Natural Beauty Tips

Natural Beauty Tips

Whatever beauty aid you decide to make use of, stick to it and do it regularly to get a lasting benefit.

1. Rub a rind of lemon over your face if you have an oily skin and this will lessen grease and whiten your complexion.
2. Mix the juice of one lemon to two tablespoons of milk or cream. Apply this on your face and neck and massage for a few minutes. Then rinse off. Do this daily before going to bed. It helps to bleach your face and keep your hands soft and supple.
3. Take a teaspoon of limejuice and stir in half a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of milk. Mix well and apply over your face and neck fifteen minutes before you take your bath. This lotion will have a mild bleaching effect on a greasy skin, which because of its excessive oil may be rather sallow.
4. To one tablespoon of cucumber juice, stir in a few drops of limejuice and a dash of turmeric powder. Mix well and apply over your face and neck. Leave it on for half an hour and then remove it with ordinary tap water. This lotion makes an excellent whitener for all types of skin.
5. Cut tomatoes in half and rub over the face. This is useful for toning up and whitening the skin and refining the pores.
6. To cleanse the face, soak a piece of cotton wool in unboiled milk and rub the face with it gently from the chin upwards to the forehead.
7. Mix a teaspoonful of turmeric powder with cream, sandal powder and bengal gram flour and make into a paste and apply once a day for about half an hour before a bath.
8. This is an excellent beauty aid to keep the face fresh and soft.
9. Grate and squeeze juice out of a small piece of watermelon. Apply it on your face and leave it on for about fifteen minutes. Then wash with hot water and splash on some cold water. This lotion not only freshens up the skin but also clears the skin of its blemishes.
10. Grind a few cabbage leaves and extract the juice. Dissolve a little yeast in it and to this add a teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply it thickly over your face and neck and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Then remove with cotton wool soaked in water. This is an excellent remedy for counter-acting dry skin
11. To close pores that are open, rub ice wrapped in cotton wool gently on the face.
12. Add a little carrot juice and orange juice to a cup of milk. Rub this mixture daily on a face scarred with smallpox marks and they may disappear gradually.
13. To remove dead skin from the face, apply a mixture of glycerine, limejuice and sugar and rub gently.

Organic. All natural. Herbal. Any of these words on the label of our personal care products makes it more appealing. After all, all natural is 搃n� these days. What is not too appealing is the unnaturally high price you pay at the checkout. So, why not avoid the extra cost and make these beauty treatments at home? The result is store bought beauty without the store bought price.

Shampoo, for example, can really get expensive if you are looking for something extra for problem hair, or just to give your hair a little pizzazz. However, if you are on a budget, you may buy the cheaper brands, sacrificing the extra benefits the others provide.

A simple solution is following your usual shampoo with a homemade rinse. For shiny hair, rinse with cider vinegar, one half cup to every quart of water. If natural highlights are what you are looking for, use chamomile tea, or make your own rinse by steeping chamomile flowers in hot water, then strain. Remove build up caused by hair sprays and other products with a rinse of Witch Hazel. Whichever one you use, make sure you catch the liquid in a bowl if you want to rinse your hair more than once.

Another area that can get costly is skin care products. From toners to cleansers, the more they claim to do the more expensive they are. However, it is surprisingly simple to get wonderful results with things you may already have around the house. You might not know it, but an egg makes a good mask. To tone and tighten, use a beaten egg white. Apply to your face and then rinse it off after it dries. To remove excess oil, the egg yolk can be whipped and mixed with six tablespoons of honey to make a peel off mask.

A refreshing facial is as simple as pouring boiling water over chamomile flowers in a bowl. Just hold your face a few inches above the water and let the steam work its magic. (You can do this, and then later use the liquid for your hair.) If you need an astringent after your facial, Witch Hazel is an all-natural one that can still be bought for about one half of what the name brands cost.

For an all over beauty treatment, relax in a tub full of water with one half cup of powdered milk, which acts as a skin softener. To make your beauty bath do double duty, add a cheesecloth or muslin bag filled with your favorite herbs. Soothing herbs are chamomile flowers and rose flowers. For a stimulating bath, you can use basil, bay, rosemary, or thyme. Sage and strawberry leaves relieve aching muscles and joints. On the other hand, you can make a cleansing body scrub with a handful of oatmeal and two teaspoons of sea salt.

After trying a few of these beauty boosters, you will feel like you have had the spa treatment, without ever leaving home, and, without your money ever leaving your pocket.

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Skin Protection

Skin Protection

Some ways of protecting your skin:

1. Good Nutrition: a well balanced diet is vital for the health and appearance of the skin
2. Intake of Vitamins & Minerals
   • Vitamins A, C, E and Minerals like zinc, copper and selenium act as antioxidants to trap free radical thereby delaying wrinkles.
   • Vitamin B5 helps in absorption and retention of moisture.
3. Avoidance of internal threats like alcohol, caffeine, smoking, medications and stress.
4. Combating external threats like:
   • extremes of climate – heat, cold, humidity
   • Sun exposure
   • Environmental pollution, i.e. smoke, chemicals etc.
   • 
     

Antioxidant nutrients and skin protection

Free radical damage is one of the principal mechanisms of aging. Free radicals are highly and indiscriminately reactive chemicals that can damage any structure in living cells. The most common source of free radicals is normal burning of fuel that occurs in every cell every minute of every day. (Generally, the more free radicals a species produces, the shorter its life span.) Skin suffers additional free radical damage from sunlight and pollutants.

Topical antioxidants provide some protection against environmental damage to the skin and may be somewhat effective in slowing down the skin aging. However, topical antioxidants are relatively unreliable. Their effect depends on skin permeability, other ingredients in the cream and many other factors. It appears that increasing oral intake of some antioxidants may additionally protect skin from free radicals. Keep in mind, however, that relatively little solid research has been done specifically on skin benefits of oral or topical antioxidants and much of the supporting evidence is indirect.

A very important chemical property for an oxidant is its solubility in water and fat (or oil). Basically, living organisms have two types of internal media, watery extra- and intracellular space and oily membranes that serve as partitions enclosing individual cells and various intracellular compartments. Water-soluble antioxidants are effective mainly in extra- and intracellular fluid, whereas fat-soluble antioxidants protect biological membranes. Both types of antioxidants are needed to create an effective shield against free radicals for the entire body, and skin in particular.

Solubility of antioxidants

Water soluble	Fat soluble	Water and fat soluble
Vitamin C Cysteine Methionine Selenium Glutathione	Vitamin E Vitamin A Carotenes Lycopene Coenzyme Q10	Lipoic acid Melatonin Some polyphenols Some flavonoids

Below we review some of the antioxidant nutrients and supplements which appear the most likely to produce skin benefits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a principal fat soluble antioxidant vitamin in the body. It protects cellular membranes, lipoproteins and other "oily" structures. Skin is high in unsaturated fatty acids ("oily" molecules especially susceptible to free radical damage), and can benefit from vitamin E protection (both oral and topical).

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant pigments with antioxidant properties. These substances are responsible for color in many fruits, vegetables and flowers. In addition to providing color that attracts insects or animals, these pigments protect plants from environmental stress. In addition to being potent antioxidants, some flavonoids have antiallergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been characterized and classified, but only a few have been researched. As far as skin benefits are concerned, two classes of flavonoids appear to be especially beneficial: proanthocyanins (found in grapes and pine bark) and polyphenols (found in green tea).

Coenzyme Q10, Lipoic acid, Cysteine, Methionine

Coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, cysteine and methionine are potent antioxidants. But they also play other roles that are at least as important as their antioxidant activity. See also the article about conditionally essential nutrients in this section.

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Facial Skin Care

Facial Skin Care

Facial skin care should be an integral part of your beauty routine. Your basic facial skin care should include cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, and treatment. Make sure to choose products that are easy to use and appropriate for your skin type. Everyday facial skin care needs they do the trick naturally and effectively. They key to knowing and selecting natural skin care products, lies in educating yourself on the ingredients and their benefits. On this page we will briefly touch on a few of the more popular ingredients.

Ingredients in Natural Skin Care Products

You cannot flip through a magazine without seeing products featuring vitamin C. Vitamin C does more than keep the colds at bay, it serves to clarify and brighten the skin tone. Grape extract is similar to Vitamin C, while white birch extract and carrot oil help to reduce the look of fine dry lines.

When it comes to supplying hydration nature does not disappoint. Glycerin, shea butter, and borage oil are commonly called 'moisture magnets'. They help attract and draw moisture from the air into the skin. Avocado oil, beeswax, and almond oil also offer deep hydration to the skin.

Wait what about those of us who suffer from an over abundance of oil and breakouts? Seaweed extract is a popular ingredient in oil free moisturizer and treatments. It helps to control excess oil production. Kaolin Clay is often used in masks and blemish products to dry out blemishes. If your skin is red and irritated you may want to try beauty products with licorice root or chamomile. Most of all we can't forget the natural skin care products biggest feature, anti-oxidants. Some of the biggest contenders are vitamin E and green tea extract; they help to protect skin against harmful environmental damage.

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Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin care is an important topic for many people. Why? Unfortunately, it is because sensitive skin is fairly common in today’s population.


Sensitive skin is a condition that can be quite vague. For example, some people do not care for their skin properly or use harsh products. Usually, this results in some sort of ailment, leading the individuals to think that they have sensitive skin.


However, the above example is not the type of problem that this page is concerned with. Instead, this page deals with individuals who have skin reactions with only minor exposure to some sort of irritant. In this situation, the skin condition is very frustrating because the individual may be following healthy skin care procedures, but yet still suffer problems.


So then, what is sensitive skin? This condition is difficult to define. Dermatologists view it one-way, scientists another, and affected individuals another way as well. However, in general terms, sensitive skin can be defined as skin that is easily irritated and the results can range from mild to severe.


How do you know you have sensitive skin and require sensitive skin care? This is another difficult question. In fact, dermatologists often have a difficult time diagnosing and treating this condition. Nevertheless, there are common signs or symptoms that lead one to conclude that they have sensitive skin.


Once it has been established that your skin is more sensitive than the average person, the next step is to deal with it. Unfortunately, many individuals get very frustrated with this problem. They don’t seek professional advice for sensitive skin care because this is a very difficult condition to cure or even manage.


First of all, a dermatologist or doctor should be consulted to determine if the sensitive skin is a result of a more serious underlying health problem. If no other problems are found, then it becomes a situation where a dermatologist may try different sensitive skin care treatments to ease the condition. However, many times this is not enough. Individuals need to note on their own what triggers a reaction. They need to keep a close account of skin products they use, what they eat, etc. and come armed with this information when visiting a specialist. Treatment also involves the individual managing their own condition by eliminating certain irritants or trying different products after consultation with a doctor.

There are various skin diseases (or conditions) that can be linked to sensitive skin. Examples of these are: urticaria, dermatographism, and rosacea. These conditions tend to be present in individuals with overly sensitive skin.

Manufacturers have taken notice of this problem. There are many sensitive skin care products available. Experimentation with a variety of these products is the best way to find what may or may not work for you.

Below are hypoallergenic dry sheets and an example of a senstive skin care product. These are a must for anyone with sensitive skin. In fact, even those without sensitive skin will get benefits from these sheets. You get all the benefits that dryer sheets provide without the many chemicals that are present in regular dryer sheets.

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Types of Urticaria

Types of Urticaria

Urticaria describes a skin condition that is characterized by the development of various types of extremely itchy and swollen red bumps or patches on the skin. These patches or hives may appear suddenly as a result of the body’s adverse reaction to certain allergens. The skin on any part of the body including the face, lips, tongue, throat or ears is vulnerable to this condition. The hives that appear can vary in size and can last for only a few minutes or for several days.

There are several different types of urticaria. Although the different types are all related, they do produce varying symptoms. Sometimes an individual may have more than one type. Described below are descriptions for acute, chronic, drug-induced, and physical urticaria.


ACUTE

Acute urticaria usually becomes evident a few minutes after contact with the allergen. The reaction may last from a few hours to several weeks, but usually less than six weeks. Typically, the hives are evident only for a few days. Reactions as a result of food allergens typically cause the acute form of this skin problem, but for about half the cases the cause is usually not found. Common foods that act as triggers are: shell fish, nuts, eggs, fish, acid derivatives, and certain food dyes. Other allergens can be antibiotics, bee or wasp stings or skin contact with certain fragrances.

This type of urticaria can occur with anaphylaxis – a severe allergic response leading to difficulty in breathing and possible death.




CHRONIC

Chronic urticaria is characterized by hives that appear daily or almost daily for at least six weeks or more. Visually, both acute and chronic forms of the disease are the same. The problem is that the chronic form can persist for a long time. More severe cases can last up to 20 or more years. An identifiable cause for the problem is rarely found.



DRUG-INDUCED

Drugs that have caused allergic reactions manifesting as urticaria include: aspirin, penicillin, sulfonamides, anti-convulsants, and anti-diabetic drugs such as suphonylurea.


PHYSICAL


Dermatographism or Dermographism

Dermatographism is the appearance of wheals or welts on the skin as a result of rubbing, scratching, or firm stroking of the skin. It is the most common form of physical urticaria. The skin reaction usually appears soon after the rubbing and disappears within 30 minutes.



Pressure or Delayed Pressure

This type can occur immediately after a pressure stimulus or as a delayed response to sustained pressure being applied to the skin. In the delayed form, the hives only appear after about six hours from the initial application of pressure to the skin. Generally, these hives are not the same as those found with most urticarias. Instead, the swelling in the affected areas is typically more diffuse. The hives may last from about 8 hours to three days.

The source of the pressure on the skin can be from tight fitting clothing, belts, bra straps, walking, leaning against an object, standing, sitting on a hard surface, etc. The areas of the body commonly affected are the hands, feet, the trunk, the buttocks, legs, and the face.

Although this appears to be very similar to dermatographism, the main difference is that the raised skin areas do not appear quickly and tend to last much longer. This form of the disease is rare.



Cholinergic or Stress (Adrenergic)

This form is fairly common and occurs with exercise, sweating, or any activity that leads to a warming of the core body temperature such as warm or hot baths or showers. The hives that are produced are typically smaller than the classic hives. In severe cases, hundreds of tiny red itchy spots appear on the skin with exercising, when the individual is warm or when the individual is stressed. The red spots appear rather quickly and remain for about 60 to 90 minutes on average.




Cold

Cold hives are caused by exposure of the skin to cold temperatures. In particular, the hives appear on the skin areas that have been exposed to cold, damp, and windy conditions.




Heat

This rare form is triggered by the application of heat on the skin. Hives develop within 2 to 5 minutes on the area of the skin that was exposed to heat. The hives usually do not last more than an hour.



Solar

This is a rare form of the disease and is caused on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. The skin condition becomes evident within minutes of the sun exposure. After the individual is no longer exposed to the sun, the condition starts to fade within a few minutes to a few hours and rarely lasts longer than 24 hours.


Water(Aquagenic)

This type is very rare and occurs upon contact with water. The reaction is not temperature dependent and the skin appears similar to cholinergic form of the disease. The appearance of hives is within 1 to 15 minutes of contact with the water and can last from 10 minutes to two hours.

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Treatment for Oily Skin

Treatment for Oily Skin

Is it necessary to find a TREATMENT FOR OILY SKIN? After all, oily skin is not always a negative thing. For example, oily skin ages at a slower rate than other skin types such as dry skin. Over time, less wrinkles and fine lines develop in the skin. In addition, oil production decreases with age, so why worry about it now when eventually it likely won’t be a problem?


Despite some of the advantages of having oily skin, there are disadvantages as well. Skin with excess oil or sebum on it mixes with dead skin cells, dust, and dirt and then plugs skin pores. If bacteria are also present around the skin pores, they can get trapped in the pores and cause inflammation, redness, and swelling of the affected area. This results in acne – blackheads, whiteheads, and other skin blemishes and possible scarring of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to take action now and pursue a treatment for oily skin instead of waiting for age to solve this skin care problem.

A suitable treatment for oily skin involves three major steps:


•properly cleansing the skin to remove the excess oil or sebum as well as dead skin cells and accumulated dirt
•disinfecting the skin and mopping up any remaining excess oil
•moisturizing the skin

Cleansing the Skin

In any treatment for oily skin, the most fundamental and key step is to properly cleanse the skin. Proper cleansing involves the removal of excess surface oil from the skin without removal of lipids or oils within the skin. These lipids are necessary for healthy skin and need to be retained. If too much oil is removed out of the skin, then this will simply make the oily skin problem worse because the sebaceous or oil glands get stimulated to overproduce oil. A good cleaning of the skin also prevents pores from getting clogged and kills acne-causing bacteria thus preventing acne blemishes from appearing.

To wash the skin, use a cleanser with a mild synthetic detergent (specially formulated for skin use) that is oil, wax, or lipid free. The cleanser should clean without drying the skin. Some suggest using mild soaps such as Ivory or a pure natural soap with no artificial additives to remove the surface oil on the skin. Whichever substance is used for cleaning, only wash the skin two to three times per day at the most. Too much washing will dry out the skin and stimulate overproduction or oil. Use warm water for washing. Water that is too hot will dry out the skin and cool or cold water is not effective in removing surface oil from the skin. Lightly massaging the cleanser or soap on the skin is best. Do not rub too hard.

Washing the skin with harsh soaps is not an effective treatment for oily skin. These harsh products will not only irritate the skin, but also definitely strip lipids from the skin and stimulate overproduction of oil. Avoid the use of heavy cleansing creams or greasy products as well in a treatment for oily skin.

Some cleansers use low concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and retard the production of sebum. Cleansers may also be lightly medicated or contain an antibacterial agent to kill bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can often be found in these types of facial cleansers.

Exfoliation or the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin is a key factor in the treatment of oily skin. This process prevents pore clogging, helps remove trapped oil within the sebaceous or oil ducts, and makes larger pores that are present with oily skin appear smaller. Exfoliation also acts to unclog pores, which is key in preventing skin problems such as acne. As part of the skin cleansing process, exfoliation should be performed two to three times a week or daily if it is done mildly. Exfoliants can be incorporated into the cleanser itself or can be performed using exfoliating pads such as glycolic pads.

Lathering cloths or pads for the face are becoming popular as a skin cleansing method and as a treatment for oily skin. These cloths can be formulated to meet the specific needs of different skin types and so there are cloths that are available for oily skin. These products provide excellent skin cleansing. They contain a low level of surfactants and therefore are mild for the skin. Often these cloths also contain conditioning agents for the skin to improve overall skin health. The availability of different cloth textures allows for exfoliation of the skin while cleansing. Use of lathering cloths can be very convenient as a treatment for oily skin because they combine many of the key elements necessary for skin cleansing all in one package.


Astringent or Toner

After cleansing, the next step in a successful treatment for oily skin is to use an astringent. An astringent or toner, as it is commonly referred to, is an important part of the cleansing process. The purpose of an astringent is to contract, firm or tighten the skin, strengthen the skin, and all these factors lead to the reduction of oil secretions from the skin. In addition, toners lower the pH of the skin after cleansing and can be used to provide extra cleansing by removing excess oil form the surface of the skin.

An astringent or toner can be used right after the cleansing step or can be used throughout the day (by using astringent pads) to quickly remove excess oil from the skin and help control the oily skin problem. It can be used over the whole facial area, but generally it is recommended that this substance be used on the most oily skin areas only.

Toners for the treatment of oily skin usually contain alcohol, but look for those that contain acetone as well. Rubbing alcohol can also be used, but it may be a little too harsh for individuals with more sensitive skin. Sensitive skin individuals can try witch hazel, which is less harsh on the skin. Alcohol can dry out the skin significantly. For individuals with very oily skin, this is not a problem. However, those people with less oily skin may experience significant dry skin if astringents or toners are used too often. If your skin is getting too dry, then reduce the number of times a toner is used.

Non-alcoholic astringents are not as effective as a treatment for oily skin, but better for individuals with sensitive skin.



Moisturizer

The final step to properly finish off the treatment for oily skin is to use a mild oil-free, wax-free, and lipid-free moisturizer. This is necessary to combat the drying effect of the cleanser or toner. Frequency of use depends on the degree of skin oiliness. In general, very oily skin may not need extra moisturizing.


Use of Clay Masks

Another treatment for oily skin is to use a clay mask approximately one time per week. A clay mud mask can be an effective natural way of clearing away excess oil from the skin without excessively drying the skin as occurs with some chemical products. As the clay mask dries after it has been applied, it effectively absorbs the excess oil from the surface of the skin, along with dirt and dead skin cells. In addition, it tightens the skin pores and prevents them from getting blocked.

Some people claim that clay masks are very effective in drawing out impurities resting deep within the skin pores. However, many dermatologists claim that such masks do not extract contaminants and excess oil deep within the skin pores even though they do think that clay masks are a useful treatment for oily skin.

Darker clay or dark brown mud masks are more effective at absorbing oil from the skin. For people with sensitive skin, the white or rose-colored clay masks may be a better choice because they are gentler on the skin.




Other Tips for the Treatment of Oily Skin

Below are some additional tips that may be helpful in the treatment of oily skin.


•ensure that the skin care products used are oil-free (water based non-comedogenic) or chose cosmetic and facial care products that are specifically designed for oily skin
•experiment to find the right oil free skin care products for you because everyone’s skin is different
•makeup for oily skin is not a treatment for oily skin, but instead is designed to soak up excess oil so that makeup remains unaffected
•always remove make-up before going to bed as an essential part of any treatment for oily skin
•avoid rubbing or touching the oily skin when you are not cleaning it; otherwise, you may clog the skin pores and cause acne
•for those in need of them, dermatologists can prescribe stronger products for oily skin: vitamin A creams, retinoids, sulphur creams, etc.
•topical vitamin derivatives with tretinoin and isotretinoin can be prescribed by a dermatologist to tackle sensitive oily skin
•follow a proper diet as a treatment for oily skin: eat plenty of fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts in order to prevent a B2 and B5 deficiency that can cause oily skin
•stop smoking, since smoking enlarges skin pores and allows the secretion of more skin oil to the surface of the skin
•relax, exercise regularly and get enough sleep, because stress affects hormone levels which in turn stimulates the oil producing sebaceous glands
•where possible eliminate the causes of oily skin as a treatment for oily skin.

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Oily Face Causes

Oily Face Causes

An oily face or oily skin in general is a skin care problem for many individuals from any age, race, or gender.

The face usually experiences this skin problem in the forehead region, along the nose, and along the chin. In these areas of the face, the oil glands are bigger and more active. The neck, chest, and back areas also have many active sebaceous glands and oily skin can be a problem in these areas as well.


Visit the link: oily face signs to help you determine your skin type and whether you have oily skin.


To properly care for oily skin, it is important to understand the reasons why oily skin occurs in the first place. In some cases, it is possible to avoid the causes of oily skin, whereas in others the individual may be stuck with this skin care problem for life.

An oily face or oily skin occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily compound produced naturally by oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, in the skin. In the right amounts, this oil functions effectively to moisturize and protect the skin from the harsh environment we live in. However, in excess amounts, sebum will cause skin care problems. Most notable of the skin care problems are acne and acne related blemishes.


Let us take a closer look at why many people have an oily face or oily skin problem.


Genetics

Our genetic make-up determines how much oil our sebaceous glands will produce. As a result, the skin of some individuals will naturally produce more oil than others. If oily skin is a common problem in the family, then the odds are that you will also have the same skin care problem. There is not much that can be done because this condition is pre-programmed into our bodies. Fortunately, as a person ages, the sebaceous glands produce less oil and an oily face or oily skin becomes less of a problem.

Hormones and Hormone Imbalances

Certain hormones act on the sebaceous glands and stimulate them to produce more than the normal amount of sebum. Every person is different and every person’s oil glands are likely to respond differently to hormones.

During adolescence, there is a rise in the amount of sex hormones called androgens. These hormones, in addition to being responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics, also stimulate and enlarge the sebaceous glands. Therefore, the skin produces more sebum or oil and teenagers often have an oily face or oily skin. If the face or skin is not properly cleansed, then the excess oil will lead to acne, which of course is common in adolescents.

Pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills also create hormonal imbalances or changes in the levels of hormones in the body. Once again, this creates a situation where the oil glands get stimulated and produce more oil. The end result is an oily face or oily skin.

Cosmetics

If a person has an oily face, then oil-based cosmetics should be avoided. Oil based cosmetic products will simply aggravate the oily skin problem. Choose cosmetics and skin care products that are specifically formulated for oily skin. In addition, avoid greasy cold creams and lotions, which will also increase the oiliness of the skin.

Soaps and Skin Cleaning

Soaps and especially harsh soaps or high alcohol containing skin care products are not recommended for individuals with an oily skin problem. These products will disturb the skin’s natural protective layer and aggravate the sebaceous glands. These oil glands will then be stimulated to produce more skin oil, resulting in the oily skin problem becoming worse.

Washing the face too frequently also removes the skin’s essential oils and stimulates the oil glands to overproduce oil.

Diet

Some believe that certain foods lead directly to oily skin. Examples are chocolate, soft drinks, and greasy fried foods. However, there are no valid studies that connect these foods specifically to oily skin.

Nevertheless, diet still does play a role in whether you have an oily face or not. The important factor to consider is that if you have a good diet your body will function better. If your body is functioning properly as a whole, then there is a greater chance that the oil glands will also function as they should and not overproduce oil.

There is also a possible link between a deficiency in vitamin B2 and vitamin B5 and oily skin. A deficiency in these vitamins could promote the formation of an oily skin problem. Whole grains, beans, and nuts are good sources of these vitamins.

Other Factors

In addition to the factors mentioned above, an oily face or oily skin may be caused by:


•some medications can lead to an increase in production of skin oil
•heat and humidity can also stimulate oil production from the glands and lead to an oily face
•the working conditions that an individual is exposed to on a daily basis can influence the amount of oil on the face
•smoking promotes the enlargement of skin pores and therefore the skin is able to excrete more oil to the surface of the skin

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TYPES OF PROBLEM SKIN

TYPES OF PROBLEM SKIN

Problem skin can be divided into various categories. Determining which skin type your skin matches is an important step in proper and healthy skin care. For example, you do not want to pursue a skin care regiment or use skin care products for oily skin if you have dry skin. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, then you need to pay closer attention to the type of products being used on your skin to avoid possible allergic skin reactions.

Skin has its own set of characteristics that are very useful in the identification of the actual skin type. However, before examining the characteristics of problem skin, it would be useful to examine the properties of normal skin.



NORMAL SKIN

The characteristics of an individual with a normal skin type are:


•skin texture is even, soft, smooth, and plump
•the skin is reasonably firm to the touch
•the skin has good elasticity
•no red or dark patches on the skin and the skin color is fairly even
•pores of the skin are small to medium in size
•blemishes are uncommon
•in general the skin neither feels too oily or too dry
•most quality skin care products do not irritate the skin
•overall the skin looks vibrant and healthy


OILY SKIN

The first type of problem skin is oily skin. An individual with oily skin may have the following skin features:


•shiny or slippery skin appearance, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone)
•skin is course, overly firm, and thicker, beyond that of normal skin
•pores are large and visible
•pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne blemishes are present or frequently appear
•after washing, skin gets an oily build-up after only a couple of hours
•oily film on face is present after sleeping
•for women, make-up foundation only lasts a couple of hours
•flakiness around the nose area may exist due to dried excess oils
•oily skin is slow to develop discolorations such as freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles as the skin ages
•the skin tans easily
•hair is oily


DRY SKIN

Opposite to oily skin, dry skin is another common type of problem skin. The various signs given below identify dry skin:


•flaking of the skin is common
•skin feels tight (especially after washing), looks dull, and is rough
•the skin may have red patches
•in more severe cases, this skin problem will cause cracks in and bleeding of the skin
•fine lines and wrinkles are evident
•skin generally has fine pores
•few acne blemishes are present
•the skin is often itchy
•hair is dry

For more information on dry skin, please visit the following link: problem skin - dry skin care.


COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is a term used to described skin that can be both oily and dry at the same time. It is perhaps the most common type of problematic skin and looking for the following characteristics can identify it:


•the forehead, chin, and nose are oily (the T-zone area), but the cheeks and skin around the eyes can range from normal to dry
•in another manifestation of combination skin, the skin may be oily along the chin, jaw line, and temples, but dry or normal elsewhere
•skin pores are medium in size
•overall the skin appears normal and healthy, not including those small affected areas that are too oily or dry


SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin is very troublesome for many individuals. People with this skin type experience the following:


•sensitivity to cosmetics (especially those that are heavily scented)
•rashes or red blotchy patches may develop on the skin with exposure to applied pressure, wind, sun, or temperature changes
•certain skin care products also trigger rashes
•broken blood vessels and capillaries are evident under the surface of the skin
•this problem skin type usually has a fine texture
•skin has fine pores




Another element of sensitive skin has to do with sensitivity to the sun. People with this type of problem skin are generally more susceptible to sunburns. However, susceptibility to sunburns is not exclusive to individuals that have problem skin. Features such as skin color, hair color, and eye color can determine sun sensitivity.



If a person has:


•white or pale/milky skin, freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes

then the individual never tans and is more likely to be sunburned with the potential of painful swelling and skin blistering/peeling.

If a person has:


•white skin, blond hair, blue or green eyes

then the individual is likely to be sunburned, but sometimes may tan.


If a person has:


•white skin or light brown or olive toned skin, dark hair, brown eyes

then the individual is not usually sunburned, but instead usually tans.


If a person has:


•brown to dark skin, brown or black hair, brown eyes

then the individual always tans and rarely is sunburned.


Regardless of whether you have problem skin or heightened skin sensitivity, the use of an appropriate sunscreen is highly recommended when in the sun.

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OILY SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S OIL BALANCE

OILY SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S OIL BALANCE

Oily skin care is a difficult topic to address. On one hand you need a certain amount of oil on your skin to keep it healthy and young looking. Natural skin oils are necessary to prevent problems such as dry skin. Oily skin is also less susceptible to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, and freckles.
On the other hand, skin that is oily attracts more dust and dirt to the skin surface and excessive oil build-up can clog pores leading to problems such as acne breakouts. Oily skin leads to the development of larger than normal skin pores (often mistaken as acne scars) that give the skin a rough appearance. Therefore, because oily skin has some advantages, but also disadvantages, proper skincare (especially on the face) is a challenge.


As skin ages, the tendency is for dry skin to be more of a problem. However, skin that is too oily can occur at any age, for any gender, or for any race group. It is a problem that cannot be ignored.


Before discussing skin care for oily skin, it is important to identify your skin type. Is it oily or is it just normal? This is necessary information to know in order to diagnose that you actually have an oily skin problem. You do not want to treat a condition that may not actually exist.


The next step is to examine the causes of oily skin. There are many reasons why skin becomes oily. It could be genetics or diet. Understanding the causes is essential before undertaking treatments, because simply avoiding some of the causes may actually be the only treatment necessary.

When treatments are required, please take note that remedies to restore skin to its natural oil balance can vary substantially. For example, oily skin can be managed by following a set of basic treatments for oily skin care such as proper washing and use of common products for skin that is oily. However, many people prefer all natural remedies in dealing with this problem. Finally, diet and nutrition (what you eat or don’t eat) can play a significant role in a treatment plan.


Proper care of oily skin involves diagnosing your skin type, focussing on the causes, and experimenting with a variety of treatments. Oily skin is generally not a serious problem that requires a visit to a dermatologist (unless more serious complications arise). However, this condition does require proper attention to ensure your skin remains beautiful and healthy

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Dry Skin Prevention Tips

Dry Skin Prevention Tips

Dry skin prevention is the one of the best treatments for dry skin. Dry skin cannot always be prevented because of the many causes, but where possible, why not take steps to prevent dry skin from occurring. Below are some dry skin prevention tips.


Bathing




•take no more than one shower or bath daily
•avoid long bathing times (around 10 minutes is best)
•baths are kinder to the skin that showers, especially when mild unscented bath oils are used
•reduce the frequency of bathing/showering, especially in the winter months
•avoid hot water, use only warm water for proper dry skin prevention
•use a soap with a high fat content or contains glycerin or is a mild unscented moisturizing soap (e.g. Dove or Cetaphil)
•avoid the use of strong anti-bacterial and/or deodorant soaps or bubble baths
•some people will have to limit the use of any soap as much as possible because of extra skin sensitivity
•avoid scrubbing with pads, mitts, or face cloths and pat dry the skin instead of rubbing with a towel
•after shower apply moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or glycerin or petrolatum while the skin is still wet because moisturizers work better on moist skin
•avoid scented moisturizers or lanolin containing ones

When Outdoors


•cover exposed skin when whether is cold and windy
•in very cold weather, if skin is not covered with clothing, petroleum jelly should be used for protection
•in hot months, use sunscreen with moisturizer to prevent dry skin


When Indoors


•in the cold dry winter months, use a humidifier to raise the relative humidity by a small amount
•high humidity in a house during the winter, although great for the skin and your plants is not recommended for your house (see the chart for recommended settings)
•keep your thermostat at a lower (but comfortable) temperature in the winter months to prevent exposure to a lot of dry heat
•avoid the use of electric blankets because they generate dry heat







Personal Hygiene

•perfumes and antiperspirants should not be overused
•apply a moisturizer (with alpha hydroxy acids or glycerine or petrolatum) to the skin during the day as a daily prevention of dry skin technique

Diet


•avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption since these have diuretic properties
•ensure you are taking in enough water (8 glasses of water per day is generally recommended for good health and preventing dry skin)
•increase omega-3 fatty acids by consuming more cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds or flaxseed oil



In addition to the dry skin prevention tips mentioned above, visit the dry skin causes page for more tips and hints on what can be done to prevent dry skin.

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DRY SKIN CAUSES

DRY SKIN CAUSES

There are many dry skin causes, but what exactly happened to your skin for it to be in this dry, chapped, and unhealthy condition?


Skin contains oil glands (sebaceous glands) that release oil (sebum). There are also other oils or fats (lipids) at work in the skin to help prevent dry skin. The role of the sebum and these other oils is to keep skin moisture at its proper level (about 30%), so that the skin is supple, resilient, and not dry. Basically, the oils form an excellent barrier and prevent water from inside the skin cells from escaping. Water is not soluble in oil and therefore it has difficulty penetrating the fatty layer. An added benefit of these oils is that they create a barrier to external contaminants from entering the body.

Dry skin means that these essential oils and fats have been stripped away from the skin matrix, which means among other things moisture or water loss in the skin.

There are a number of reasons why skin becomes dry or dry skin causes. Sources of the problem can vary widely. Below is a list of dry skin causes.


Inherited or Genetic Factors as Dry Skin Causes


•some individuals are genetically predisposed to dry skin
•specifically they may not be able to produce enough oils as is necessary or their skin may simply be more sensitive to damage

Age


•as a person gets older (especially over 40 years old) there is a natural decrease in the body’s ability to maintain the proper production of oils and fats and this is one of the main causes of dry skin
•there is a loss of sweat and oil glands
•the skin thins, making it more vulnerable to drying and damage
•babies don’t have properly developed oil glands and therefore they are also more vulnerable to dry skin

Work or Other Activities


•any occupation that requires frequent hand washing will dry out skin
•activities such as gardening are problematic because the soil is abrasive and can dry out the hands
•construction or agricultural work, and some types of office work promote dry skin
•constant frictional irritation will lead to the skin becoming dry
•excessive air-travel because the air in airplanes is very dry is a dry skin cause

Frequent Washing or Swimming


•excessive bathing especially in hot water with harsh soaps strips away natural skin oils and is one of the main causes for dry skin
•frequent swimming in chlorinated water also removes essential skin oils and results in dry skin


Repeated Contact with Chemicals

•harsh soaps or antibacterial soaps, detergents, household cleaning products, rubbing alcohol, and solvents are all good oil strippers from the skin and can promote skin dryness
•dry skin can also be due to the use of products containing fragrances (and certain cosmetics) and lauryl sulfates
•overuse of perfumes or antiperspirants

Poor Diet


•vitamin A and the B vitamins promote healthy skin; a deficiency in these vitamins will lead to skin dryness and other skin problems
•a zinc deficiency will reduce the metabolic breakdown of fatty acids and vitamin A which are essential for good skin health
•a fat deficiency (such as not enough omega-3 fatty acids) is a problem because this means that there is not enough fat content in the skin matrix to prevent water loss

Dehydration
•dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, excessive sweating, or not enough daily water drinking can dehydrate the body and skin


Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drugs


•drugs such as diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines can dry out the skin and be dry skin causes


Smoking


•causes changes in the elasticity of the skin
•some studies have shown that the skin of smokers contains less water content


Weather

•cool windy weather with low humidity, too much sun exposure, or hot and dry climates all are dry skin causes that act quickly


Central Heating and Air Conditioning


•forced air furnaces, wood-burning stoves, and electric heaters all dry out the air and the skin
•poor household ventilation can also lead to dry skin


Thyroid Disorders as Dry Skin Causes


•can lead to reduce activity of sweat and oil glands


Skin Diseases


•allergic reactions of the skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoea, and diabetes are conditions that manifest themselves partly as dry skin

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DRY SKIN CARE

DRY SKIN CARE

Dry skin care treatments must be used when necessary to prevent dryness from robbing skin of its natural beauty and in order to maintain skin in good health.

It is likely that most people have at one time experienced a dry skincare problem to some degree either on their hands, face, or other parts of their body. However, how common is this problem? Do we really have to be concerned about dry skin care?


Twenty percent of the population suffers from a dry skin problem. That is one in five people and so, yes, dry skin is quite common. Depending on which part of the world you are from, this percentage may even be greater. It is a non-specific condition, affecting people of all ages. It is not solely a problem associated with skin aging.


Most people tend to ignore or not realize they have dry skin and this leads to the worsening of the condition. How do you know you have dry skin? Well, generally the same symptoms occur in people and this makes it easy to diagnose. The signs are usually obvious. However, the level of severity can differ substantially.
For a look at symptoms of a dry skincare problem - click here.

If you suspect you have a dry skin care problem then the next logical question is how did this happen to my once healthy skin. There are a number of reasons why your skin has become dry and the causes of dry skin are discussed here.

Fortunately, dry skin (also known generally as xerosis) usually is not a serious problem and for the most part can be controlled simply by being aware and using proper dry skincare products.


Prevention is your first weapon. Tips for preventing a dry skincare problem can be found here. Following these dry skin care recommendations is a must if you want to keep you skin healthy, but as we all know, we do not live in an ideal world. Sometimes our day-to-day demands prevent us from practicing dry skin care prevention and next thing you know, your skin is dry.


For minor symptoms, there are many effective dry skin care treatments and dry skin products. These can be pursued without doctor’s advice.

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Dry Skin Treatments

Dry Skin Treatments

Dry skin treatments are really composed of a four-pronged approach. First, you must avoid the dry skin causes or in other words avoid the factors that make the skin become dry.

Second, dry skin prevention is critical as well. Take the necessary steps to avoid dry skin from becoming your problem. Being aware of the causes of dry skin and practising dry skin prevention are important dry skin treatments even if you already have dry skin, because this condition can get much worse than it already is.

The third factor in the dry skin treatment is seeking the advice from your family doctor who may refer you to a dermatologist. When should you seek the advice of a dermatologist? It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when symptoms seem to be more problematic than just minor irritation. If you are concerned, make an appointment to discuss your dry skin problem.

The fourth factor in dry skin treatments is the use of a moisturizer. The use of a proper moisturizer (in combination with causes/prevention awareness) is an important element in dry skin treatment.

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DRY SKIN SYMPTOMS

DRY SKIN SYMPTOMS

Dry skin symptoms in people are generally the same. Skin is often driest on the arms, lower legs, and the sides of the abdomen. Other areas were dry skin is commonly found are the hands, face, elbows, and heels of feet. However, not everybody suffers from these symptoms to the same degree.

Symptoms vary depending on variables such as:


•age
•health
•geographical location (cold and dry climates producing greater symptoms)
•time spent outdoors.



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There are two categories of dry skin symptoms. Basic dry skin symptoms are due to environmental factors or normal skin aging.


Basic Dry Skin Symptoms

•skin has a rough and dry texture instead of smooth
•a loss of plumpness – skin appears shrunken or dehydrated
•skin is dull in appearance
•after showering, bathing, or swimming the skin feels and looks tight
•flaking, scaling, or peeling of the skin is quite common
•itchy feeling which is sometimes intense (so intense it may interfere with proper sleep)
•calloused (toughened) skin
•normal fine lines or wrinkles in the skin become much more visible
•severe redness, inflamed areas, or tenderness in the skin
•cracks in skin or deep cuts that may bleed which are signs of extremely dry skin.



The other category of dry skin symptoms is due to more serious conditions. These symptoms are more specific to the stated condition.

Ichthyosis vulgaris (fish scale disease or fish skin disease)

This is a condition when the skin does not shed as it normally should. Instead, skin cells accumulate on the skin surface. The disease can be inherited, but is usually not present at birth, but rather develops after a few years. It may disappear during the adult years, but tends to return as the individual gets older. Symptoms for this condition are:


•dry scales on skin surface which range in colour from white to brown
•commonly found on lower legs where scales are thick and dark
•may cause flaking of the scalp
•may also be present as deep cracks on the palm of the hands and soles of the feet.




Lamellar Ichthyosis

This is a condition that is present at birth and stays with the individual over his/her lifetime. Babies are born encased in a filmy membrane that sheds after 10 to 14 days. For individuals with this condition, it is a very disfiguring dry skin condition that causes a lot of distress. In addition to the characteristics stated above, other symptoms of this dry skin disease are:


•skin is covered in scales which are either fine and white or thick and dark
•more common on legs, but generally found all over body.



Asteatotic Eczema

Symptoms for this condition are:

•skin is dry, scaly, and with deep cracks (like a dry riverbed)
•skin in this condition can become inflamed, itchy and will bleed
•usually occurs on the shins and occasionally on the thighs, hands, and torso.

Psoriasis

Symptoms for psoriasis are:


•red skin that has dry silver scales similar to dandruff
•severe cases have cracked, bleeding skin with pus-filled blisters
•psoriasis is a chronic condition that flares up periodically although an individual may go many years without symptoms
•can occur at any age, but usually between the years of 15 to 35

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Buying Skin Care Products

Buying Skin Care Products

If you don't have time to make your own beauty products or prefer to buy from a shop, you need to know what you're spending your money on. You can pay anything for a cleanser or moisturizer, but is it worth it? In a french study of anti-aging products, a budget vitamin E anti-wrinkle cream came out top for effectiveness, despite its bargain basement price. So, before you buy, always compare prices. Economical products may not come in fancy wrapping but they can have just as many useful properties as their more expensive counterparts.



The best guide to choosing the right product is how it feels on the skin. A moisturizer should be absorbed easily and not leave a greasy film behind. It's a good idea to choose one that gives a longer-lasting effect, and is fragrance- and color-free, as additives may irritate the skin.



Cleansers are available in a bewildering range including creams, lotions, rinse-off gels, and soap-free bars. You can also buy cleansers and toners combined, which saves time and money. Soap and water cleanses off water-soluble dirt, but its alkaline nature can upset the skin's natural pH (acid/alkaline) balance, leaving it dry and tight. Also, it is less effective at dissolving oil-based make-up or removing excess sebum from the skin.



A sign of a good cleanser is that it should easily remove all impurities, such as oil, grime, make-up, and loose skin cells. Also, it should not leave a residue that can clog pores and cause spots. In general, wash off cleansers are best suited to oilier skin types and cream-based ones to drier skins. If you have sensitive skin, avoid products containing soap, fragrance, and color.



Night creams contain more active ingredients than daily moisturizers as the skin is supposedly more receptive and cell renewal more active when we're at rest. They also tend to be richer (or thicker) and this is more acceptable for night-time use. If you have oily or combination skin, your normal daytime moisturizer will probably do just as well, although night creams do have a higher concentration of herbal and vitamin extracts.



When buying skincare products, always study the list of ingredients so you know what the term is intended to do. The following are some of the most commonly used ingredients. They can be highly effective and rarely cause adverse reactions. However, if any product causes inflammation, a rash or any other unpleasent side-effect, stop using immediately and, if necessary, seek medical advice.

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Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive Skin Care

Women who have sensitive skin find that it usually dry, delicate, and prone to broken capillaries and alergic reactions such as rashes. With sensitive skin, it is important to use products designed for this specific skin type; these products are laboratory tested to eliminate ingredientss that are known to cause allergies and are often termed hypoallergenic.

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Developing A Skin Care Routine

Developing A Skin Care Routine

There are many products on the market these days that promise to give you younger looking skin, to remove wrinkles, and to perform miracles. No skin care product can do this. As it cannot penetrate below the surface of the skin, it cannot remove wrinkles that are already established, and it cannot push back the clock and eliminate any signs of ageing. But this isn't to say that you cannot improve your skin and make it look as good as you possibly can. With this in mind, it is important to develop and maintain a good skin care routine from an early age.



The most important thing to remember is to use products that are designed for your skin type. Some products, such as astringent toners designed for oily skin, will be much too harsh if used on dry skin, and moisturizers for dry skin will be too much heavy and greasy for oily skin. Once you have chosen your products, it is easy to organize a simple cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine that takes only minutes to perform both morning and night.



Morning Skin Care Routine


Cleansers are formulated to remove surface grime and dirt as well as dissolve stale make-up from the skin.



Cleanse your face thoroughly using a creamy cleanser or cleansing milk. Saturate your cosmetic sponge or a damp cotton wool with a blob of cleanser. Rub in gently using small circular movements to clean up surface grime from facial skin and throat. Cleansing should continue until there are no traces of dirt on your sponge or cotton wool. Follow up your cleansing with a mild complexion bar and water. After rinsing well, pat your face with upward and outward strokes. Blot dry, use a toner to stimulate circulation and remove any traces of leftover dirt, if any. You may now apply a film of moisturizer all over face and neck.



Night Cleansing Regime


Give your skin a chance to breath. Cleanse the face and neck using a cleanser to remove stale make-up, dust, dirt and grease which has accumulated on the skin during the day. A gentle massage will help to float out deep down make-up and other impurities. Cleansing must continue until the damp coton wool comes out clean. Cleanse your neck and remember eye make up too has to be removed very gently, using a specially formulated eye make-up remover. Be gentle while wiping clean the area surrounding the eyes and the mouth. Take care not to stretch, as lines can appear around them. Rinse off with cold water to close pores and for that tingling fresh feeling. Tone your face with a freshner. Cold mineral water is an excellent freshner. Apply moisturizing cream or a rich night cream. Lightly massage onto the skin using circular up and outward movements.



Basic Skin Care Products


Your basic skin care products consists of cleansers, freshners or astringents, face masks, face packs, toners, moisturizers and night creams.



You have a choice between chemical based skin products and off the kitchen shelf products. The latter are low cost and are natural remedies which produce excellent results. Natural remedies should be given two weeks of regular application before you question its credibility.

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For Oily Skin

For Oily Skin

Who does not want to look the best. While everybody knows that the true beauty lies in the heart of the person, one can not deny the fact that facial beauty also to a great extant helps in boasting ones confidence. If your skin is glowing and looking good, the kind of energy your inner self ozzes has no match to anything else. Its very important to give skin the treatment according to the skin type we have. The care of oily skin will be different from the care of the dry skin and like that. So, the first step is to know the kind of skin you have and accordingly give it the treatment it requires. So, here are some very valuable and simple applications that will undoubtedly work best for the oily skin.

For cleaning the oily skin

Don’t use just any other soap on your oily skin. Use mild soap to clean your oily skin. Remember using hard soap can make the skin more dry than you would like it to be.

Using cotton swab, apply rosewater on the skin 2/3 times a day. It’s a good cleanser and make the skin instantly smooth without much efforts.

Take 10-12 table spoon of raw milk (unboiled milk) and 2-3 table spoon of lemon juice. Mix them. The mixture will turn into a curd like consistency. Now take some cotton, soak it in the mixture and rub the same preparation on your face and hands gently. If cotton is not available, use your finger tips and do the same thing slowly and gently. Don’t use force as it may not be good for the skin layer. After applying the same, let it dry for about 15 min or till you start to feel stretch in your skin on drying. Now wash your face and hands with lukewarm water.

The application will make your skin soft and give it a amazing instant glow. By using a cotton swab, this cleanser can be applied on your neck also before bath.

This liquid mixture serves as good quality cleanser for oily Skin. While lemon helps reduce the oiliness, milk gives the skin a glow and makes it soft. This is also good to rejuvenate skin damaged by exposure to sun rays.

For getting smoothness and glow

Take half cucumber and grate it. Squeeze out the same. You will get an ounce of juice from this grated cucumber. In this juice, add 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 table spoon of rosewater. Stir nicely. Using cotton swabs apply gently on face and neck. Leave it for about 30 min. Once it dries, wash with lukewarm water first and then with cold water.

The above application will make skin smooth and give it a instant glow. Cucumber juice will work great on the skin. This is also good to rejuvenate skin damaged by exposure to sun rays.

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For Normal Skin

For Normal Skin

If you are blessed with normal skin, thank the god first as its relatively easy to take care of the normal skin as compared to the skin care involved in oily skin or dry skin. Its actually the kind of skin which is neither too oily nor too dry. But it certainly does not mean that you can use anything and everything on your face and to clean you face. Whatever be the type of skin, skin care require conscious efforts if you want all time fresh and glowing skin to attract compliments from one and all.

FOR CLEANING

Take some raw milk in a bowl and heat it just enough to make it tepid. Dip cotton swab in this tepid milk and rub on face, hands, neck for about 10 min. Wait for 20 min after application. Thereafter wash with lukewarm water.

The said procedure will clean the skin from deep inside and you will be able to feel the fresh ness yourselves. Its advisable not to use soap after cleaning your skin with the aforesaid application.

FACE MASK FOR NORMAL SKIN

Take about 3.5 ounces of Kaolin Clay (called Multani Mitti in local language) and soak it in water. Leave it soaked for 2 hours. In 2 hours or so, you will see that it would have soaked water completely.

Now mix it with your hands so it will become a thick paste. Remember to mix it nicely so that all the lumps dissolve. Apply this paste all over the face leaving the soft area around you eyes. Please be careful not to let the paste touch you eyes.

In winter, apply this paste on your face smoothly using finger tips. If possible sit in a sunny area for 30 min, thereafter wash with lukewarm water. In summer, apply this mask and sit in shade for 30 min.

Once it becomes dry and you start feeling the tightness of the skin, wash you face with cold water removing the dry mitti slowly. Dry your face using clean and soft towel and feel fresh.

Applying this mask once a week will work wonders for the skin.

The mask of multani mitti not only cleans the skin from deep inside but also makes it instantly feel soft.

Make sure the mitti you get has a pale color as the brownish one in color is not the right one to be used on the skin.

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For Dry Skin

For Dry Skin

Dry skin is most common. In fact rightly said, many people suffer from dry or very dry skin. This is the kind of skin which not only makes the skin look unpleasant but also can cause itchiness. Extra efforts are required to take care of the dry skin. Avoid using any soap on the face if you have dry skin. If at all required, use a soap which is glycrine/milk based. You can also use raw milk anytime to clean the skin. Milk is the best cleanser for the dry skin. Though, it will be advisable to use some home made masks as given below to clean and wash your face.

FOR CLEANING
Take some raw milk in a bowl and heat it just enough to make it tepid. Dip cotton swab in this tepid milk and rub on face, hands, neck for about 10 min. Now wait for 20 min after application. Let it become dry and get completely absorbed into the skin. Thereafter wash with lukewarm water. This procedure will help in cleaning the skin from deep inside.

Boil 1/2 cup milk and leave for 10 min. Once the milk cools down, you will find a thick solid layer deposited on the surface of the milk. Take this solid layer out with the help of a spoon. Use 1 spoon of this solid deposit. Rub on your face. Leave for 10 minutes. Then wash with lukewarm water

If you follow this procedure daily for few days, you will undoubtedly notice that your skin will not be dry anymore and start looking much healthier and younger. This will resolve the problem of dryness of the skin making it soft and silky.

FACE MASK FOR DRY SKIN
Take about 5/6 tablespoon of wheat flour. In it, add 1/8 spoon turmeric powder, 1 spoon almond oil and the rest milk. Keep adding milk till the time it becomes a smooth and thick paste. Apply this paste on your face gently using finger tips or cotton swabs. Leave it for about 10 min. Wait till it become dry and then remove the application by gently rubbing with your hands. Wait for about 20 min and then wash your face with lukewarm water.

Try using this application once every 3-4 days for good results. It offers a valuable treatment for your dry skin. While you are using this mask, avoid using soap for washing your face or else the benefits of the mask will be minimized.

In case the above application looks time consuming and you are tempted to use the soap to wash your face because of lack of time, there is an alternative available. Use paste of 1 spoon Gram flour and 2 spoons of milk. Clean the face with this paste and get instant glow.

Above application will prove to be extremely useful in cold weather when the skin gets dry. Regular use of this mask will get rid of the problem of dry skin and will instead make your skin smooth, silky and fair.

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