Free Beauty Tips Online

Baking Soda: Uses for Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:29:00 +0000

Baking soda is a chemical compound that appears as a fine powder. It releases bubbles of carbon dioxide when it interacts with an acid and a liquid. It’s most commonly used in baking, where it acts as a leavening agent.

There are many reason to use baking soda, but the number one reason is because this is a natural substance that will not harm you. Baking soda is a safe product that we can even eat everyday.

There are many uses of baking soda, but only the most prominent uses i include here:

Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.
Exfoliating: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle, exfoliating facial scrub after washing with soap and water. Rinse your face clean.
Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender; it makes a great facial scrub.

Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.
To freshen breath, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, swish the solution through your teeth, and rinse.
Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.

Home Remedies: Oily Skin

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.

Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Apply a paste of a fully ripe tomato on the face and wash it after 20 minutes .
Best ingredient for oily skin is to apply fuller's earth with curd.Avoid around eyes.
Take half grated fresh radish, one spoon of vinegar, one spoon of lemon juice and one spoon of honey. Mix all these ingredients in a glass of distilled water and store in a bottle. Wipe your skin regularly to shrink open pores and reduce greasiness.
Juice of carrot and cabbage applied is very helpful.

Home Remedies for Age spots

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Avoid sweets and alcohol.
Take carrots,spinach,sweet potatoes,mango.
Rubbing aloevera juice on the spots for 2 months twice a day will fade away the spots. Dab buttermilk on the spots.
Apply castor oil on the spots in morning and evening.The spots will fade away.
Apply lemon-juice on the spots but avoid going out in sun when applied as it increases sun-sensitivity to skin.
One teaspoon of onion juice,two teaspoonful of vinegar,apply until spots dissappear.
Apply mixture of saffron and honey to fade away the spots.
Paste of sandalwood water ,rosewater ,yoghurt and lemon will do the trick.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots .
Papaya should be a must to be applied on blemishes.
Add the content of vitamin C in your diet which includes -orange,lemon,citric acid,water-melon.
Apply potato slices on blemishes.
Mix together lemon juice, one pinch of camphor and a little milk. Apply it over the face and leave it for 15 minutes and scrub it off with milk. This is good for treating scars.
Drinking black tea.... helps your skin really! Black tea has an astringent and its tannins are great soothing sunburns.

Home Remedies: For Skin Cleansing

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Who today does not want a healthy skin. A 5 minute regime can make your skin clean and glowing.

Clean your face with a cleanser.
Apply a scrubber by gently massaging it into the skin and let it dry .
After drying use the face steamer to steam your face .after steaming remove the blackheads either with blackhead removing lotion or you can also use salt and soap and apply on the affected area.
Then apply a toner or an ice-cube to close the pores.
After closing the pores apply a nourishing cream which can be depending on the skin type.
Then apply a mask of sandalwood or cucumber to pack everything in your skin.

How to get rid of dandruff naturally

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:17:00 +0000

Many doctors believe that dandruff is caused by certain fungal and yeast properties that live on our skin. These doctors believe that dandruff happens when the fugus or yeast grows beyond our body's ability to control it.

Others believe that external factors such as stress can trigger dandruff to happen.

Still others believe that diet plays a huge importance in preventing dandruff.

Here are some natural remedies for treating dandruff

Vinegar- Many doctors believe that using a vinegar treatment is an effective way to treat dandruff. The reason behind this frame of thought is that vinegar will help to restore the scalp to its normal pH balance, thus eliminating the main cause of dry flaky skin.
Get more fats in your diet- When I say fat, I don't mean the greasy big mac at Mcdonald's. What I do mean is the good fats like the ones that you get from salmon and nuts like flaxseed and almonds. Good fats are great for the skin and will help with keeping that flaky dandruff at bay.
Get more B Vitamins in your diet- The B complex vitamins are very important to having good skin and many professionals believe that a diet deficient in B complex vitamins may be the cause of dandruff in some people. If you don't feel like eating your vitamins, you can always go the route of taking supplements
Reduce Stress- Many researchers think that stress may cause dandruff. If you live and work in a high stress environment, you may be increasing the likelihood of getting dandruff.

A Guy's Guide to the Perfect Shave

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:06:00 +0000

For the closet shave, nothing beats a straight-edge razor. But if your dont know how to use one, you could get hurt. For the next thing, try these following tips.

Wash your face with an alcohol-free cleanser.
Open pores by applying a hot towel to the face, or shave after a hot shower.
Rub shaving cream in a circular, upward motion to lift hairs, so they're easier to cut.
Go with the grain, moving from the side towards the nose, then to the chin. Next, go against the grain. Dont shave one area more than three times - it irritates the skin.
Finish with a splash of cold water, then alcohol-free aftershave. Replace a razor after three shaves. Rinse it in hot water after use and store upright, never facedown - that helps bacteria grow.

Ways how to fight body odors

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Body Odor, often abbreviated as B.O., or bromhidrosis (also called bromidrosis, osmidrosis and ozochrotia) is the smell of bacteria growing on the body. These bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of sweat, but sweat itself is almost completely odorless. Body odor is associated with the hair, feet, groin (upper medial thigh), anus, skin in general, armpits, genitals, pubic hair, and mouth.

Body odor is largely influenced by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. These are genetically determined and play an important role in immunity of the organism. The vomeronasal organ contains cells sensitive to MHC molecules in a genotype-specific way. Experiments on animals and volunteers have shown that potential sexual partners tend to be perceived more attractive if their MHC composition is substantially different. This behavior pattern promotes variability of the immune system of individuals in the population, thus making the population more robust against new diseases.

Body odor affects millions of people, some are not bothered by it at all. Others however suffer greatly and are constantly seeking body odor remedies. The psychological impact on people who have excess body odor, or foul body odor can be devastating. These people are constantly embarrassed and are unable to eliminate body odor by taking a bath or shower. They suffer because of various reasons. Fishy body odor for example affects people who are unable to digest certain foods. This condition is especially noticeable during menstruation. Trimethylamine is the main cause of the fishy smell and can be avoid if a person ate a proper body odor diet.

After washing with soap and completely drying, immediately apply an underarm antiperspirant. Remember, deodorants do not prevent sweating. They mainly mask the smell of the bacteria on your sweaty skin. Antiperspirants are chemical agents that reduce sweating. Many antiperspirant preparations also contain a deodorant, which helps to mask the smell. Check the product you use to make sure it contains an antiperspirant.
Keep your underarms dry. Bacteria have a hard time breeding in dry areas of the body.
Try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to fight body odor. Use one teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to one cup (8 ounces) of water. Wipe this on affected areas (underarm, feet, groin) with a washcloth. This may help destroy some of the bacteria that creates odor.
If sweat from working out is your No. 1 cause of body odor, wash your workout clothes often. Sweaty gym clothes are a bacteria-breeding ground.
Change your diet. Sometimes, fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods like garlic, curry, and onions, can seep through your pores and cause body odor. (Always see a doctor or dietician before making drastic dietary changes.)
If you have excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), talk to your doctor. There are many treatment options for those with more severe sweating who desire more permanent treatments. Also, certain medical problems can lead to excessive sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Shaving your underarm regularly will help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and can reduce sweat and odor.

Lose Weight Permanently: Easy and Effective Changes

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:19:00 +0000

To lose weight and keep it off, you have to change your whole life.

Change is never easy. But if you can make a start and go slow and be thorough, you will get healthier and feel better.

Here’s how:

Eat a high fiber, high calcium breakfast

While lots of folks are virulently anti-dairy these days, the fact is that some of the longest-living people on earth eat yogurt at every meal. Not the sugary kind with the fruit at the bottom and all kinds of preservatives and chemicals: the tart, organic kind with probiotic cultures. People who eat breakfast every day eat less overall, and they also charge up their metabolisms to burn more calories than people who don't eat breakfast. People who eat dairy lose more weight than people who don't.

Cut out processed foods six days a week

If I tell you "Don't think about elephants," then all you are going to think about is elephants. You can't help it. Similarly, if someone tells you, "No more oreos, ever. They're poison!" then eventually you are going to devour a whole bag of those puppies even though you don't really like them that much. Instead of forbidding some foods, limit them. Just knowing you can eat whatever you want once a week helps you not obsess. Weirdly, once you begin to cut out processed foods and eat more healthily, junk food loses its appeal.

Eat five servings of fresh fruit and fresh veggies each day, more if you can

One study showed that people who did nothing but add fresh fruits and veggies to their diets lost weight when compared with a control group of people who made no changes. The reason for this is that fresh fruits and veggies are filling, low in calories, and high in nutrients. One theory about cravings ties them to nutritional shortages. Eating your fruits and veggies can actually tame that sugar monkey you're carrying around.

Divide up your plate

As a rule of thumb, half of your plate should be veggies, one quarter of it protein, and the other quarter whole grain starch. This isn't to say you can't have a plate of spaghetti and nothing else, it's just a guide for the proportions you should keep in mind. Eat until you're full, then stop. Easy to say, hard to do.

Take a daily walk

Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week as the absolute minimum required for good health. You can break that up though. So park a few blocks from your job and walk 10 minutes twice a day, and ten minutes at lunch, and you've done your 30 minutes. Even better, get up early and walk before you shower (or run if you are already fit). Walking early in the morning adds meditative benefits and revs up your metabolism.

Go to bed earlier

Most Americans are sleep-deprived and brag about it, but when you consistently get less than eight hours of sleep per night your body releases cortisol, a hormone that causes fat to accumulate around your middle. This is a hardwired response to stress, something your body learned a million years ago when people who weren't sleeping were usually people who weren't eating either or were in danger. Cortisol is part of the "fight or flight" response, and you can't stop it through willpower.

Meditate

Even five minutes twice a day will show benefits. Most Americans are incredibly unaware of what they are doing and where they are doing it. If you are rushing around all the time, your mind always on your next task, you're triggering that cortisol thingie again and that will chub you up fast. Slow down. It's not a race unless you make it one.

Take emotional eating seriously

Most people overeat as a reward or because it helps them 'stuff' uncomfortable feelings. We all know this intuitively. The image of the woman in her PJs watching reruns of "Sex and the City" while eating ice cream right out of the container because of a bad breakup or a bad day is a recognizable cultural stereotype. While you can't insulate yourself from emotional pain, you can pay attention to what happens right before you reach for the chocolate chip cookies. Is it boredom? Anger? Frustration? Sadness? Understanding what is happening inside you is hard because it means facing your real issues instead of burying them with food. Most Americans are perfectly miserable in their work, that's a big one. Many have no time for themselves. That's another. The catch here is that once you recognize your issue you have to make changes. Get a less stressful job. Take time for you. Dump the crappy boyfriend. Tell your mother to butt out. Whatever it is, you have to change it and take care of you.

Learn to appreciate whole foods

Whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. A raw tomato is a whole food. A can of Campbell's tomato soup is not a whole food, and as innocuous as it may seem, that can of soup is full of salt, sugar, and preservatives that are not only bad for you, they will make you crave more salt, sugar, and preservatives. Whole foods are delicious and there are a gazillion of them, but you have to actually eat them, not just pay homage to them.

Buy local

One of the easiest ways to lose weight without dieting is to stay out of the supermarket. If you buy most of your food from local growers and (if you are a meat eater) from grass fed local livestock suppliers, you will feel better, save a little money, and meet lots of interesting people. Plus, you will find you are eating mostly fresh, whole food, which is lower in calories and higher in nutrients.

Love the body you have

Americans are obsessed with body image, and ironically, most of us are overweight. Millions of people are waiting (sic: 'weighting') to do all kinds of things "when I lose some weight." No! Do it now! I mean, what if you never lose any weight? You're going to put your life on hold for that? It's very hard, especially for women, to look at an imperfect body and say "This body is beautiful and it's perfect for me," especially when everyone around you is making fat jokes, but you have to do it. Self-hatred is not a good motivation for weight loss. In fact, self-hatred will sabotage your weight loss time and time again. Love yourself and live your life and your weight will sort itself out, or not. Either way, if you respect your own body, so will other people.

Healthy Foods that help you lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:23:00 +0000

The following foods are nutritious, can help you feel full, and can help you lose weight.

Eggs - an organic egg will help you feel full all day. Eggs are a good source of protein and have 13 different vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin D. start your morning with hardboiled egg and I’m sure it keeps you satisfied. When it is lunch time you will not be ravenous.
Mushrooms - instead of meat use mushrooms in a sauce or salad. They are filling and cut hundreds of calories. Mushrooms are a rich source of germanium which increases oxygen efficiency in the body. They are also extremely low in calories and are a source of vitamin B.
Beans - they contain resistant starch which triggers key appetite hormones. These hormones are what make you feel full. Beans have soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol and helps to improve insulin resistance.

Crushed Red Pepper - the compound found in crushed red pepper is capsaicin. This is what ups the calories you naturally burn after eating.
Olive Oil - contains oleic acid, which sets satiety hormones. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats than other oils.
Nuts - high in fiber and protein, nuts help you feel satisfied. Nuts have omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, vitamin E, and potassium. By eating just a few nuts each day you are likely to eat 200 calories less per day. Also walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts are mono-and polyunsaturated fats - all good for your heart.
Fresh Vegetables - a necessary part of our diet. By loading up daily on vegetables you can lose 25 percent more weight than people who only trim the fat in their diet. Plus, the magnesium, calcium and potassium in most fresh produce may help lower blood pressure. Organic or locally grown are recommended.
Soup - by starting your meal with soup you are likely to eat 20 percent fewer total calories, than you would if you had opted to skip the soup. Soup fills you up.
Oatmeal - especially good for helping you lose weight around the middle. Oatmeal, like beans, is a source of soluble fiber and is full of heart-healthy B vitamins. Whole grains give you energy with staying power. Five servings per day can help you lose belly fat.
Green Tea - considered a great pre-workout drink. It increases endurance by as much as 24 percent, which can allow you to exercise longer and burn more calories. According to a Journal of Nutrition study, drinking five cups of green tea per day can help you lose twice as much weight - most of it around your middle.

Easy and Fast Ways to Lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:49:00 +0000

It's hard to lose weight, there are so many diet plans and weight loss products on the market, there are fat loss products, enhancers and stimulants, where do you turn first? Most people trying to lose body fat fast, are also looking for the ultimate food lovers fat loss systems, well, sometimes there does need to be small sacrifices in order to make massive advances. So, there is the perfect powerful fat loss formula out there, there are lots of ways to lose weight, but we all want the really fast ways to lose weight.

Here are the 10 tips for easy and fast fat lose. When looking for how to lose weight fast, check it against these 10 rules.

Eat 4-6 small meals a day. These meals should consist of healthy foods, not processed pre-packaged foods.
Make water your main drink of choice. The more water that you drink, the better your body functions. Try to consistently drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.
Make exercise part of your daily routine. It doesn't matter how busy you are, there is always a way to find time for exercise. Get up 30 minutes earlier each morning to fit in an exercise routine.
Eat slowly. Stop gobbling your food at mealtime. Slow down and chew your food thoroughly. This not only gives your stomach time to send the signals to your brain that you are full, it also aids in digestion.
Drink green tea. This drink has many health benefits including antioxidants and can help you lose weight.
Prepare meals at home. Get off the eating out merry go round. Fast foods are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic in the world today.
Avoid all sweets. This includes all of those fat free foods out there. Sweets will make you gain weight regardless if they are fat free or not.
Cut back on the condiments. Adding too many condiments to your food will add calories. Try to eat your food as plain as possible.
Learn to stop eating before you feel full. If you eat until you feel full you will have eaten too many calories in one meal. Stop eating when you are satisfied, but not full.
The last rule is the most important. Once you have reached your weight loss goal, maintain it. Do not fall back into your old unhealthy habits. Keep in mind that the above rules are not just a "fad" diet. Change your way of thinking about food and you can change your lifestyle. Food is meant to be fuel for the body and nothing else. It is not meant to be a comfort or filler for a void in your life. Food is meant to help our bodies operate efficiently.

Follow the above 10 rules of fat loss faithfully and watch the pounds just disappear. Keep up your healthy habits and you will have a long, healthy life.

Have a Pretty Foot

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:50:00 +0000

It may not be quite warm enough for sandals, or even open toed shoes - but it soon will be (we hope!) Start getting your feet ready now, so that you've got pretty feet from Day One.

You don't need to have painted toe nails to have pretty feet - but dry cracked skin around your heels or uneven nails should not be put on show!

You can make your feet look much better by following a few simple steps.

You will need:

A bowl, in which you can soak your feet. You could sit on the edge of the bath, but I prefer to carry a comfortable chair into the kitchen, and soak my feet in a bowl of nice warm water.
A clean, dry towel
Foot file, or pumice stone, or exfoliating cream
Body lotion, or a foot moisturister
Cuticle oil, or for economy, baby oil
Orange wood stick
Nail clippers
Nail file
You may need nail polish remover and cotton pads.
If you want to apply nail polish, ideally start with a base coat, then colour polish, and top
coat.
If you are applying nail polish, it is helpful to have something to separate your nails. A twisted tissue will suffice, but you may prefer toe separators.

Make sure you've got everything to hand before you start - include a magazine or book to read while your feet are soaking.

This is what you do:

If you have got old nail polish on your toes, remove it before you start.
Now, put some warm water in the bowl. You might like to add something to soothe your skin, but it's not essential. Soaking your feet softens the tough skin on the soles.
After about 10 minutes, either file off the hard skin, or use an exfoliating cream. Then, dry your feet, making sure they are thoroughly dry between your toes, and then apply regular body lotion or a foot moisturiser.
Apply the cuticle oil, or baby oil, and leave to soak in for about 2 minutes, then use the orange wood stick to gently push back your cuticles.
Use the nail clippers to trim the nails. Clip them short, but do not cut the sides, or you risk ingrowing toenails. Then file them smooth.
If you are going to apply polish, wipe the nails with a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover. If there is oil or moisturiser left on your nails the polish will not adhere well.
Before starting to paint your nails, separate your toes.
Apply base coat, 2 layers of polish, and then top coat. Allow plenty of time for them to dry! (You may wish to have a book or magazine to read between coats.)

How to take care of your feet

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:30:00 +0000

No matter who you are or what your feet look like, it is important to keep them happy. Happy feet are healthy and beautiful (in their own way) and most importantly they are quiet. Unhappy feet complain and ache and make it difficult to have a happy you. Many feet issues can be prevented with a few steps.

Shoes

It is important to get a good comfortable pair of shoes. It is especially true for those worked in or worn for a long period of time. Also the shoes you exercise in should be comfortable and not cause feet issues.

If you aren't wearing a pair of comfortable shoes most of the time, it is time to go shoe shopping in search of something better for your feet. This can also lower knee, hip, back, neck, and even head pain.

Socks

It is important that you usually wear white cotton socks. These are best for your feet because the cotton absorbs moisture best and the white lacks dyes that can be harmful. It is especially important that you wear these during exercise. If you have the need to dress daily, investing in a pair (or a few pair) of silk socks or stockings would be best. These let the feet breath and make it easier for moisture to evaporate, causing for the best possible conditions for the feet, under the circumstances.

A Great Foot Care Regimen

Once a week a fantastic foot regimen can be helpful. Use this time to relax and to take care of yourself.

1. The Foot Soak- Begin your regimen with a nice relaxing foot soaks. You can use this time to add things to your foot soak according to your specific needs. The water should be very warm, almost hot. Add to that water the things you desire to treat your issues.

1/3 cup Epsom salts or sea salts to relax
1/3 cup of baking soda to kill bacteria and remove odor
Oil (olive, sesame seed, or nut oils are really good) to moisturize
Vitamin E oil to moisturize and rejuvenate
Aloe Vera oil to relax, sooth, and moisturize.
Essence oils in your favorite fragrance or one that has benefits for your needs (Chamomile kills bacteria, lavender relaxes, tea tree oil kills fungus)
Tea Bags to help relax and kill bacteria if you use chamomile

2. Wash Your Feet-Keeping your feet clean is very important. You will want a liquid soap (anti-bacterial if you have odor issues and anti-fungal if you have discolored nails or athletes foot), a scrub brush, and a loofah. Using the loofah wash your feet with a generous amount of lather. Using the scrub brush, scrub the nails, around the cuticles, and under them to clear away bacteria, dirt, and built up dead skin cells. While you won't be doing the foot regimen every day, you should still make sure you are lathering your feet every time you shower. If you have odor issues or fungus issues use the anti-bacterial soap or the anti-fungal soap accordingly.

3. Clip Nails- Keeping your nails clipped short can prevent a lot of foot problems. To do this use toe nail clippers and clip them straight across. Cutting your toe nails in a u shape can help make ingrown toe nails which is very uncomfortable and painful and may require surgery later. Be careful to avoid this by cutting straight across. Use a file to file down any sharp edges created by cutting the nail.

4. Dry Feet-Dry feet thoroughly. After all, moisture can cause many issues. If you have really bad bacteria or fungus issues (odor, yellow discolored nails, or pealing between the toes) then use a blow dryer on a low setting to make sure they are very dry between all the toes and around the nails.

5. Moisturize- If you don't really have dry or cracked feet or a great number of callouses then you can use a light and refreshing moisturizer. If you are dealing with dry, cracked, or calloused feet then a heavy moisturizer or an oil (such as grape seed oil, or a nut oil) may be necessary. Apply your moisturizer. If you have really dry feet then wear white cotton socks to bed each night after applying the moisturizer. This will make your feet soft and supple. It will also help take care of callouses.

Treating Odor

Foot odor is usually caused from a bacterial infection. This usually occurs because of heat and moisture inside the shoes. If you are suffering from this issue there are several things that can be done.

Use anti-bacterial soap every time you wash your feet.
Dust your shoes (and even your feet) with baking soda, this helps prevent moisture and kill bacteria.

Chamomile essence oil can be used to kill bacteria, after a bath or good foot soak you can rub it between the toes and under them.
Dry your feet with a blow dryer after foot soaks or baths.

Following a good foot regimine, white socks or silk if need be, and good shoes can also help with bacteria, moisture, and odor. You should also check for signs of fungal issues.

Clean and protect: Importance of proper feminine hygiene

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Regular and proper feminine hygiene can help prevent bacterial and yeast infections of the vagina. Studies have also proven that proper feminine hygiene can be important as wearing condom in the prevention of STD’s. Other preventive steps include:

Avoiding irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches.
Wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
Changing tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.

Wearing loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn’t trap moisture.
Changing quickly into your dry clothing after swimming instead of sitting in your wet bathing suit for prolonged periods.
Taking antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and never taking them longer than your doctor directs.
If you are diabetic, keeping tight control over your blood sugar levels.

How to control Dandruff

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Dandruff, usually more cosmetic than medical is common and harmless, and has nothing to do with diet; however, it may cause thinning of hair and may be stress-related. Many people are embarrassed by dandruff, but it is not contagious and is fairly easy to control. However, there are cases wherein dandruff is caused by Pityrosporum organisms (fungi) where are contagious.

Although there’s no cure for dandruff, there are things you can do to control it.

Gently brush hair before each washing.

Wash hair every day. It may be enough to keep mild dandruff under control.

Use antidandruff shampoos if your scalp is red and flakes are obvious.
Follow antidandruff shampoos directions. Most say to lather and let sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
If a dandruff shampoo seems to lose its effectiveness after several weeks, try another. Coal- tar shampoos may be the most effective.
Try not to scratch or brush your scalp to hard. Too much scratching may cause more dandruff.
It the scalp or hair is dry, massage olive oil into the hair roots, leave it there for 30 minutes, then shampoo.

Consult a doctor if the condition still does not improve after having switched antidandruff shampoos.

Home Remedy for Oily Skin

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:40:00 +0000

A variety of cleansers, toners and face packs are available in the market today for those with oily skin. But not everyone may have the extra cash to purchase such expensive products. The following recipes do not cost so much and is not as harsh on the skin as cleansers and face packs bought from the supermarkets, etc.

Yoghurt and Sugar Cleanser Scrub

½ tablespoon yoghurt

1 tablespoon sugar

Gently wet the face with water. Then add ½ tablespoon yoghurt to a saucer and add the sugar into it. Stir it a little but not too much (or else the sugar will dissolve) and apply it to the forehead, cheeks, chin and around the nose as well as to the tip of the nose and massage gently using your fingers for 2 to 3 minutes. Then rinse of with lukewarm water and pat dry face with a clean towel. Then add the yoghurt, lime and Oatmeal pack.

Yoghurt, Lime and Oatmeal Pack

1 tablespoon yogurt

1-2 drops of fresh lime/lemon juice

Add enough oatmeal to the above two ingredients until the mixture becomes a creamy consistency

Apply the pack on the face avoiding the eyes, eyebrows and lips. Leave to dry for 20 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. The oatmeal draws out the impurities in the face and smoothes out uneven lines reducing the risk of wrinkles.

Ways to Glow Your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:09:00 +0000

FOOD POWER

Eat pulses, as they are rich in protein, you should also have 250 gm fruits for antioxidants. It’s good to take green tea without milk, aloe Vera juice, besides 10 glasses of water to detoxify your system.

FITNESS REGIME

There are fitness options — like a 30-minute walk — to increase blood circulation, and ensure an instant glow. Kickboxing helps channel the aggression that builds up from stress. Yoga and Pilates are also stress-busters.

MIND YOGA

Keep the mind at peace to get that glow. Deep breathing, even if for only 5-10 minutes, relaxes the mind. Try meditation or shavasan too. Getting eight hours of sleep are a must as it rejuvenates the system. Power naps also help.

BODY LANGUAGE

Get your body to send the right vibrations. Keep your back straight, maintain eye contact, don’t cross your arms, use open palm gestures, don’t touch your face while talking, don’t fidget, tilt your head slightly while talking, and smile!

GORGEOUS TRESSES

Random styling products can dull the hair. For a rich gloss, use a strawberry hair mask every fortnight for all hair types. Seal your cuticles with a cool blast of air so that they aren’t ragged. For blonde hair, add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the rinse. For brown and red hair, add apple cider vinegar instead.

SPARKLING SMILE

To avoid yellow teeth, using a straw when having soft drinks or coffee. A spot of milk in dark coffee goes a long way in preventing stains. For a homemade whitening solution, just dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush as usual. Use whitening toothpaste regularly.

MIND MAKE-UP

A hobby helps you distress, so make sure to nurture one. Similarly, bonding with family and friends is important for a healthy mind. Read, catch a movie or listen to music for those feel-good vibes. When the mind is happy, the body smiles too and the glow says it all.

INSTANT GLOW

Steam and gently exfoliate the skin to remove dirt and dead cells. Airbrush make-up is the newest fad, but opt for water-based. For a no make-up person, put on mascara with primer and the twinkle in your eyes will do the talking. Choose gloss over lipstick.

UNDER-EYE SECRETS

Dark circles are due to lack of sleep, stress and wrong diet. So, be sure you have eight hours of sleep. You can also include a multivitamin with iron tablet in your diet. Eat at least one green leafy vegetable daily. Every morning, apply a paste of powdered almonds and milk around your eye; let it dry and wash off.

SMOOTH SKIN

Regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing goes a long way. Exfoliation and packs are a quick way to get a glow. For the body, use a loofah and for the face, any good exfoliator. For blemish-free complexion, a home remedy for a skin polisher: Apply papaya/tomato pulp/grated potatoes on the skin once every two to three days. Ten minutes before any important event, rub olive oil or baby oil on the body. Sunscreen, with a minimum SPF 15 to 30, used through the year is the real fountain of youth.

Hand skin care for younger looking hands

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:48:00 +0000

Your hand does the talking when it comes to revealing your age. Sadly, sunspots and bulging veins can scream 60 when you're only 40. What makes hands look older than their years?
There are many causes that drive you to these kinds of skin problems, let’s take a look at these anti ageing skin care solutions for your hands that will keep your hands looking timelessly beautiful.

THIN WRINKLY SKIN

Sunlight breaks down collagen that keeps skin supple and firm, as the already slight cushion of fat thins, hand starts to look skeletal.

Solution:
A host of ingredients- retinoids, alphahydroxy acids, and peptides builds collagen and thicken skin overtime and can make hands look younger. ( you don't need a special hand cream for this if your face cream contains above ingredients apply it to your hands as well)

VEINS

Veins that wouldn't be visible under plump skin become prominent with collagen and fat loss.

Solution:
Moisturizers that build collagen can help plump skin so veins stand out less. To minimize the colour contrast between your skin and the purple vessels, apply an opaque concealer.

SUNSPOTS

UV exposure damages pigment producing cell, causing brown spots to form. Among the people who drives the hands look older.

Solution:
Use a separate lotion that contains 2% hydroquinone, the most effective bleaching agent which suppresses the production of melanin ( the pigment that causes discoloration). So start now it could take months to notice a difference. For speedier results select lotion that contains retinol or alpha hydroxy acid. To prevent new spots, use sunscreens- use a product that contains a broad spectrum sunscreen at least SPF15 for your hands.

DRYNESS

With age the skin on your hands produces oil and loses its ability to hold on to moisture, making your hands look old. Exposure to detergents and other cleaning agents aggravates the problem.

Solution:
Apply lotion throughout the day boosts hydration; rub it on immediately after washing your hand to seal in the moisture your skin has absorbed. Use some hand lotion that draw in and hold moisture in skin. To spare hands apply cream and pull on cotton-lined gloves before exposing them to household cleaners or soap water. If you feel excessive dryness doesn’t forget to apply olive oil or sunflower oil on your hands at bed time.

Dry Skin Care: Remedy For Dry Skin

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:08:00 +0000

The most common problem men and women encounter everyday is skin dryness. We try almost all over the counter lotions, moisturizers and creams in order to combat the problem but a lot of times, the dryness remains.

All of us are gifted with healthy skin when we were born. However, this condition changes due to outside environmental factors like exposure to fumes and chemicals, due to the kinds of foods we eat, too much sun exposure and daily stress. Our skin condition changes from healthy to dull, wrinkled, blemished and unhealthy skin. Its immunity to fight diseases weakens and we need to nourish our skin with supplements in order to restore that youthful and healthy glowing skin.

Dry skin is most often the result of moisture imbalance. Solving this problem by supplying skin with moisture in a form that can be absorbed by dry, thirsty skin, and providing a moisture barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss goes a long way towards eliminating the symptoms of dry skin.

Drink water, water, and more water
Water is essential for healthy moisture balance. Get serious about drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day and your skin will reap major health and beauty rewards. Water plumps up dehydrated skin cells, and as a result, skin texture looks softer and smoother.

Cut back on long hot baths and showers
We all know how marvelous long soaks in a hot bath, or taking hot showers feel, but hot water removes precious oils from your skin. Warm water is best, and try not to bathe/shower for more than 5 minutes.

Use soaps with natural ingredients
These soaps are made with botanical oils and other natural ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and milk. These soaps provide gentle but effective cleansing and are wonderful for dry skin care. Natural soaps include bar and liquid soaps and are made from a variety of oils including, olive, soybean, canola, sunflower, shea butter, jojoba and *coconut.

Give your body a scrub
Buff your skin once or twice a week with a loofah, mesh sponge, or other scrubbing tool to remove dead skin cells and expose softer, new skin cells. Skin absorbs moisturizers more effectively after an exfoliation treatement, and scrubbing also increases circulation, which gives your skin a healthy glow. A natural foaming sugar scrub is also an excellent dry skin care treatment especially for feet, hands and face (sugar scrubs are a great choice for weekly facials).

Pat your skin dry gently with a towel after bathing or showering rather than rubbing
Brisk rubbing overdries skin. You want a light "cushion" of moisture to remain on your skin before applying moisturizer.

Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to help seal in moisture
Natural "buttery" creams like shea butter, and olive oil body butters are best for sealing in moisture and conditioning dry skin. Petroleum and mineral oil are unable to be absorbed by the skin. These oils remain on top of skin and can clog pores. For the most effective dry skin care moisturizers, products made with natural botanical ingredients are best.

Don't scratch itchy skin
Try misting skin with floral water, (hydrosol) such as rose or lavender water and immediately apply a rich, buttery moisturizer to the misted area and massage into skin. You will be amazed at how fast the itching stops!

Increase the humidity in your home, especially your bedroom with a humidifier, or bowls filled with water
When using bowls of water, be sure to add more water to the bowls as it evaporates, and clean and refill bowls with fresh water every few days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Proven Home remedies for Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:47:00 +0000

A good skin reflects good health and displays beauty of a person which requires a special beauty skin care .

Why waste money on buying expensive products for your facial scrubs, refreshing your skin and exfoliating your skin when you can whip one up in no time with items from your kitchen, even a quick trip to the grocery store will do. Just follow this simple and proven home remedies for your beauty care.

Amaze your face with baking soda. Just toss some baking soda and oatmeal in your blender, then scrub away. Or you can throw some baking soda in with your regular facial cleanser for a gentle scrub.

Brighten your complexion with salt. Rejuvenate your face with this combenation of cupboard ingredients. Mix equal parts salt and olive oil and gently massage your face and throat for five minutes. then wash your face with your favorite cleanser, and your skin will have a radiant, golden glow.

Enhance your skin with fruit. You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy facials. Just make your own facial treatment with a mashed banana, a tablespoon of honey, and a splash of orange juice. apply the mixture to clean skin and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse off withh warm water, and your face will glow with gratitude.

Beat puffy eyes with egg whites. With a makeup brush, apply a beaten egg white to your face. As the egg white dries, your skin will tighten - especially that saggy area under your eyes. You can also add a few drops of witch hazel, which reduces swelling and keeps the egg white from drying too quickly.

Smooth your skin wiht yogurt. Wake up to smoother skin when you use this homemade night cream. Simply squeeze half a lemon into a cup of plain yogurt and stir. then raid the refrigerator each night for a dollop of this mixture. Rub it onto your face before bed, just like you would use your regular night cream. After three or four weeks, you'll notice healtier-looking skin.

Exfoliate dry skin for pennies. To get rid of dry, flaky skin, combine one- quarter teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Gently rub the mixture onto your face using a circular motion. Then, wash your face with your favorite cleanser and warm water.

Refresh your skin with essential oils. To make a refreshing facial toner, add two drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, to 8 ounces of mineral water. Refrigerate the mixture and use it whenever your face needs a "lift".

Simple Solutions for Different Hair Problem

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:21:00 +0000

If you’re looking for ways to save money, you don’t have to look too far, try this simple solutions and homemade remedies for your different hair problems.

Give wild hair the brush-off

You enjoyed the little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you want to look like Alfalfa. If your hair stands on end, dampen your hairbrush with cold water before brushing. This will get rid of the static and put you back in control of your hair.

Cleanse your hair with baking soda

Your hair has become a gathering place for old hair spray, gel and other residue. Strip away the film in your hair with baking soda. Just blend a little baking soda with your regular shampoo. You can also try mixing baking soda with water and massaging it into your hair before you shampoo. Just be careful not to get any baking soda in your eyes.

Conquer oily hair with aloe

Greasy hair? Get rid of some of that oil by adding a half teaspoon of aloe vera gel and one tablespoon of lemon juice to one-quarter cup of your regular shampoo. Then wash your hair and rinse well.

Go bananas to fix dry hair

Sick of monkeying around with dry hair? Mash banana with a teaspoon of almond oil, and rub the mixture into your hair. Leave it there for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Shine your hair with an avocado

Follow this recipe for shiny hair. Mash an avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of baking powder. Massage the mixture into your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wash your hair and watch it shine.

Tame your hair with fruity spray

All you need is a piece of citrus fruit and some water. If you have dry hair, use an orange. Otherwise, use a lemon. Chop up the fruit and boil it in two cups of water. Let the mixture boil until only half of it remains, then cool and strain. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and store it in the refrigerator. Add water if you find it’s too sticky. You can also throw in an ounce of rubbing alcohol. This allows you to keep the hair spray unrefrigerated for two weeks.

Try a honey of a conditioner

Protect your hair to during the harsh winter months with a thorough conditioning each week. Just massage for tablespoons of honey into your scalp and cover your hair with a plastic bag for at least 15 minutes. Then rinse with hot water.

Shake dandruff with salt

If you’re worried about your blood pressure, go easy on the salt. If you’re worried about dandruff, reach for the saltshaker. To get rid of those unwanted flakes, just rub some salt into your scalp before shampooing.

Revive your hair with beer

Your limp hair could use a lift, but who wants to spend money on expensive hair products? Flat beer strips away soapy film and brings new life and bounce to your hair. Just mix three tablespoons of flat beer in half a cup of warm water and pour it over your head during your shower. Finish your shower and rinse. The beer gets rid of the residue from commercial hair products that can leave your hair feeling heavy and lifeless.

Stay Healthy & Beautiful: Reasons to get more Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:54:00 +0000

It could make you thinner

The less you sleep you get, the higher your body mass index tends to be. Research showed that people who sleep five hours a night were found to have 15 percent more ghrelin (a hormone that boosts hunger) in their bodies and 15 percent less leptin (which suppresses it) than those sleeping eight hours.

I could boost your memory

Sleep plays a key role in making new memories stick in the brain. A Harvard experiment showed that subjects taught complex finger movements like a piano scale recalled them much better after 12 hours’ sleep than 12 hours’ wakefulness. Another study showed that working into the night slowed thinking skills, both at the time and during the next day.

It boosts the immune system

A study of elderly people suffering depression found that those with disturbed sleep had fewer disease-fighting cells in their blood. Moreover, melatonin, produced when you sleep, is a cancer-fighting antioxidant. Night-shift workers, whose wake/sleep rhythms are disrupted, may have up to 70 times greater risk of breast cancer.

It can slow down ageing

Persistent sleep debt has been shown to affect carbohydrate metabolism and hormone function in a way that may increase the severity of age-related chronic disorders. In fact, a large-scale study concluded that people who sleep 6-7 hours a night lived longer than those sleeping less than 4.5 hours.

It could keep you orderly

If you’re a child, that is. The depression and low self-esteem often associated with just being a teenager actually correlate with sleep shortage. And young kids who sleep poorly are more than twice as likely to take to drink and drugs in adolescence.

Look Good Naturally: Plants and herbs to keep your skin glowing

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:56:00 +0000

Anise: The aromatic seed have mildly antibacterial properties and can be used to freshen the breath. The essential oil can be used in massages – but don’t use it if you have a rash.

Banana: Banana is rich in Vitamin A and potassium. The mashed pulp is very gentle when used on the skin, making good refining and cleansing face masks.

Chives: Chives have a high sulphur and iron content, so the juice makes an excellent skin tonic and cleanser when dabbed on to the skin.

Cloves: Clove oil’s antiseptic qualities make it a valuable ingredient in toothpaste. Use it as a mouthwash and in other oral hygiene preparations.

Coconut: Blended with other ingredients, coconut makes a nourishing pre-wash hair-conditioning treatment. It may also be used as an intensive skin moisturizer.

Kelp: Kelp is rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is a useful ingredient in a facemasks and body care treatments for skin problems. Use dried or powdered.

Macadamia: A thick-textured oil that can be used in small quantities in homemade cosmetics, it is a natural skin soother. Use on its own on dry or chapped skin or mix it with a fragrant oil for hair gloss.

Melon: Rich in vitamins B and C, melon flesh is useful in homemade recipes for cooling facemasks and nourishing skin treatments.

Parsley: Parsley tea makes an excellent mouthwash and anti-freckle lotion. Pulp it in a food processor to add to tonics, toners and skin cleansers.

Potato: Mashed and cooled, it can be used as an intensive moisturizing treatment and facial mask that is particularly suitable for dry complexions. It may also be used to soothe swollen eyelids and sunburn.

Sesame: In oil form, sesame can be used in a variety of nourishing skin treatments. As it is very light-textured and light, if has excellent lubricating qualities and makes good base oil for massage.

Strawberries: Being mildly astringent, strawberries are a refreshing natural cosmetic for cleansing and toning and skin. Fresh strawberries contain an acid that whitens teeth.

From the Kitchen to Your Body

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Remove makeup: Bear with us on this one, but if you’re all out of makeup remover, a dab of shortening will do the trick.

Get chewing gum out of your hair: Somehow, Junior’s bubblegum ended up stuck in your hair. No problem. Apply peanut butter and rub the gum till it comes out.

Facial: Don’t waste mustard on a sandwich – spread it on your face instead! Use a mild yellow brand to soothe and stimulate your skin. But keep away from your eyes and test on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t irritate you.

Smelly armpits: Not only will splashing a little vinegar under your arms reduce B.O. (Bad Order), this method also does away with deodorant stains on your blouse or shirt.

Emergency shaving cream: Out of shaving cream? Take the butter from your toast and slather it onto your wet skin for a smooth shave.

Dry up pimples: The only thing worse than being a teen with a zit is being an adult with one. Crush an aspirin and add a bit of water. Apply the paste to the pimple, wait a few minutes, and then wash off. It will reduce the redness and relieve the sting.

Soften dry, scaly elbows: Suffer from dinosaur elbows? Treat them with a lemon juice/baking soda paste.

Remove a splinter: If digging around your finger with a needle to get a splinter doesn’t appeal to you, cover the wound with tape. After three days, pull off the tape and the splinter may come with it.

Eliminate odors from hands: You’ve made shrimp with garlic, and now your hands stink. Rubbing a few coffee beans together releases oil from the beans, which absorbs the smell.

Shoe deodorizer: If the cat passes out every time you take off your sneakers, it’s time to act. Fill a couple of old socks with scented cat litter, tie them shut, and stuff them in your sneakers overnight.

Ingrowing Toenail Self-Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Ingrowing Toenail

In this condition the skin and flesh at one or both corners of a nail, usually a great toe, become tender and inflamed. Shoes that are either too short or too narrow across the toes may cause this trouble. High heels may also cause it by throwing the foot forward so that the toes are pinched. A faulty method of trimming the nails may also cause ingrowing toenails. The nails should be cut straight across and left long enough so there is no flesh in front, especially if rounded at the corners, the skin and flesh are pressed inward in front of these corners, and as the nail grows it cuts into the skin and flesh and makes the trouble.

Here’s what to do:

Cut the toenails as suggested above.
If a toenail is already ingrown, apply a strip of adhesive plaster, drawing it around under the toe and attaching the ends so as to pull the skin and flesh away from the edges of the nail.
Gently pack a bit of oiled cotton or gauze under the buried edge and corner of the nail.
If the toe is inflamed, give alternate hot and cold foot baths twenty minutes night and morning.
Cut a V-groove in the nail near the sore side and parallel to it, as deep as possible without drawing blood.

If these treatments fail, consult a physician, who can cure the condition by a simple operation.

Lighten Up: Tips for eating well without having to diet

noreply@blogger.com (ivy) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:26:00 +0000

We learnt to choose food that was good for us and not food that would supposedly help us loss weight.

Eat for pleasure and good health, not for weight loss.
Start the day with oats and you won’t be hungry for hours.

Eat more fish, chicken, vegetables and salads, and less red meat, pork , pasta, pastry and potatoes.
Use a plastic squeezy bottle for olive oil and sauces – it helps you use less.
Use yoghurt instead of cream.
Snack on fruit and nuts instead of chocolate and crisps.
Steam instead of grill, grill instead of roast, roast instead of fry, shallow-fry instead of deep-fry.
Eat crabs like pasta and potatoes for lunch instead of in the evening.
Drink better, drink less, and drink only with the evening meal.
If you really want something, enjoy it without guilt, then lighten up the next day.