ingredients, I experimented with different combinations until I found a texture that gave me that clean-skin feeling without being too abrasive, and there were a few days where I scrubbed off a bit too much skin. It's hard not to get a little zealous about a new scrub, but do start slow or you can do more harm than good, even with these all-natural, homemade recipes.

Let me share a summary of this research with you, including some cautions about using baking soda recipes on your skin as it can affect the pH of your skin.

• Oatmeal is not only a gentle exfoliant, it helps reduce swelling, dryness and itching in skin. Its starches, beta-glucan, saponins and phenols have been shown to not only help problem skin heal, but actually buffer and clean skin.

• Honey is both antiseptic and provides a layer of protection for wounds. It is also a natural preservative for your homemade recipes. It's also a great way to lighten scars, moisturize skin and treat eczema.

• Baking soda is an abrasive that exfoliates the skin. In addition to whitening teeth, baking soda can provide various levels of skin cleansing from light exfoliation to a microdermabrasion-like treatment.

• Unrefined coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for hair and skin. Various studies suggest that coconut oil is effective at treating some skin conditions and conditioning hair. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.

Balancing the pH

In my research, I encountered some who caution against using baking soda on your skin. After all, some use this chemical to scrub their sinks and toilets. The main objection is that our skin has a natural acidic top layer, or an acid mantel, that protects us from bacteria. Scrubbing this layer away can cause worse breakouts, and do that is especially easy with baking soda, which is a base. The above recipes and skin care regimen works to keep your skin's pH at the right level and maintain a protective layer at all times.

If you find that you're breaking out too much, reduce how vigorously you scrub. I noticed, in the first couple weeks, that I was breaking out after doing my microdermabrasion treatments with baking soda. Of course, I was doing it two consecutive nights. When I cut that down to one night a week, I stopped breaking out. Your skin is unique so you'll need to use a little trial and error to find the right regimen for you, but err on the side of caution.

• Oatmeal pH is about 5.5 (weak acid) - about the same as black coffee or urine

• Honey has an average pH of about 3.9 (moderate acid) - about the same as tomato juice and acid rain

• Baking soda has a pH of about 9 (weak alkaline)

• Water is neutral

Using only the oatmeal and baking soda with water would create a slightly acidic, but close to neutral solution. Adding a bit of honey tips the scale toward the acidic side, which helps fend off bacteria and match the natural pH of your skin, which is about 4.5 to 5.

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Eco-Friendly Living: Uses for Lemon Juice and Lemon Peels

Going Green

Nearly every house has lemon juice or fresh lemons in the kitchen. Sure, you could use them to make lemonade; but sometimes you've got juice leftover, or of course, the rinds. Fortunately, lemon juice and lemon peels can be used as an eco-friendly alternative in several different areas of the home.

Plastic Food Container (such as Tupperware) Stains

Nothing is worse than finding out your new tupperware has a food stain, such as spaghetti. Using half a lemon, squeeze the juice into the container and rub thoroughly. Allow the container to sit for approximately 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Grease

Anywhere you've got grease, you can use lemon juice to clean: stove tops, pots and pans, even microwaves. Using a lemon half and some salt, rub the grease until gone and then wipe up with a clean towel.

Nothing is worse than finding out your tomato soup lunch tastes like your significant other's reheated bacon from breakfast. To prevent these issues, place lemon rinds into a bowl of water and microwave for 2 to 5 minutes (5 minutes for tougher food build-up.) Wipe away the steamed interior with a towel for a clean, fresh-scented microwave. This works especially well for food that's exploded and crusted onto the microwave's interior.

Ink Stains on Clothing

When applied directly, lemon juice can help remove ink stains. Pour directly onto the stain and wash in cold water.

Beauty Treatments: Age Spots, High Lights and Dry Elbows

If you're familiar with beauty tips that utilize lemon (think, lemon in your hair for natural summer high lights,) then perhaps you've heard of this one: lemon can be used to to lighten age spots. Simply take a small piece of lemon peel and apply it to the affected area. Leave the peel on for up to an hour. (Author's Note: this remedy will not necessarily remove all of the age spot and may not work for everyone.)

Not only that, but lemons can also be used to soften elbows. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle each half with baking soda. Then, use your elbow as if it were a juicer for several minutes; rinse and dry for softer elbows.

Clothing and Under Arm Stains

Combining equal parts lemon juice and white vinegar in the wash can help remove under arm stains on shirts.

Cat Box Odor

If you're like me, you've got a cat (or two) and you hate the smell of the litter box. Fortunately, a few slices of lemon in a small dish near the litter box can help deodorize the area.

Lemon Juice as a Polish

You can use lemon juice to polish chrome (such as your faucets or pots and pans.) Once you've used the juice up on the chrome, you can use the rind of the lemon (dipped in salt) on copper, brass and stainless steel items, such as pots and pans, faucets or kitchen sinks. Scrub down with the rind and salt mixture, allow to sit for approximately five minutes, rinse with warm water and allow to dry.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Instead of throwing out the used lemon peels once you've used them for these other issues, you can squeeze one last use out of them: deodorizing your garbage disposal. Just throw the rinds down the drain, run the water and turn on the garbage disposal and voila: your garbage disposal is fresh, clean and lemony-scented.

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Homemade Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids Skincare

Do-it-yourself Beauty Products

Acids for skin care are all the rage right now. They are more effective exfoliants than manual exfoliators, as they pose less of a risk for irritating inflamed or sensitive skin. However, skin care products featuring such acids can be pricey sometimes. This doesn't mean that you can't experience their benefits. You can make masks and toners containing these acids right at home for a fraction of the price!

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which helps exfoliate your skin cells. Glycolic Acid is found in brown sugar, and you can make a great exfoliant by mixing brown sugar and your choice of a skin-friendly oil (such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, castor oil, almond oil, etc.) and apply as a paste to your face. Leave it on up to 10 minutes and apply warm water to your face. Scrub gently (if you sensitive skin, just wipe it off) and make sure to rinse off completely.

Lactic acid is another type of alpha hydroxy acid that not only exfoliates superficial skin cells but is also used to hydrate and soothe flaky,dry skin. Lactic acid is found in milk and yogurt, and Cleopatra purportedly bathed in milk to keep her skin supple. To utilize this acid, mix powdered skim milk with honey for a mask that soothes and exfoliates simultaneously. Or, you can put milk in a spray bottle filled 3/4 of the way with water, and use it to hydrate your face anytime you need a pick-me-up, the way that Cindy Crawford does when she travels (this is to counter the drying effects of the dehydrating air within the airplane cabin, which can sometimes get drier than the Sahara Desert!) For acne, you can mix lemon juice, cucumber juice and yogurt and put it on as a mask for around 10 minutes. You'll find that your skin is brighter and pinker and more uniform in color.

Citric acid is often used in skin-creams, toners and face cleansers to balance the PH of your skin, and also, works as a natural preservative of the ingredients in the products. Citric acid is found in lemons, oranges and grapefruits. You can use lemon juice in your masks (great when mixed with egg whites) or you can grind the rind of an orange and mix it with oatmeal for a clarifying mask.

Malic Acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid and is found in apples. If you have never tried apple cider vinegar for your skin, you should try it. It's great for reducing the amount of oil your skin produces and also helps even out your skin tone. You certainly should try organic apple cider vinegar (such as the cult-favorite, Bragg's), as it isn't processed (it still contains the mother-web at the bottom of the bottle).

Tartaric acid is yet another type of alpha hydroxy acid that is found in grapes. Grape masks are great for rejuvenating aging skin and really makes the skin look brighter. Crush a few grapes and leave it on your face for 5-10 minutes. Wash off and make sure to apply a suitable moisturizer for your skin type.

Salicylic Acid (which is found in aspirin, and trace amounts can be found in aloe vera and strawberries) is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which penetrates yours pores and gets beneath the sebum and dissolves and exfoliates dead skin cells. My favorite mask to use for my acne-prone skin is a mixture of honey, aloe vera and crushed and dissolved aspirin pills. When applied for 10-20 minutes, it works to exfoliate my skin and helps soothe any painful zits I have. This is great for reducing any cysts you might have, and also helps de-plug any blackheads and clogged pores. Also, you can make a great toner by mixing apple cider vinegar, green tea and a few aspirin pills. Let the pills dissolve, and make sure to use this up within a few days.

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DIY: Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

There are many ways to whiten your teeth naturally. This is good for a lot of us that can't afford the $45.00 whitening strips, or the expensive whitening care your cosmetic dentist might offer. The secret to whitening your teeth is malic acid. I learned in chemistry class that Malic acid acts like an astringent to remove discoloration from your teeth. Strawberries are your cheap cosmetic dentists! This sweet tooth-cleanser removes stains like OxyClean: coffee, red wine, dark sodas and teas. This is a great natural remedy, but you have to make sure not to use it too much because as it removes stains it could also remove your tooth's healthy enamel.

You Need:

1 super ripe strawberry

½ teaspoon of baking soda

Soft toothbrush

Directions to Strawberry Whitening:

Place your rips strawberry in a zip-tight bag, and then squish your strawberry with your hand. If you want you could take a can and gently press down onto the strawberry so that you don't break open the bag. After your strawberry is squished add the baking soda, and mix. When your mixture is nicely mixed, use your soft tooth-brush and spread the mixture on the toothbrush's head. Spread (don't brush) the mixture onto your teeth. Leave the mixture on your teeth for five minutes, then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the bakingsoda/strawberry mixture. Rinse your teeth thoroughly to get all of the mixture out. Then if you have some seeds in your teeth use floss to extract the seeds from your teeth. I said the mixture was not good if you used it a lot. If you want to keep whitening your teeth this way you should do it not more than once a week.

I tried this and my teeth haven't been this white in a long time. The strawberries are very effective. Then again, everyone has different types of teeth structure. If you use it every once a week and your teeth feel sensitive, try once every two weeks, and if that doesn't work add another week until you get comfortable. If your teeth are really sensitive I would not recommend you using baking soda. I tried it with and without baking soda and both ways were effective it just took longer to work when I only used the strawberries. Both ways are effective.

Other Options:

Brush your teeth after each big meal

You can try salt

Put baking soda on your toothbrush

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Natural Skin Care: Homemade Honey Face Wash for Acne Prone Skin

I thought that once I entered my twenties, my fight with acne was over; boy was I wrong. As an adult, I have continued to fight intermittent breakouts that are both frustrating and embarrassing. While there are many companies that cater to the adult acne sufferer, I have found that homemade treatments work just as well for a fraction of the cost. Here are some healthier alternatives to chemical laden acne face washes that use honey and other natural ingredients.

The Bacteria Acne Connection

While bacteria don't specifically cause acne, bacteria can make acne prone skin worse. Natural bacteria that is found on the skin's surface can become trapped in pores and produce chemicals that can irritate skin, causing inflammation and leading to breakouts. In order to fight acne, it is important to kill the bacteria that can hinder your fresh faced look. One of the best natural ways to kill bacteria is by using honey.

Why Honey?

Honey is a great natural way to fight acne breakouts because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey also has natural antioxidants that help get rid of harmful toxins from your skin. The antibacterial properties found in honey help to kill harmful bacteria that can make acne worse. Unlike over the counter acne face washes which can be harsh, irritating and overly drying to skin, honey is soothing and cleanses while also hydrating.

Tips for Buying Your Ingredients

There are a few tips to follow when you buy ingredients for a honey face wash. Make sure you use raw honey. Raw honey is the most effective at preventing acne as many of honey's antibacterial properties can be lost when it is processed. Manuka honey is all the rage right now and has been shown to be more effective than regular raw honey at fighting bacteria, but any raw honey will work well. Whatever type of honey you decide to use, you always want to make sure you purchase pure ingredients. I buy my honey and other ingredients for homemade beauty treatments at a health food store to ensure the best possible quality.

Here are two homemade honey facial treatments that are gentle enough to be used daily to stop acne in its tracks.

Homemade Honey Face Wash Recipe

To make natural homemade honey face wash for treating acne, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of water and two tablespoons of a natural mild soap. Two of my favorites are Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap and Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash. Put mixture into a clean bottle with a pour or squeeze spout. To use your homemade face wash, simply massage wash into damp skin. Rinse with warm water, then pat skin dry. Store honey wash in a cool dry place and it will keep for up to two weeks.

Honey Almond Oil Cleansing Mask

Another great homemade honey cleanser for acne prone skin can be made by mixing one tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of honey. To use, apply a light layer to damp skin and massage using a circular motion. Allow mask to sit on skin for twenty minutes before removing with a warm cloth. If your skin is extra oily, add a few drops of lemon juice. Some rosewater added to the honey mixture will help lessen the appearance of scars and smooth skin. Store this mask in the fridge, as almond oil is highly perishable.

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How to Have Great Looking Skin the Natural Way

In todays world, clear and healthy skin however, is often something that is hard to accomplish. Pollutants in the air, foods and beverages we ingest and our own bodies chemical composition are just some of the things that can play a part in how our skin looks. Problem skin can basically be broken down into three areas. Acne, dry skin and oily skin. There are literally thousands of products on the market to help combat these problems, however many of them can be extremely harsh on your skin and many are just simply ineffective. What many people don't realize, is that there are also many natural products that can be used to help you skin that are far more gentle and less damaging.

For Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. Acne is formed when oil becomes trapped in sebaceous glands. Bacteria then begins to multiply in the follicle causing the skin to become inflamed. Acne is not caused by your pores being dirty, but by over active oil glands. The pores become sticky due to excess oil which allows the bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads are also not caused by dirt, but form when sebum combines with skin pigment and plugs the pores. There are many, many factors that can contribute to acne. Hereditary conditions, oily skin, allergies, stress, certain medications, junk food and cosmetics are only some of the causes. There is however, one key factor behind many skin disorders. One of the skins functions is to remove a portion of the bodies waste products by sweating. As toxins escape through the skin, it disrupts the skins balance, and can cause break outs. As you can see, there are numerous reasons why we have break outs, which is why acne can be so difficult to overcome.

There are quite a few natural vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that can be taken though that can help with acne. Some of the vitamin and mineral supplements are:

Chromium picolinate- Aids in reducing infections in the skin.

Essential Fatty Acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, etc.)- Helps keep skin smooth and soft, repairs damaged skin cells and dissolves fatty deposits that block pores.

Vitamin B Complex- Needed for healthy skin tone. Improves blood flow to the surface of the skin.

Zinc- Aids in the healing of tissues and helps prevent scarring.

Colloidal silver- Is a natural antibiotic and disinfectant.

Vitamin A- Strengthens the protective skin tissue.

Vitamin E- An antioxidant that enhances healing.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that can be used for acne are:

Burdock root and Red clover teas- Are strong blood cleansers which aids in having healthy skin.

Green clay powder and Raw Honey- Can be mixed and used as a facial mask. Green clay powder can be found in most health food stores. Mix 1 tsp. green clay powder with 1 tsp. raw honey. Apply to face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil- A wonderful natural antibiotic and antiseptic for the skin. Add 1 dropperful of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup warm water and apply to face with a clean cotton ball. You can also find soaps that contain tea tree oil. One body wash that works very well for acne is called Body Essence Ultra Moisturizing Tea Tree Oil Body Wash with Olive Oil proteins. This product is available at Wal-Mart and is great to use on your entire body.

Witch Hazel- A wonderful cleanser and astringent for your skin. Helps reduce excess oil and tones the skin. Is extremely mild and non irritating. Apply with a clean cotton ball once or twice daily.

For Dry Skin

The correct balance of oil and moisture is essential to healthy, clear skin. Contrary to the popular phrase "Oil and water don't mix," oil and water work together to keep your skin healthy. Your skin must have enough moisture in the skin cells, but there also has to be the proper amount of oil to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the skins top layers. There are actually two different types of dry skin. Simple dry skin and complex dry skin. Simple dry skin comes from an insufficient amount of natural oils. Complex dry skin is lacking in both oil and moisture. Dry skin is often dull looking, scaly and flaky. Complex dry skin is often shown by signs of fine lines, discoloration, enlarged pores, brown spots and sagging skin. Chapping and cracking are also signs of dehydrated and dry skin. Dry skin is most often found on areas of the body that are most exposed to the elements, although in areas where the air is quite dry, it can be a problem on the whole body. It can also be aggravated by environmental factors, chemicals and detergents, poor diet habits and bathing with harsh soaps. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry skin.

Some vitamins and minerals that can help with dry skin are:

Primrose oil- Contains linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid needed by the skin.

Vitamin A- Strengthens and protects the skin tissues.

Kelp- Supplies balanced minerals and helps to provide a good skin tone.

Vitamin E- Applied topically, can help to minimize wrinkling.

Zinc- Is necessary for the proper functioning of the oil-producing glands of the skin.

Collagen- A cream that can restore a healthy tone to dry and damaged skin.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that can be used for dry skin are:

Aloe Vera- when used topically, Aloe Vera has healing and moisturizing properties.

Calendula, Comfrey and Lavender- Can be made into herbal or floral water mists and sprayed onto the skin to help moisturize and soften skin and sooth irritation. Add a few drops of essential oil to 4-5 ounces of water or make an infusion with fresh leaves and flowers. Use to mist your skin throughout the day.

Other ways to help with dry skin are:

Drink plenty of water to help keep skin well hydrated.

Do not use harsh soaps, cold cream or cleansing cream made from hydrogenated oils.

Use a loofah sponge to improve circulation and remove dead skin cells.

Soak in a warm bath with 2 tablespoons pure olive oil added to the water.

Use a moisturizer after cleansing. Use a liquid moisturizer. Do not use solid or waxy moisturizing creams.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by the bodies sebaceous glands producing more oil than is needed for lubrication of the skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes. Doctors presumably think that oily skin is mainly heredity, but other factors such as hormone levels and diet can cause excess oil as well. Hot weather and humidity can also stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Negative aspects of oily skin include break outs, enlarged pores and a constant shiny, greasy appearance. Oily skin however, does have a few positive points. It helps to slow the process of fine lines and wrinkles as well as age spots.

Some vitamins and minerals that can be used for oily skin are:

Flaxseed oil and Primrose oil capsules- Supplies necessary fatty acids.

Vitamin A- Necessary for healing and for building new skin tissue.
 

Vitamin B Complex- Are important for healthy skin tone.
 

Kelp- Supplies balanced minerals that are needed for good skin tone.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that are good for oily skin are:

Aloe Vera- Applied topically, helps to heal skin problems.
 

Burdock root and Chamomile- Help provide essential nutrients to the skin.
 

Witch Hazel- Has astringent properties and helps to tone the skin.

Other ways to help oily skin are:

Keep your skin clean. Use gentle soaps with no artificial additives. Wash 2-3 times daily.

Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol.

After cleansing, use an oil free moisturizer.

Use a loofah sponge to improve circulation and help remove dead skin cells.

Use a clay mask to help clear away excess oil.

With so many different types of skin problems, it can often be difficult to achieve clear, healthy looking skin. With a little persistence and experimentation though, there is bound to be something out there that will help you. Even if you have combination skin, a mixture of dry and oily skin, it can still be fixed. Simply treat the dry skin for dry skin, and the oily skin for oily skin. Please also note that some of these vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements are meant to be taken orally. I highly recommend that before starting to take any new regimen, you check with your family physician as some natural substances can have adverse affects when mixed with prescription medication. Also, it is always best to take any new supplement under a doctors supervision, as anyone can have an allergic reaction to anything they may ingest. Good luck to all in your quest for clear, beautiful and healthy skin.

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Natural Remedies for Chlorine Damaged Hair

While swimming in the pool may be great for your body, it is horrible for your hair. A few days in the pool can lead to dry, damaged and brittle hair. While you can buy products to help your hair they are often expensive and made out of the same ingredients you can find in your own home. The best cure is prevention, a swimming cap will prevent most damage from occurring. Swimming caps aren't always practical so try adding some olive oil to your hair before swimming, the oil will coat your hair and help prevent the chlorine from penetrating the hair strands. If the damage is already done, this guide will detail 8 natural remedies for fixing your chlorine damaged hair.

1. Eggs
Eggs are full of proteins that can strengthen chlorine damaged hair. Crack and egg or two into a bowl, add a tablespoon of water per egg and whip with a fork. Apply to your hair and let the eggs soak in for fifteen minutes. Then simply rinse out.

2. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is made of eggs and oil, both of which are great for your hair. Heat the mayonnaise in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Apply the mixture to your hair and let soak for ten to fifteen minutes.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar not only cleanses your hair, but it conditions it too. Add some vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it onto your hair before shampooing. This will help remove the chlorine from your damaged hair.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a natural hair and skin conditioner. It has a low melting point so it will turn from solid to oil in your hands. Apply liberally to your hair and give it time to soak in. Rinse out.

5. Beer

Beer doesn't only taste good, it is great for your hair. Put some in a spray bottle and spray a small amount onto your hair before styling. Don't worry the smell goes away in a few minutes.

6. Olive Oil

Apply a few tablespoons of olive oil to your chlorine damaged hair before styling it. You can also apply the oil to your hair in the shower before shampooing, the heat of the shower will help the oil penetrate your hair.

7. Aspirin

Aspirin can not only help with your headache, it can help remove the green tint chlorine damaged blondes can get. Crush about ten aspirin tablets and add them into a small glass of water. Apply to your hair and let it set in for about ten minutes. Rinse out.

8. Banana and Avocado

Smash together a very ripe banana with a very ripe avocado. Apply it to your hair and as with the other remedies let it set in before rinsing. Both banana and avocado are great for conditioning chlorine damaged dry hair.

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Natural Remedies for Acne

There are many individuals around the world who suffer from bad skin flare ups on a regular basis. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, blotches, acne, cuts, burns and under eye circles can be cause for much embarrassment and hassle for anyone who has to deal with them. But before you run out and buy the most expensive creams, lotions and prescriptions to treat your skin condition, you should know that there are natural ways to alleviate your skin problems.

Though it's always best for you to go to your doctor for traditional medicine, it's also a good idea to treat yourself naturally between costly prescriptions and for good health. So before you start a natural skin cleansing routine, you should first clear it with your doctor. Here are a few natural remedies found around the house that can help to treat skin problems:

String or Snap Beans: If you are plagued with acne, you may just want to brew your bumps away. Boil a tablespoon of string or snap beans in water and allow it to cool completely. When it is cool to the touch, use the tea to wash your face morning, noon and night. Also, for the best results you can brew and additional tea and drink it.

If you suffer from chronic eczema, just add three tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to the snap beans after it has been removed from the stove. Cover the pot and let the tea leaves steep until tea cools. Strain and bottle the tea. Use the tea to wash the face every three hours if possible or at least three times a day.

Horseradish and Vinegar: Vinegar is good at lightening the tone and texture of the skin; horseradish clears up the skin beautifully. So if you suffer from spots and blemishes, a horseradish vinegar mix is perfect for you. Grate a horseradish root into some apple cider vinegar and allow the mixture to sit in the sun for 10 days (on a window sill). Strain the vinegar and place it in an airtight jar. When you are about to use the mixture, you should dilute the vinegar with water or milk by 50% and use it to wash the face. Diluting the mixture with milk really helps to relieve eczema itch.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of those natural ingredients that work many wonders for the skin. It provides the skin with sheen, nourishment and healing. But if you suffer from regular skin lesions from psoriasis or acne or you would like to help cuts to the skin heal faster, then look no further than olive oil. Mix two cups of virgin olive oil with six egg whites. Sterilize a basting brush and apply the egg/olive oil mixture to the wound. Gauze and bandage the wound for healing. You should change the bandage regularly to keep the area hygienic.

Cucumber: Cucumber slices are excellent to use to fight off under eye puffiness and dark circles under eyes. The ascorbic and caffeic acids found in cucumber make them potent against sunburn, swollen eyes, and dermatitis and make cucumber good for smoothing out the skin. You may also grate cucumber and use it as a facial mask to help clear the skin of blemishes, spots, bumps and acne.

Honey: Honey is a great natural ingredient that helps to heal wounds. So if you have psoriasis and eczema outbreak that leaves your skin damaged and cut a treatment from honey is what you need to undo the damage of these skin ailments. You can mix 80% honey with 20% Vaseline or Crisco shortening and apply it to your wounds and cuts. This mixture is also effective for people who have minor burns. Get a sterilized basting brush and apply the honey/Vaseline mixture to the affected area and bandage.

Amaranth: Amaranth is a natural herb/flower that is also used as a whole grain cereal and as a vegetable in different parts of the world. Amaranth contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C and iron. Amaranth is good for treating many skin problems such as psoriasis, hives, acne and eczema. Just steep a cup of dried amaranth into some boiling water and use it on the affected area for results. Also, you can but amaranth scrubs or amaranth oils if you cannot but amaranth anywhere.

Sea Salt: Sea salt is an amazing natural remedy for skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Sea salt has been shown in studies to relieve the itch, burning and sores associated with these skin problems. Just add some sea salts to the bath water and apply the remedy generously over the body at bath time for relief.

Natural, inexpensive and effective is the way to go to heal your skin conditions. You can get rid of your acnes, bumps, blemishes, dark circles, sores all with nature's very own help.

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Natural Skincare Regimen for Oily Skin

Skincare Remedies You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Do you struggle with trying to keep your oily skin under control? If your face looks shinier than ever, maybe you are overdoing your skincare regimen in an attempt to dry up the grease. Switching to a gentle, natural routine might be more beneficial in the long run. The last thing you want to do is dry out your face - it will only cause your skin to produce more oil.

Cleanse: Try washing with a natural oil

Washing your face with oil seems like it would do just the opposite of what you want. Oil cleansing is a method of breaking down oil with natural oils to achieve perfectly balanced skin. Read this post on oil cleansing to learn more. On days that you use the oil cleansing method, there is no need to scrub, tone, or hydrate. Another option is to simply use an oil (coconut, for example) as you would a normal cleanser.

Scrub: Mix up a honey and sugar scrub

Mix honey and sugar together to create a scrub in your desired consistency; rub it onto your skin in a circular motion, then rinse. Honey will keep your face from drying out while the sugar exfoliates to remove loose skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Clogged pores cause breakouts, after all - especially with skin that is naturally oily.

Tone: Try a gentle, homemade astringent

Make your own gentle facial toner using ingredients found in your kitchen. Brew a cup of tea and let a packet of green tea steep for about five minutes. Let the tea cool, then apply it to your face with a cotton pad and let dry. Or, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts distilled or filtered water. You may need to experiment with the recipe to find what works for you. Let dry and moisturize.

Hydrate: Use a natural moisturizer

Even if you have naturally oily skin, it's a good idea to keep it hydrated; attempting to dry out skin will actually have the reverse effect, and you will produce excess oil to compensate. A small amount of a natural oil will keep your face moisturized. Experiment to find out which type works best for you; I tried coconut oil and found that, even after a couple months, my face felt greasy while using it. Not every product works for everyone, so play around to find what works for you.

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Natural Beauty Treatments: The Ingredients Are in Your Fridge and Cupboards

10 One-Ingredient Natural Beauty Treatments

As women, we spend millions of dollars each year on beauty products. In the process of purchasing the latest and greatest beauty products, we are also putting things on your bodies, which we would not put in our bodies. We could save a bit of money and time of beauty products if we just stopped and looked into the refrigerator for natural beauty treatments. Other added bonuses of natural beauty treatments: these products have no animal testing, and there is a lot less risk of damage to your skin. Following is a list of 1-ingredient natural beauty treatments that will bring out the best in you.

Natural beauty treatment 1

Rich in vitamins and enzymes, the avocado nourishes the body inside and out. The peel especially is the source of essential beatifying oils. Therefore, you can have the avocado on your salad and rub use the peel on your skin. Just massage your face with the inside of the peel and leave on for 15 minutes. You can also rest for 20 minutes with avocado slices under your eyes to relieve puffiness. You can also rub mashed avocado into your skin and rinse after 15 minutes.

Natural beauty treatment 2

The banana is rich in potassium and a great moisturizer for your hair and skin. You can use it alone by mashing the banana and rubbing on your face, neck and hair. Your other option is to add oatmeal to the banana to make an ex-foliating mask or honey for additional softness.

Natural beauty treatment 3

Olive oil can be used as a beauty treatment in many ways. For cuticles and nails, you can soak in it or massage into the cuticles. Use it as a nighttime hand moisturizer under gloves. Dab it on your lips to soften and moisturize. Use it on hair to repair split ends, heal dandruff and make it shiny. Put a few drops of olive oil in the bathtub to moisturize skin. Some people prefer to add essential oils to olive oil to mask the smell.

Natural beauty treatment 4

Egg yolk mask can be used to replenish and tighten skin. Just beat one egg yolk and apply to skin with cotton ball. Rinse your skin after 15 minutes.

Natural beauty treatment 5

Honey is used for oily or blemished skin. Apply it straight from the bottle to your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with very warm water. Honey can also be mixed with many other natural ingredients to make and effective mask.

Natural beauty treatment 6

Papaya can be used to remove dead flaky skin. The enzymes in papaya help to dissolve dead and damaged skin cells revealing healthy skin. Mash ½ papayas and apply it to the face. Rinse after 10 minutes.

Natural beauty treatment 7

Witch hazel is just as effective as any expensive as any other astringent. Refill your astringent bottle with witch hazel and you will never notice the difference. Besides, it costs a lot less.

Natural beauty treatment 8

Strawberries should be smashed and used as toothpaste to whiten teeth. It is also used to relieve puffy eyes and remove oil from skin.

Natural beauty treatment 9

Basil leaves can be rubbed on the teeth for whitening. It can also be dried, ground and used as a toothpaste. Basil is also known to have medicinal properties.

Natural beauty treatment 10

Pepto Bismol and Milk of Magnesia, though not naturally occurring, are used to settle and sooth the stomach. These products can be applied to the skin straight from the bottle as a clarifying mask.

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Sesame Oil for Hair Growth

Everyone wants a good hair growth it doesn't matter if it's short as some people like it short, long or curly, it all depends on what you want. The most important thing you need to do is ensure that you create a favorable condition for a healthy hair growth and provide the needed nutrients required for the hair to stay healthy. This is so because most of the things we do every day ranging from our environment to bad habits all end up reducing hair growth rate. Sesame oil for hair growth is an herb that is today used in hair treatments. This oil is one of the best herbs for hair treatment you can come across. The botanical name for this herb is sesamun indicum. The oil is extracted from the flower sesamum while the seeds on the pod are edible. Sesame oil for hair growth has a highly nourishing, healing and lubricating property.

Sesame oil for hair growth helps the health of the hair in so many ways depending on the reason you want to use. If you want to improve the color of your hair to be dark, you need to massage your hair with sesame oil daily. Sesame oil helps to treat and control dry scalp and also prevents further hair loss. This oil increases scalp circulation as it has a high penetration ability thereby promoting hair growth. Even when your hair has being damaged badly with chemicals, sesame oil can help to regain your hair due to its high penetrating power and the hair begins to grow within.

Sesame oil for hair growth has antibacterial properties that keeps the scalp free of infections and helps to heal the scalp as it has a natural healing property. The oil helps to nourish the hair shafts and roots to enhance hair growth and also helps to strengthen the hair and prevents it from breaking. Sesame oil helps to soften the hair as it is also known for its conditioning property.

Another benefit of sesame oil for hair growth is its ability to get rid of the risk factors that cause hair loss such as depression and stress. This oil is also known as a natural sunscreen as it protects the hair against the damaging effect of UV rays and also keeps environmental pollutions from getting stuck to the hair. It helps to prevent and treat premature hair graying due to its darkening qualities. For best results, you should warm sesame oil before application on the scalp. After applying, leave it overnight and then shampoo in the morning. Sesame oil can be combined with other essential oils for more effective results.

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Homemade Beauty Tips and Recipes

Ten Common Household Items as Beauty Products

Today many women are looking for easy beauty routines that can be done from home. Having a homemade beauty routine allows far more control of what's in the beauty products, and it can be far cheaper then going to a spa, without sacrificing quality. There are hundreds of diy beauty tips and homemade beauty recipes out there. Almost everything in a woman's home can become a homemade beauty double agent. I've outlined my ten favorite homemade beauty tips, complete with some homemade beauty recipes.

Mayonnaise - An excellent hair and scalp moisturizer. Slather on the hair and scalp then wrap in a towel. The towel helps prevent drips as well as allowing the mayonnaise to sink in. My favorite times to do this is just before a shower, or while I'm soaking in the tub. Washing your hair is a necessary step afterward.

Egg Whites - Can be used as a good face toner. Helps firm up skin as well. Don't waste the yolks, they can be used in your hair to strengthen and moisturize.

Vaseline - Use as a lip balm, especially overnight. Also can be used to tame unruly eyebrows. Add a drop of peppermint oil to create a minty taste.

Coffee - Can be used to "wake up" skin. Use cold coffee to rinse brunette hair (dyed or natural) to wake up the color. Old coffee grounds can be used to treat cellulite. Place old coffee grounds on affected area and wrap with cellophane. Allow to sit for at least thirty minutes, then rinse off.

Cream Of Tarter - Use one half to one teaspoon of cream of tarter and mix with water to create a paste. Makes a great alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel! (Via Candace Reed)

Olive Oil - Use a dab of olive oil to refresh lackluster nail polish. Keep in a spray bottle for easy shine serum, or place a small amount in hair. Rinse out if too much is added, hair is oily, or the smell is an issue. Can be used as a scalp moisturizer as well. See Mayonnaise. Add salt for an all over body scrub.

Lemon Juice - Be careful to avoid sunlight while using this on the skin. Use a small amount to whiten polish stained, yellow fingernails. Can be used as an astringent. Place in a spray bottle with water to sun-bleach hair.

Oatmeal - Add to bathwater to relieve itchy skin. Make into a paste for a gentle face scrub.

Baking Soda - Sprinkle some in shoes to relieve smell. Add to a foot soak to sooth and neutralize smelly feet. Mix peppermint oil in for added omph. Keep baking soda in the bathroom for brushing your teeth. Helps remove stains, whiten your teeth and remove odor causing bacteria. I use it once per day, after brushing with regular toothpaste. Add peroxide for a whitening boost.

Milk - Whole milk or buttermilk is best. Add to bathwater to soften skin. Can be used with regular bubble bath, but is better without the drying of the bubble bath. All you need is one to two cups.

As you can see, most common items are able to be used in homemade beauty recipes. There is no need to go out and spend large amounts of money on beauty objects when there is an equivalent already in your home.

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Rosemary Essential Oils for Your Skin and Hair

Using Rosemary to Improve Your Hair and Skin's Health and Natural Beauty!

Rosemary has always been used in food and cosmetics since countless generations ago. The reasons are pretty obvious, it's a healthy seasoning and food in of itself, and it's got many properties that are incredibly beneficial to the health of your skin as well as your body! Rosemary is widely available as well, as it grows in a variety of climates and survives droughts and extreme temperatures to a degree other herbal plants cannot even touch. Even novice growers and gardeners can have fresh healthy rosemary growing nearby, it's not a favorite of many insects so upkeep of this plant is relatively low. Many skin and hair care products you can buy today feature rosemary extracts and oils, and charge well enough for them. You can harness the amazing natural properties of rosemary in your own home, and get that movie star skin without having to go broke for it!

To get essential oils and essences of rosemary, you can look at a local specialty shop, organic and rare food markets like Wholefoods, or try searching online for a distributor that sells in smaller quantities for private use and not for restaurants. With just a small amount of rosemary oil (I mean small, even a few drops!), you can see a difference in your skin and hair.

Starting with your hair and working your way down to your face, you can use a bit of this essential oil to pamper your hair and skin and feel like you spent a day at the spa. With a soft bristled comb like one you use for your eyebrows and eyelashes, a few drops of rosemary oil, and about a half hour's time, your hair can be incredibly soft, bouncy, and healthy!

Using rosemary for your hair:

Simply rub a couple drops of the oil on the small brush or comb, and gently start dabbing the roots and follicles of your hair, combing just a teeny tiny bit up along your hair strands. Once you've got pretty much all of the base of your hairs covered, leave it on for about 3 minutes. Take a bristle brush next and comb from the base of your hairs down to the tips. It won't look like the oil is getting everywhere, but it is! Keep brushing softly and slowly until you've brushed all of your hair. Let it sit for another 3 minutes, and then shampoo and rinse in the shower. You'll notice a gorgeous, shimmering bounce to your hair, and it will smell wonderful too! This technique is especially effective for women with long hair to keep it shining all the way through, as well as help to rid your locks of any difficult tangles or knots.

Using rosemary for your skin:

There are many products available for purchase that use rosemary extracts and essential oils as a main ingredient. This is because rosemary is a natural astringent and antioxidant, making it an effective cleanser and detoxifying agent. To use rosemary to make a face wash is rather simple, all you need is a few drops of rosemary essential oil, a splash of witch hazel, and some sea salt. Mix them together by swishing or swirling in a small bowl, and wash your face with it as you would a normal face wash. Rinse with cool water to get the fullest firming effect, or warm water to get an immediate softening effect.

It's a good idea to keep some rosemary oil on hand for spot treatments, if you find yourself getting split ends or dry skin patches.

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Tomato Beauty Treatments: DIY Tomato Treatments for Beauty Night

Beauty Night Not Only Pampers Your Body but Pampers Your Soul as Well

You are home alone. You've turned off the phone. You've turned on your senses. Pamper yourself with a glass of champagne and a box of Godiva chocolates. It's Beauty Night again! Step up your pampering with these tantilizing tomato beauty treatments.

Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants and so they counter the ageing effects on the skin. Tomatoes help preserve moisture levels in the body. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene.

Only make as much as you need for one treatment, unless otherwise instructed. These recipes do not contain chemicals to prevent the natural ingredients from souring.

Pore Tightener

Tomato juice

Honey

Mix ingredients to form a dense liquid that does not run. Apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Tomato Scrub for Oily Skin

4 tomatoes

Rice

Soak rice for 30 minutes and grind it coarsely. Crush tomatoes and add the rice. Apply all over the body. After 15 minutes, shower with warm water.

Tomato Paste Pimple Reducer

Apply undiluted tomato paste to face. After 15 minutes rinse with warm water. Can also be used to treat individual pimples.

Tomato Facial Mask

1/4 T Fuller's Earth

Tomato pulp

Yogurt

Cucumber juice

Mix ingredients to form a paste. Apply to face. After 20 minutes rinse with cool water. This mask can be used twice a week.

Tomato Treatment for Hair

Apply undiluted tomato paste to scalp. After 15 minutes, wash it off. This treatment works for getting odors from hair when regular shampooing does not work.

Tomato Crush

Halve a tomato. Gently rub over face and neck. After 15 minutes rinse with tepid water. Save the other half for the same treatment in two days.

To find more ways to pamper and indulge yourself on Beauty Night, simply go to the top of the page and click "Angela Cisco."

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Reduce Stress with Apple Cider Vinegar

The Infinite Benefits of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

What are the ways in which apple cider vinegar can improve your health and reduce the stress in your modern (most likely overly fast-paced) existence? Well, it has plenty of life enhancing properties which will improve many aspects of your health, thus minimizing the wear and tear of the pressures that many of us are under. I myself have been experiencing a series of vague symptoms: malaise, bloating, stomach cramps, strangely behaving skin, slight depression, and most disturbing of all, this mysteriously sudden inability to deal with the stress at work. Just two weeks ago, I was loving it, having a complete blast. However, just recently, I've been less motivated to get up to go to work, less chirpy, and somehow more vulnerable to the cantankerous (and sometimes brutal) customers who come in. I was feeling run down, and taking things way too personally.

Well, thank goodness I had some apple cider vinegar-- the organic kind, not the white distilled vinegar, which is considered dead. The thing about vinegar is, it needs to have the "mother", which is the murky web at the bottom. This houses most of the nutrients, which, by the way, apple cider vinegar is chock full of. It has plenty of potassium, and several other trace minerals, such as some calcium.

My cluster of symptoms indicated that I probably needed a light detox, which apple cider vinegar is great for. After taking a tablespoon or less in water a few times a day (I found that the key is to start with minute amounts, and to slowly build up, just so your body can get used to it and not detox too hard.)

Well, guess what? In a matter of days (two really), the belly bloat disappeared! I don't know if this is due to its diuretic properties, or to its reported effects on the metabolism, but it worked. My energy significantly improved, which really surprised me, for I'd felt that this bout of fatigue would never lift!

Another great thing, and this is an important one for it was driving me crazy (and subsequently increasing my stress: my food cravings have diminished. I have been reaching for foods I don't usually eat regularly (like non-organic chocolates and hamburgers, and worst of all, energy bars, for I'd eat three at a time), and this has been utterly frustrating for me. I'd wonder what was wrong with me, why I couldn't control these overwhelming urges. It made me feel powerless, and I realized that psychologically, this may have been the basis for my lack of motivation at work. There was a shift, a downward one, in my sense of control in life. I realized that when I was feeling great and stress-free at work, I felt totally in power of what I was doing, and how I made my income. So while apple cider vinegar didn't miraculously change everything in one night, it was certainly an impetus in the changes that were necessary to bring me back to good old health, and, of course, good ol' me.

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Essential oils that soothe and relax the body

Calming aromatherapy fragrances to help you relax

When you feel frazzled, essential oils can help soothe and relax the body. These may consist of extracts from nature's own flowers, grass, seeds, leaves, roots, fruits, and bark, among others. Aromatherapy is a safe, natural way to wind down in the evening after a long, stressful day.

Types of Essential Oils to Soothe and Relax

There are various types of essential oils that can help you relax after a long, hard day. They can either be used alone or blended together for a unique fragrance. Lavender is a common choice for relaxation, and it is my personal favorite, but it is not your only option. Play around with your favorite oils to find a scent you like.

Here are just a few choices:

~lavender

~chamomile

~orange

~neroli

~rosewood

~geranium

~petitgrain

~jasmine

~rose

~anise

~ylang-ylang

How to Use Essential Oils to Relax the Body
Diffusers: Diffusers provide indirect inhalation benefits. If you don't actually have an oil diffuser, you can place a few drops of your favorite oil(s) on a cotton ball in a shallow dish. For a stronger effect, do this to several cotton balls throughout the house.

Inhalation: Direct inhalation consists of smelling the fragrances from close up. To experience quick relaxation, sniff the oil directly from the bottle. Or, you can treat yourself to a facial at the same time: Boil a pot of water and place a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the water. Remove the water from the stove top, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam.

Massage: To use essential oils for massage, mix a few drops of your favorite oil or combination of oils with a carrier, such as jojoba. Ask someone to massage your back with the oil while you relax.

Baths: Simply add several drops of your favorite essential oils to warm bath water, light some candles and relax. Afterward, add five to six drops of the same oil to a teaspoon of unscented lotion and let it soak into your skin.

Room sprays: Mix 20-25 drops of your favorite oils with a teaspoon of alcohol (vodka or rubbing), add a cup of distilled water and shake well. Spray into the air; avoid spraying it on upholstery or clothing.

Relaxing Essential Oil Recipes

Bath oil: Add 3 drops lavender, 3 drops ylang-ylang, 2 drops grapefruit, 2 drops geranium and 2 drops basil essential oils to warm bath water.

Massage oil: Add 6 drops petitgrain, 5 drops orange and 4 drops neroli essential oils to 15 milliliters carrier oil of your choice.

Room spray: Mix 1 teaspoon vodka or rubbing alcohol with 10 drops mandarin, 5 drops lavender, 3 drops marjoram and 3 drops sandalwood essential oils in a plastic spray bottle. Fill with distilled water and shake well before each use.

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Natural Facial Product Recipes for Dry Skin

Dry skin requires gentle care and lots of hydration. Besides drinking lots of water, there are other ways to hydrate your face. For example, you can use the ingredients in your own kitchen to make facial products that will help to banish dry, flaky skin. Yogurt, cucumbers, honey: You can use these ingredients--which you might already own--to make your own skincare products. Don't spend money on expensive creams; use these natural recipes to make your own products for dry skin.

Cucumber yogurt face cleanser

Ingredients: one cucumber, peeled, ½ cup yogurt, three tablespoons beaten curds

Directions: Grate the cucumber into a bowl. Add the yogurt and beaten curds; mix well. Apply cleanser to your face and rinse well. Pat skin until dry. This recipe is great for those of you with sensitive skin. Tip: to brighten tired eyes, save a couple slices of cucumber to place over your eyes after cleansing your face.

Honey sugar face scrub

Ingredients: ¼ cup honey, white or brown sugar

Directions: Measure the honey into a bowl. Add sugar and stir until it forms the desired consistency. Dampen your face and apply the scrub in a circular motion to your skin, concentrating on particularly dry areas. Rinse well. This is one of my favorite homemade skincare recipes; your face will feel soft and smooth afterward.

Honey avocado face mask

Ingredients: ½ avocado, ¼ cup honey

Directions: Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in the honey. Apply to the face and leave for ten minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Avocados and honey are moisturizing, particularly for elderly, wrinkled skin. They also help to hydrate dry hair.
 

Natural face moisturizers

You don't have to drop a ton of money for expensive face creams. Bag balm, udder cream, petroleum jelly: These options are not only cheaper, but they are natural and work just as well. For very dry skin, try one of these options before spending all your hard-earned cash.

Cleansers, scrubs and moisturizers don't have to cost you a lot of money at a high-end department store. Shop in your own kitchen for ingredients that you already own; follow the provided recipes to make your own facial products for dry skin. Not only will you save money, but they are natural and homemade, so you know exactly what you are putting on your face.

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Best Natural Cleansers for Dry Skin

Skincare Remedies You Can Find in the Kitchen

Have you tried every cleanser and moisturizing cream on the market for dry skin? Do you want to steer away from commercial skincare products, but aren't sure what will help cleanse your face without stripping it of its natural oils? Look no further than your own kitchen. There are numerous ingredients that will clean your face without drying it out. Try these three natural facial cleansers for dry skin.

Oil cleansing

It might seem like overkill to cleanse dry skin with oil, but oil cleansing is actually beneficial no matter your skin type. Basically, you apply a blend of oils (the blend depends on your personal skin type) to your skin. Then, lay a hot washcloth over your face and seal in the steam with a hand towel. Once the washcloth has cooled, use it to wipe your face. Repeat this process one or two more times. There should be a thin layer of oil remaining afterward, so there is no need to apply a heavy skin cream to moisturize. Read this blog post to learn more about oil cleansing.

Honey scrub

Honey is a wonderful non-drying cleanser that can be found in most kitchens. Use it to wash your face like you would any commercial product: Rub it into damp skin, massaging lightly, and rinse it off. To get rid of any flakiness on your face (or anywhere on your body), create a honey and sugar scrub by mixing the two ingredients together until you have reached the desired consistency. Use a circular motion to massage the scrub into your skin and rinse. I love how soft my skin feels afterward--while the honey moisturizes, the sugar will slough away dryness to reveal a new layer of soft skin.

Avocado mask

For an extra moisturizing boost, apply a hydrating face mask using ingredients you can find in the kitchen. Avocado is particularly beneficial to dry skin. Mash a ripe avocado and apply it to your damp skin. Allow it to work its magic for approximately fifteen minutes before rinsing the mask off. Don't have an avocado immediately available? Try mashing a banana instead, or apply a mask of a beaten egg yolk to cleanse and hydrate a dry face.

You shouldn't have to apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream every night after cleansing your skin, simply to keep it from drying out. Cleanse dry skin with warm--not hot--water and one of the previously discussed home remedies that you might find in the kitchen.

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Natural Ways to Smooth Dry Skin

Hydrate Rough, Dry Skin Naturally

Does your skin feel dry and rough? This is a common complaint, especially as the weather turns colder and the air drier. As winter approaches, I can tell that my skin needs a little extra attention to keep from becoming dry and rough. Try the following natural ways to smooth dry skin.

Slough away dry skin with a honey & sugar scrub

An mixture of honey and sugar will leave you with soft, smooth skin. Mix the two ingredients to reach your desired consistency, and while in the shower, apply it all over your body in a circular motion. This scrub is gentle enough to be used on your face, elbows, feet, and anywhere it is needed to naturally smooth dry skin.

Smooth and hydrate rough, dry skin with coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that can be found in the kitchen; it is often used as a cooking oil, but works great as a beauty and household product. It is normally solid, but becomes a liquid in warmer temperatures. Naturally smooth dry skin by applying coconut oil daily after showering. It can be used as an all-over moisturizer.

Hydrate your skin naturally from the inside out

The best way to hydrate rough, dry skin naturally is to start with the inside of your body; taking in plenty of water will keep the outside hydrated. The most obvious way to do so is by drinking lots of water. You don't necessarily need to drink eight glasses, but drink water when you feel thirsty. I can tell I am dehydrated when my lips start to get dry. Another way to get plenty of water in your diet is to eat foods with a high water content: fruit, vegetables, and even soups.

As winter approaches, your skin will likely need a little extra care to keep from becoming rough and dry. Naturally smooth dry skin with these three tips.

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