Your Natural Beauty Secrets

No More Hiding: Top 10 Ways to Remove Facial Blemishes

2012-09-09T03:31:00.000-07:00

Blemishes on the face are dark spots caused by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The good news is that there is a solution to this problem and you do not have to be stuck with dark spots for the remainder of your life. You can treat acne, blackheads, and whiteheads that cause blemishes. Here are some ways that you can follow:

1.Wash your face twice daily. Use a mild cleanser that can remove oil, dirt, and make-up from your face. Harsh and very strong cleansers can dry your skin.

2. Potato can help reduce skin pigmentation. The juice of the potato can be used to lighten marks on your skin.

3. Mix lemon juice and turmeric and apply it to your face. Do this once a week.

4. Yogurt can also be used to remove skin blemishes. Apply plain yogurt to your marks. Leave for a few minutes and rinse off.

5. Onion and vinegar can also help remove blemishes on your skin. Mince onion and add vinegar. Apply to the affected skin area, leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

6. Baking soda can also remove pimples and marks on the face. Add water to the baking soda and apply yo face.

7. Aloe vera can remove all types of blemishes on your face and can result to a clear skin.

8. Pigmentation marks can also be diminished with the application of tomato juice to the skin.

9. Stay away from fatty, and oily foods.

10. Avoid caffeinated drinks and drink plenty of water.

Prevention is better than cure. Some marks take a long time before they go away while some are not totally removed. By taking care of your skin and eating healthy, you do not have to deal with blemishes.

Always maintain a healthy skin by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Even if you have oily face, you will still need to moisturize.

Craters on Your Face: How to Minimize Pores

2012-08-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

Large and open pores can be a big problem and it can be frustrating. Pores become visible as a result of improper skin care and the presence of blackheads. Your genes, the environment, and your age are all contributing factors to pore size.

Good news! You do not have to live with large pores for the rest of your life. Here are some natural and inexpensive ways to minimize your pores.

1. Keep your pores clean.

Use mild soap for washing your kin. Cleansers that contain ingredients such as oatmeal and milk are better choices. You can also make a mixture of the following:

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup milk (whole)

2 tbsp. Baking soda

1 egg white

This mixture can clean your pores deeply and remove dirt and bacteria that can clog your pores. After massaging this mixture on your face, rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Exfoliate

Every now and then, dead skin cells and dirt build up on your skin. Exfoliating your skin can help remove dead skin cells. Do this twice a week. Dead skin cells and other dirt can clog your pores. You can use sugar or whole oats to exfoliate your skin.

3. Open Pores with Steam Bath

Boil water on a pot and put your face directly over the steam for about 15 minutes. The steam can help open up your pores and remove dirt clogged in it. Do this every week. Apply mask after steaming your face.

4. Moisturize and tone

Use aloe to moisturize and tone your face. Alcohol-based astringents can damage and dry your skin.

5. Drink plenty of water

Water keeps your skin hydrated and it gives your skin a healthy glow. Aside from that, water aids in the healing process.

6. Say No to Smoking

Smoking does not do you any good. Aside from lung problems, you will also get unhealthy skin from smoking.

Losing Weight: Top 3 Healthy Habits

2012-08-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Controlling that weight involves lifestyle changes that you have to be willing to live with for the rest of your life. Slowly ease these minor changes into your daily life and you will see the changes. You can stop dreaming and live your dreams in losing those extra pounds.

Healthy Eating Habits
Always start your day by eating breakfast. Break+fast - it means that you are breaking the fasting when you were sleeping. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because this will get your body going for the rest of the day.

Eat at regular intervals because this will prevent you from overeating. The best thing to do is find the eating habit and schedule that works best for you and make sure to stick to it.

Keep extra food back in the kitchen. Serve the amount of food that you are able to finish. The reason is that bowls of food on the table attracts more appetite.

Buy Groceries with a Full Stomach
Believe it or not, going to the supermarket with a full stomach can save you a lot of money. List the things that you need to buy and stick to it. Avoid buying junk foods because it will only contribute to your weight.

Plan to Succeed
You will need a game plan with your meals and snacks. There are certain times during the day when you get hungry. Always have healthy snacks with you to take a bite any time you need it.

Top 6 Apple Facts You Should Know

2012-08-01T01:09:00.002-07:00

Apples are often consumed raw save for the seeds which are usually removed. They can also be canned or juiced. Apple juice can also be fermented in order to produce cider which has health benefits. The saying "an apple a days keeps the doctor away" can be dated back to 19th century in Wales. This is because it is believed that there are many health benefits of apples. Despite having a low vitamin C content, apples are rich in antioxidant which means that it can be cancer preventive.

Here are some benefits that you can get from apples:

Immune System Boost
The fiber and vitamin C in apples can boost your immune system. A medium apple is the same as eating a cup of fruit so you can meet your daily fruit consumption.

Cancer Prevention
Apples can prevent a number of cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer. Apples are rich sources of antioxidants. This property of apples can help prevent cell and tissue damage.

There are high levels of flavonoids and naringin in apples which can help in the prevention of lung cancer. According to a research, the risk for getting lung cancer for people who consume apples is lowered.

An apple a day can also lower the risk for breast cancer. The more apples you take, the lower the risk.

Apples can help regulate bowel movement. Despite having a lower fiber content than other fruits, its ability to regulate bowel movement can reduce colon cancer risk.

Eating apples can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Prevention of Dementia
A new study made on mice shows that apple juice can fight the deterioration of the brain that may lead to Alzheimer's. Apple juice has been found to increase acetylcholine which prevents cognitive deterioration.

Lowers Cholesterol
Apples contain pectin which can lower the bad cholesterol in the body. The fiber in the apple prevents reabsorption which results to lower cholesterol levels. With this, you will have a healthier heart.

Weight Loss
Apples can make you feel full without eating too much because it can satisfy hunger. As a result, this can help you shed off those extra pounds. If you have weight problems, chances are you will have some health problems as well. By eating apples, you can decrease your weight and stay healthy at the same time.

Eating an apple before your exercise regimen can boost your endurance because more oxygen is made available to your lungs.

Prevents GI Problems
Whether you are having gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation, the fiber in apples can help absorb excess water or keep things moving down your colon.

Irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids can also be averted by apple consumption.

So eat an apple a day and keep the doctor away. On second thought, eat more than one apple per day, and you will surely see the difference.

The Grapeseed Extract Magic

2012-07-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

For thousands of years, the leaves and sap of grapes, including the fruit itself has been used as a form of traditional treatment in Europe. Grape seed extracts are derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes. The extracts have been found to be effective in treating a number of diseases.

What's in a Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract has a huge concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids, and linoleic acid. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties and it is for this reason that grape seed extracts are derived.

Grape seed extract is said to have anti-aging and anti-cancer effects because of the bioflavonoids that strengthen and protect the cell membrane from free radicals. Free radicals can cause aging and even cancer.

Prior research is optimistic on the future of grape seed extract as they have been seen to have effects on the following conditions:

1. High blood pressure
In a study conducted, researchers have found out that after four weeks of treatment with grape seed, the blood pressure of the test subjects went down.

2. Complications of Diabetes
Research results have found out that the risk of inflammation and glycemia among diabetic patients have decreased after a month of using grape seed extract.

3. Alzeheimer's Disease
Grape seed extract may have the ability to delay the development of Alzheimer's where the inflammation is lowered the the formation of brain plaques known to cause the disease is slowed down.

4. Healthy Blood Vessels
The OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) can improve the health of your blood vessels and blood will flow more efficiently.

Other benefits of Grape Seed include the following:
- even out skin tone
- helps prevent osteoporosis
- relieves constipation
- prevents tooth decay
- improve mental alertness
- improve eye health

Possible Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract
Although grape seed extract is considered generally safe, there are minor side effects that include dizziness, nausea, headache, and itchy scalp. If you have a a cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor first before taking grape seed extract.

If you are taking regular medications, ask your health care provider before taking grape seed extract.

Why You Should Use and Eat Yogurt

2012-07-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

Are you lactose intolerant?

Yogurt can be a good substitute for milk because it is easier to digest. Yogurt is cultured in such a way that it can be digested easier. Lactase is formed in the active culture of yogurt and this is not in lactose-intolerant individuals which makes them able to eat yogurt than drink milk. There is less lactose in yogurt than in milk and the process of culturing breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose which can be easily absorbed by lactose-intolerant people.

High Cholesterol?

There have been some studies that yogurt can lower blood cholesterol. It is said that the live cultures binds with bile acids which can lower cholesterol levels.

Calcium

Yogurt is a very good source of calcium because it enhances the absorption of calcium into the body. Thus, the risk for osteoporosis can be lowered. Vitamin D can also be found in yogurt. With that, the combination of calcium and Vitamin D is good for the skeletal system. It is important that you read the label of the yogurt that you are going to buy.

Have a Healthy Gut

The active culture in yogurt can help clean the colon and prevent other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and even colon cancer. The good bacteria called lactobacteria that is found in yogurt promotes the growth of other health flora in the intestines.

Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for ulcers and contributing factor to stomach cancer can also be prevented with yogurt.

Yogurt in Diet

Yogurt can leave you feeling fuller and less hungry. This is especially good news to those who are going on a diet.

Higher Immunity

Yogurt can also boost your immune system by stimulating the infection-fighting cells in the body. There are studies that show yogurt may have anti-tumor effects.

Decreases Yeast Infection

Candida or yeast infections among diabetic women are often a problem. Eating yogurt often can decrease the presence of yeast colonies and therefore, reduces the risk of infection.

Given the number of benefits that you can get from eating yogurt, it is not too late to start now. You can even create your very own yogurt at home with the following simple steps:

What you need:

1 quart milk

1 dial thermometer

½ live culture yogurt (or other dried starter)

½ cup powdered milk (for thickness)

1 tablespoon white sugar

What to do:

Heat the milk up to 180 °F for one minute, slowly stirring. Cool the mixture up to 115°F by putting it in a cold water bath.
Once you have reached with desired coolness of the mixture, add the live culture and sugar.
The temperature 115°F should be maintained for 4-6 hours because this is the ideal temperature for the bacteria to do their job.
After 6 hours, you will have a cheesy odor and green liquid on top. The texture is custardy. The longer you let the mixture sit, the thicker it will become.
Refrigerate. It can last up to 2 weeks. Add fruits before eating.

Egg-cellent Home Spa Recipes

2012-07-16T09:13:00.003-07:00

Eggs are high in protein and it can do a lot of things to improve your hair and skin. For people with oily skin and open pores, eggs can be very helpful in tightening pores.

If you are having problems with dry hair, egg yolks can be used. Eggs can also help add body to your hair and achieve that natural shine that you think is impossible.

Why spend a lot on various treatments when you can stay at home and do your very own treatment? Here are some simple egg recipes that you can try at home.

Facial Recipes:

Egg and Honey Mask

Egg yolks contain natural antioxidants and lecithin that can help soften the lines. Together with the egg yolk, honey draws moisture to the skin.

What you need:
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons honey

What to do:
1. Mix the egg yolk and honey.
2. Apply to face and neck.
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off.

Egg White Facial Mask

Egg white is the albumen contained in the egg. This is the transparent liquid that you see when you open up an egg. It has no fat content unlike the yolk and has a very high protein content.

What you need:
egg yolk

What to do:
1. Separate the egg white from the egg yolk.
2. Beat it until foamy.
3. Apply the foam to your skin.
4. Allow to dry and then rinse off with warm water.

Hair Recipes:

Egg Yolk Hair Treatment

Egg yolks contain lecithin, folic acid, as well as vitamin A, D, E, B12. All of these are helpful in enhancing a healthy skin and hair.

What you need:
1-2 egg yolks (add more if hair is longer)
1/2 teaspoon shampoo
1 cup warm water

What to do:
1. Mix everything.
2. Apply mixture onto wet hair and leave on for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse.

Egg White for Oily Hair

What you need:
Egg white
water with a piece of lemon

What to do:
1. Before washing your hair, apply egg white throughout your hair.
2. Leave on for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse using the water with lemon. Use warm water.

Coffee Home Spa

2012-07-15T07:44:00.002-07:00

Coffee does not only jump start your day but it can make your night as well. Coffee, when powdered, can also be used on your hair and skin. Let coffee work its magic for a healthier and more beautiful you.

Coffee can be used as a facial scrub and a face pack that exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin. Dryness can make your skin look old but with the anti-aging property of coffee, you will be able to maintain a nourished skin.

Coffee Facial Scrub

What you need:

3 teaspoons of ground coffee

1 teaspoon of milk

What to do:

1. Mix coffee and milk until it is made into the consistency of a paste.

2. Massage the mixture on your face in a circular motion.

3. Allow to dry.

4. Rinse with cold water.

5. Pat dry and apply the moisturizer of your choice.

Coffee for Hair Care

The anti-oxidant properties of coffee can also be beneficial to your hair and scalp by preventing falling hair. Coffee can function as a hair conditioner and as a result, your hair is smooth, soft, and silky.

What you need:

Espresso (or any strong brew)

What to do:

1. Allow the coffee to cool down - up to a tolerable warm temperature.

2. Apply coffee to dry hair and leave for 20 minutes.

2. Use warm water to rinse off the coffee.

Body Massage with Coffee

Coffee can also be used for body massage. This can act as an exfoliant and smoothen your skin.

What you need:

ground coffee

cocoa butter

What to do:

Mix coffee and cocoa butter.

The next time you have a cup of coffee that makes you palpitate, try to use it on your skin.

Eat More, Weigh Less

2012-07-14T19:27:00.002-07:00

You want to lose weight fast.

What you do: Eat less
What you actually do: Think more about food.
What happens: You feel denied and you end up giving up.

This often happens in diet fads.

How would you like to eat more and still lose weight?

The secret to eating to shed off some pounds is not tricky. You just have to eat those green, leafy veggies and the colorful fruits that you have learned as a child to be very nutritious.

It is a known fact that fruits and vegetables are good for the body because they contain vitamins and minerals that can fight diseases and keep us healthy. The problem here is fruits and veggies are not so appealing to others. Remember how you used to be chased around just to eat those green leaves?

If you can eat more and still lose weight, would you consider changing your mind about these fruits and veggies?

The Secrets:
1. Fruits and veggies contain a lot of nutrients and they are low in calories. You can eat plenty of fruits and vegetables minus the calories. Imagine eating as much chocolate as the fruits or veggies.
2. Fruits and vegetables will help you feel full for a longer period of time, thus, satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. This will help you lose weight.

Stock up on fruits and vegetables so that the next time you are feeling hungry, eat them instead of junk food, sodas, and chocolates. There is a reason why they are called junk food.