Style2

Style3[OneLeft]

Style3[OneRight]

Style4

How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin

The most obvious tip on how to get rid of dry skin is to apply a good moisturizing cream or lotion on your body right after taking a shower to trap the moisture.

Prefer to use body washes instead of harsh soaps. In addition, in order to keep your skin hydrated, drink adequate amount of water throughout the day.

Diet, too, plays an important role in controlling this problem. For instance, carrots, apricots, avocadoes and nuts are healthy for dry skin. Foods rich in vitamin A, C and E also recommended to keeping the skin smooth.

Moreover, include foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet as they are considered good for skin.

Plus, opt for unrefined, cold-pressed oils. Besides, limit the consumption of dehydrating beverages like tea, coffee and alcohol.

Basically, dry skin is characterized by symptoms like parched and flaky skin that looks dull.

Factors like temperature extremes, sun exposure, dry winds, nutritional deficiencies, use of harsh chemicals in cosmetics and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. contribute in making the skin appear dry. In addition, certain diseases like thyroid disorder can also cause this problem.

Given below are some more suggestions on how to get rid of dry skin
  • Taking a milk bath about once in a week nourishes and heals dry skin. To prepare this bath, add 250 grams of milk powder, half a tablespoon of almond oil and a few drops of a soothing aromatherapy oil such as lavender oil in lukewarm bath water. You can also mix oat extract. Soak in this solution for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Regularly apply calendula cream/oil, aloe vera cream, vitamin E oil, argan oil, almond oil (also reduces dark circles), avocado oil, olive, oil, coconut milk, and other similar moisturizing agents on skin. While going out in the sun, use an effective sun block, to avoid dryness, wrinkling as well as sunburn.
  • Peel an avocado, remove the pit and blend it in a blender along with two tablespoons of honey and four tablespoons of yogurt.
  • Apply this mixture on your face and neck for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water to get rid of dry skin on face. You can also add a few drops of almond oil in this nourishing mixture to rejuvenate dry skin.
  • Whip an egg white along with coconut oil and apply the mixture to cure dry skin naturally. Remember, when dealing with dry skin, do not use extremely hot water because tends to remove natural skin oils more readily. Plus, do not overuse soaps.
  • Here’s a video showing how to prepare a moisturizing face mask.
  • During night time, dampen your skin with water, pat dry with a soft towel, apply a moisturizer generously and then cover your skin with a warm washcloth to help the skin soak the moisture completely.
  • Remove the cloth after five minutes. Finally, use a tissue to remove excess moisturizer. Follow this therapy regularly about half an hour before going to sleep.
  • Using body butter is highly beneficial in getting rid of dry skin. Cocoa butter and shea butter are effective in reducing dry skin condition accompanied by peeling.
  • Application of baby oil immediately after taking a bath is valuable in the home treatment of dry skin.
  • Prepare a face mask by blending half a cup of yogurt, two bananas and a tablespoon of honey to get a homogeneous mixture.
  • Apply this on face and wash it off with warm water after 15-20 minutes. This is one of the most popular natural home remedies on how to get rid of dry skin on face, especially during winters.
  • Another homemade face mask for dry skin involves one tablespoon of milk cream, half a tablespoon of rose water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
  • Mix these ingredients well and apply the resultant paste on face and neck. Rinse it after 30 minutes. This natural face pack makes your skin smooth and glowing.
  • To reduce dryness in skin on hands and feet, blend a mixture of three-fourth cups of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries along with half a cup of yogurt or kefir. After exfoliating the skin with this natural remedy, clean the skin and apply moisturizing oil or aloe vera gel.
  • Apply one teaspoon of glycerin mixed a few drops of lemon juice as a natural cure for dry skin.
  • You can massage your hands and feet with sweet almond oil, olive oil or coconut oil about half an hour before taking a bath.
  • Keep the air in your room moisturized by using a humidifier.
When looking for tips and tricks on how to get rid of dry skin around eyes, make sure you remove the dead under eyes through exfoliation by gently rubbing the area around eyes with warm water and then apply vitamin E oil.

Home Remedies for Brown Spots

Age spots mostly appear in areas consistently exposed to sunlight (the face and backs of hands, for example), although they also are occasionally found on less exposed areas. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment in the epidermis that gives your skin its normal color. The extra melanin is produced to protect the deeper layers of your skin—creates the darker color of a tan.

Age spots are harmless. Age spots range from freckle-size to more than a centimeter across and can group together, making them more prominent. Often, age spots are accompanied by other signs of sun damage. Symptom is a skin lesion that is a painless, flat patch or macule (area of skin color change). Liver spots are the result of a "ceroid" pigment build up in the skin of older people. These latter spots are the outward signs of free radical destruction within the body. There is pre-oxidation of fats—in the cells instead of in the liver. Free radical damage produces waste materials in cells throughout the body, including the brain and liver. Liver spots do not become cancerous.

What causes age spots?

When you are exposed more to the sun your skin produces cells called melanocytes. These cells produce a dark brown pigment called melanin, because of which your skin turns darker. When you are overexposed to sunlight, the melanocytes will be produced in a higher extent. This causes in the appearance of brown, black or gray spots on your skin, which are popular as age spots. These age spots appear on every body area exposed to the skin, and they are more on your face as it is more exposed to sun than any other part.

Home Remedies to Treat Brown Spots:
  • Keep in mind that these brown spots, thought to be caused by sun damage or a nutrition deficiency, took years to form. A variation of this remedy is to rub on castor oil and take the vitamin E orally.
  • Lemon juice is a tried and tested remedy for treating freckles. Apply lemon juice with your fingers on the affected area; lemon juice bleaches the dark spots.
  • To remove freckles. Blanch and grind two almonds, mix it with white of an egg and half teaspoon of lime juice. Spread the mixture on the face and leave it on till the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.
  • Another home remedy for facial brown spots is to make a paste of different plants cobinations and apply it to your face. Grind about 100 grams of dried basil leaf, neem leaf (from the tree the Indians call "Nature's Drugstore) and mint; add some turmeric powder. Put in enough rose water to make a paste. Apply this to the age spots on the face. Also , a paste of saffron and honey can also help remove dark spots.
  • Buttermilk Dab buttermilk on the spots. The lactic acid and other ingredients in the milk are beneficial to the skin. Buttermilk has been used for generations as a skin cleanser and as a beauty aid.
Credit : Peter Hutch

Home Remedies to Cure Skin Rashes and Itching

Common rashes are often called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin; they involve changes in the color or texture of the skin including skin redness or inflammation. Common rashes are also known as skin lesions, Rubor and Erythema.

Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Some of the body rashes affect the whole body (termed as a generalized), where as others appear on discrete areas of the skin. Skin rashes can be self limiting or require medications. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics. Skin or the body rash is a common term that describes a group of special spots, an area of inflammation or altered color or texture of the skin. Skin rashes might be associated with various other symptoms such as itching, tingling, burning, pain, inflammation and sometimes, surprisingly with no discomfort at all. Belladonna remedy is useful for conditions with sudden onset that are hot, bright red, and throbbing. Rash may be accompanied by fever.

Oatmeal bath is preferred

  • Applying olive oil to the rash could provide some relief.
  • Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E oil are also helpful in combating body rash.
  • Using baking powder on the affected area is another suggestion to deal with body and back rash.

    Aloe Vera: Widely known for treating burns and sunburns, aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as itchiness and rashes. This plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties. It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.


    Chamomile Essential Oil: Has anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties that soothes and eliminates an itchy skin rash and irritations. Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. Please be aware, people who are normally allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.

    Witch hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves itching and minor skin inflammation. Also used for treating sunburns. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for about thirty minutes.

    There are natural alternatives to cortisone cream treatment for rashes. For example Eczema is often treated with cortisone cream to combat the itching. There is, unfortunately, no known cure for Eczema, but natural medicines can help reduce the symptoms of Eczema without the harmful side effects associated with cortisones and other pharmaceutical medications.

    There are many treatment of skin Rashes. Cortisone is often used to decrease local inflammation, swelling, burning and itching often associated with common rashes. Many natural remedy creams that provide instant and long-term relief rashes. The best home remedy for body rashes is to apply olive oil on the rash affected area. Belladonna remedy is useful for conditions with sudden onset that are hot, bright red, and throbbing. Rash may be accompanied by fever. Ledum palustre remedy is indicated for a puffy and swollen rash. Both the swelling and the itching are relieved by cold applications.

    Itch relief is important, because scratching can itself irritate the skin and lead to more itching, creating an itching-scratching-itching cycle. Fingernails should be kept short to minimize abrasions from scratching. Applying eucalyptus oil on the skin can be helpful or take a cotton ball or Q-Tip and apply Tea Tree Oil full strength to area that is itching.

    Tips to Prevent Sebaceous Cysts

    A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with a cheese-like or oily material. Sebaceous cysts are commonly seen on the scalp, labia, scrotum, chest, and back, but can be found anywhere on the body. A foul odor is also often present in the substance called keratin which fills sebaceous cysts. Keratin is a protein that creates the sac of cells called sebaceous cysts. The bumps or lumps you can feel under your skin are actually the sac of cells. Sebaceous cysts are often the result of swollen hair follicles, or skin trauma. The scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts, though they may occur anywhere on the body except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In males a common place for them to develop is the scrotum and chest.

    They are more common in hairier areas, where in cases of long duration they could result in hair loss on the skin surface immediately above the cyst. The main symptom is usually a small, non-painful lump beneath the skin. Small lumps or bumps that occur just under the skin of the genitalia, breast, abdomen, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body are the most common symptom of sebaceous cysts. Sebaceous cysts may occasionally become infected and form into painful abscesses. It is important when sebaceous cysts are surgically removed that the entire sac is excised to help prevent a recurrence. large cysts may reappear and may have to be surgically removed. If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may include administering antibiotics and then surgically removing the cyst.

    Surgical excision of a sebaceous cyst is a simple procedure to completely remove the sac and its contents. Total excision surgical technique removes the entire cyst and so prevents recurrence. Home treatment of sebaceous (epidermal) cyst, may relieve symptoms but may not make the cyst go away. Apply warm, wet washcloths to the lump for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Inject an inflamed but uninfected epidermoid cyst with a corticosteroid to help reduce the inflammation. To minimize scarring use a carbon dioxide laser to vaporize an epidermoid cyst on your face or other sensitive area. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using oil-free skin care products can help prevent milia. To prevent scarring and infection, don't try to squeeze cysts yourself.

    Sebaceous Cysts Treatments and Prevention Tips
    • Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, open (lance), or puncture the lump.
    • Keep the area clean by washing the lump and surrounding skin well with an antibacterial soap.
    • Apply warm, wet washcloths to the lump for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
    • Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using oil-free skin care products can help prevent milia.
    • Prophylactic tetracycline or erythromycin ointment is applied once, 1 hour after delivery.

    How to Choose Beauty Cream For Oily Skin

    If you're someone who routinely suffers from greasy skin, your beauty regime can be a nightmare. You might have the best exfoliation regime known to man, yet no sooner have you cleansed your face and you will feel the grease beginning to return. To make matters worse, you will be more likely to get blackheads and spots than your friends, which is a horrible situation for a grown adult to find themselves in. However there is no need to get upset; skin care science is improving all the time so there are plenty of ways you can deal with your oily skin issues.

    Choose a Good Cleanser

    Although it's unnecessary to spend all your money on exfoliating scrubs that claim to be specially formulated for oily skin, you will want pass over the face scrubs at the bottom end of the price scale, unfortunately, your face needs a little more attention than other people's and you need to buy an exfoliating scrub that is of a decent quality in order for it to work on your skin. Cheaper scrubs will also contain harsh chemicals which will only exacerbate your skin troubles. If possible, choose an exfoliating scrub that is as light as possible, you will eliminate the chance of them clogging your pores even further.

    Make Sure you Moisturise

    An important thing to remember is that even though your skin may be greasy, it can still become dried out and needs to be moisturised the same as everybody else's skin. The best choice for someone with your skin type would be an oil-free moisturiser, which will not add to the existing oil levels in your skin. Choosing an anti-septic moisturiser with added ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus or aloe vera can also be a good idea as they have the ability to reduce the amount of grease residue on your face.

    Get Yourself Some Toner

    Toner is one of the best skin care products to use if you have oily skin. Toner will not only cleanse your pores, but it will also tighten them up, meaning it's much more difficult for dirt and grease to get lodged in them and you'll be less likely to get spots and blackheads as a result. The great thing about toner is that there is a wide variety out there. Try to find one that doesn't put your skin under much stress; some solutions are made especially so they don't contain much alcohol and won't put your skin through unnecessary wear and tear.

    Try Different Makeup

    If you're susceptible to outbreaks of greasy skin, it may be your makeup that is causing the problem. Don't panic though, this does not mean that you can never wear cosmetics ever again, it just means you should change the types you are using.

    Credit : James P Parker

    Dos and Don'ts for Naturally Glowing Skin

    The first signs of a beautiful skin are - soft, smooth and glowing. To get a flawless skin, here are a couple of skin care dos and don'ts to follow.

    Dos
    • Wear makeup with the most natural ingredients possible. Mineral makeup provides flawless coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. Fewer ingredients often means the makeup's better for your skin.
    • Exfoliate regularly. Once a week works for most. If you have oily or combination skin, use a chemical exfoliator like glycolic or salicylic acid. Those with normal or sensitive skin will reap the greatest benefit with a microdermabrasion formula exfoliator -- the kind with little beads that scrub your face.
    • Use eye cream every day! The skin around your eyes is very thin and fragile. Protect it with an SPF 30 eye cream.
    • Eat and drink healthful foods. Great skin starts on the inside. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated, and ingest lots of antioxidants like those found in green tea and foods high in vitamins A, E, C and beta carotene. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage. (Bonus: Antioxidants also help protect against cancers and heart disease!)
    • Follow a regimen regularly. Caring for your skin should be a twice-daily occurrence. Don't be slapdash about your regimen or follow it only sporadically and expect to see any lasting results.
    Dont's
    • Smoking prematurely ages your skin at a rate second only to sun damage. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, blocking the flow of oxygen to your skin.
    • Forget to wear sunscreen! Make your moisturizer do double duty and wear one with an SPF of at least 30, even in the winter, and even if you are only outdoors a few minutes a day.
    • Forget your neck, chest and hands. These areas age the fastest and are all but ignored in our skincare routines. Sunscreen, exfoliation and moisturization are just as important in these areas as they are on your face. Look for anti-aging ingredients like vitamin A, kinetin, copper and vitamin C.
    • Overdry your skin. Many women make the mistake of staging a full-scale drying assault on their entire faces when confronted with a pimple. This only makes the problem worse. When skin is stripped of all its natural oils, it produces even more sebum to make up for it. This substance is what clogs pores, causing pimples. A gentle cleanser and regular exfoliation is kind to your skin, yet effective enough for most women -- but do see your dermatologist if you feel you have an acne problem.

    Basics of Skin Lightening

    If you want to have a whiter radiant complexion, what you need to do first is understand the basics of skin whitening in order to determine what product is best for you depending on your type of complexion and the results you want to achieve. Here are some basic factors of skin lightening you should consider.

    EXFOLIATION involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the outermost surface. Exfoliation can be achieve through mechanical or chemical means. Mechanical process involves physically scrubbing the skin with abrasive materials such as sponges, loofahs and microfiber cloths. While chemical exfoliants includes scrubs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes and malic acids. Chemical exfoliation may also involve the use of products alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)or enzymes that act to loosen the glue like substance that hold the cells together. This type of exfoliation is recommended for people treating acne.

    LIGHTENING the practice of using chemical substance in an attempt to lighten skin tone by lessening melanin in our skin. Several substance have been know to be really effective in whitening the skin, while some contains toxic chemicals or have questionable safety issues. Many skin whitening treatments used a combination toppical lotions or creams containing melanin inhibiting ingredients along with a sunscreen and prescription. Kojic acid which comes from the Japanese rice wine, is a natural skin lightening substance. Research shows that Kojic acid is proven effective for inhibiting melanin production in our skin. Many cosmetics and skin care companies use Kojic as the main ingredients in their products. Vitamin c is also considered an effective antioxidants and help to lighten skin.

    MOISTURIZING this is essential to the skin especially if you have dry skin. Moisturizers are a mixtures of chemical agents especially design ed to make the external layers of the skin softer and more pliable. It increase the skin's hydration by reducing evaporation. Moisturizers can be used to prevent the skin from becoming too dry or oily. For dry skin the most appropriate moisturizers are heavier, oil-based moisturizers that contain ingredients such as antioxidants and grape seed oil. For oily skin, water-based moisturizers are preferable as there is less risk of comedo formation.

    SKIN PROTECTION This is the most important factor of skin whitening. The most important ways to take care of your complexion is to protect it from the sun. The heat of the sun can cause many skin problems, such as premature aging, production of melanin in our skin's surface which result to skin darkening and other major problem. To avoid this, you should wear skin protection when you go outside use a lotion with sunscreen to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. Always use a sunscreen that has spf 15 or higher, with broad spectrum and water proof or sweat proof to avoid dust sticking into the skin pores.

    By following these simple steps and taking care of your skin regularly, it's not impossible for you to achieve a beautiful, radiant and younger looking skin.

    How to Get Radiant Skin

    Healthy skin radiates with happiness. Clean and glowing skin attracts eyeballs and hides your age. Here are some handy tips for healthy skin. Find out the differences in skin cleansing methods that will work for your skin.

    How to scrub

    Scrubbing can be done as a weekly ritual. The agent needs to be applied to the skin and massaged gently for 5 minutes followed by washing the face. It can be combined with steaming the face to remove blackheads. This needs to be followed by toning to close the pores and finally moisturizing should be the final step.

    What are the side effects of scrubbing?

    Scrubbing can cause increased skin dryness if overused. It can cause redness of skin and irritation. Sensitive skin can break out into a rash.

    How to use face masks

    The mask should be spread evenly over the skin surface avoiding the eyebrows and the hairline and left to dry. Some masks are to be removed after 15 minutes while others are designed for overnight use. Carefully follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

    What are the side effects of face masks?
    These masks can cause burning sensations if over-used and hence a patch test over the neck or the forearm before applying on the face is recommended.

    Home remedies to exfoliate your skin:
    • Tomatoes-for oily skin
    • Almonds-almonds soaked in milk and ground to a paste serve as a good exfoliator and lightening agent.
    • Oats-ground oats in milk serve as a good exfoliator for people with open pores.
    • Sugar and lemon-sugar helps for scrubbing and lime helps in lightening the skin.
    • Besan(Gram flour)-This is a common kitchen ingredient and helps for exfoliation. It works better when mixed with turmeric which is a lightening agent
    • Sea salt-sea salt when mixed with 1 spoon of yogurt can be a good scrubber for dry skin.