Sunday, October 23, 2011

Homemade Beauty Recipes








Stretch Marks

Natural Products You Can Prepare at Home

 

They are not hard, what you need is... ingredients. Most of them you should easily find in store near you:

♥Home Remedies for Stretch Marks♥

Going further, the reason these annoying lesions appear on your skin is due to the breakdown of collagen and damaged elastic fibers below the epidermis layer of your skin. Now that we’ve covered the basic causes of stretch marks, let’s move a little deeper into the subject and also talk about how you can treat them.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Common reasons why stretch marks form are due to:
  • pregnancy,
  • losing weight too quickly,
  • gaining weight rapidly,
  • hormonal imbalances/changes,
  • puberty,
  • growth spurts,
  • bodybuilding.
Stretch marks are visible linear scars that pop up on your body where the skin is too thin due to the aforementioned breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers damage. The skin cells are no longer able to bounce back from extreme stretching, thus causing the dermal layer of skin to develop tears that appear as scars on your skin.
The areas of the body that are most affected by stretch marks include the thighs, abdomen, arms, hips, breasts, back, buttocks and the area around belly button. When striae firsts begins to form, it usually appears red, and then turns white over time.

Treating Stretch Marks

There are topical creams, ointments, and oils that claim to remove stretch marks or reduce their appearance; however, these products can cost quite a bit, and hardly deliver on the promises. There are also laser treatments available, but this too is very expensive.
Because stretch marks are scars, there is little chance of getting rid of them completely. So you should avoid wasting money on products that claim to eradicate stretch marks completely, and have realistic expectations when it comes to topical treatments. Using topical treatments requires discipline, and they may even need to be applied more than once a day. But they do have the potential to improve stretch marks’ appearance.
Treating only the symptoms associated with stretch marks or scars will not help lessen the appearance of striae. Furthermore, dry skin can sometimes appear around area of stretch marks; however, dry skin isn’t the cause of stretch marks. It’s also worth mentioning that moisture is good for your skin, but it won’t make a dent in the removal of stretch marks since the marks start deep within the skin’s layers.
Dermabrasion, or laser treatments for stretch marks, only affects the surface of the skin. This is not enough to penetrate deep into the dermis, where the tears have formed in elastic fibers. These treatments may be able to improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the side effects are redness (erythema) and/or scaling on the skin.
One stretch mark treatment that’s overlooked is eating better/keeping a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle, and there are hundreds of benefits to eating better, including keeping stretch marks at a minimum.
Along with a healthy diet, you should be drinking plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will allow your body to function properly, meaning your skin cells are more likely rebuild areas that need repaired. The minimum amount of water needed to stay hydrated is five to eight 8 oz. glasses a day. An easy way to maintain a healthy diet is to eat one cup of fruit or vegetables with a glass of water before each meal. This helps reassure that you are getting healthy nutrients into your body while staying fully hydrated.
Be sure to supply your body with plenty of vitamin A, C and E, as well as zinc since these nutrients help your skin flourish. You’ll be able to find these vitamins and minerals in raw fruits and vegetables, in addition to fish liver oils, leafy greens, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fish. By adding more of these things to your diet, you’ll increase your skin’s ability to heal itself.
In some cases, if you’re taking medication such as oral contraceptives, you could be lacking essential nutrients needed to keep your body healthy; consult your doctor about any concerns here. Physicians will be able to prescribe or suggest dietary supplements to counterbalance the nutrients you may be losing to the medications.

Home Remedies to Remove & Treat Stretch Marks

Homemade stretch mark creams can be used to treat scars, and are also great for other areas of your body that need special attention. You can use these recipes to make extra hydrating lotions that can be applied to stretch marks, dry elbows, knees, hands and/or feet.

Cocoa Butter and Oil Cream / Stretch Marks, Home Remedy #1

One of the most effective ingredients in improving the appearance of skin is cocoa butter. This is the main ingredient in the following skin cream for treating stretch marks. Using this homemade cocoa butter and oil skin cream will make your skin moist, soft and supple. Here is what you’ll need to make the cocoa butter and oil stretch mark cream:
  • 1/2 cup cocoa butter
  • 1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil
  • 1 Teaspoon apricot kernel oil
  • 1 Teaspoon Vitamin E oil
  • 2 Teaspoons grated beeswax
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan, and use medium heat to melt the beeswax. Once the beeswax has melted, remove it from the heat, and pour it into an airtight container. Store the cream in the refrigerator, and use after showering, and throughout the day until you have the desired results.

Olive Oil and Aloe Vera / Stretch Marks, Home Remedy #2

Olive oil shows up in almost every beauty remedy recipe because it’s loaded with moisturizing nutrients perfect for conditioning skin and hair. To use olive oil as a stretch mark treatment, simply pour the oil onto a cotton pad, and pat the oil onto your stretch marks. To make this treatment even more nourishing, follow these instructions:
  • 1/2 cup virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
  • 6 vitamin E capsules
  • 4 vitamin A capsules
Take the six capsules of vitamin E, and the four capsules of vitamin A, and remove the liquid from the capsules into a bowl; then combine the other ingredients with the liquid from the capsules.
Blend the mixture well with a whisk, or by using a blender. This treatment can be applied to any area on your body where you have stretch marks such as the stomach, legs, arms, thighs or breasts.
Use olive oil in combination with aloe vera gel to treat your stretch marks. Aloe vera has been used widely to treat burns, but also provides positive results when used to treat stretch marks. Combine a small amount of aloe vera gel with an equal amount of olive oil, and continue to massage the mixture onto stretch marks. To get even more use out of aloe vera gel, use this recipe to prevent more stretch marks from occurring, and treat the ones that have already formed.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
  • 4 vitamin E capsules
  • 2 vitamin A capsules
In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid from the vitamin E capsules, and the liquid from the vitamin A capsules. Mix the remaining ingredients with the vitamin liquids. Massage into your skin to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Vitamin C and Sugar / Home Remedy for Stretch Marks #3

Use natural white sugar to exfoliate the problem areas of your skin for 3-5 minutes daily. This will remove the dead skin cells, and encourage more skin cells to develop.
This works best if you exfoliate while in the shower. When you’ve finished your shower, take two vitamin C tablets and crush them as finely as you can. Use a small mixing bowl to combine your daily moisturizing lotion and the vitamin C tablets together. Apply the lotion and vitamin C mixture as usual, focusing mostly on your stretch marks. Now saturate a cotton pad or ball with olive oil, and dab onto your stretch marks.
By using this treatment and the previously mentioned ones, you’ll go a long way towards reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally

As you grow old, freckles and dark sports may start arising. The skin tone changes with time and it does not remain as light as it used to be. Constant exposure to sun can also result in a darker complexion. These undesirable changes can be very frustrating if you are not ready to embrace them.
The good news is that you can lighten your complexion in natural ways. Restoring the natural glow of a weather-beaten skin is possible in easy ways.
Below you will find a compilation of useful natural whitening tips:

Natural Skin Lightening Methods

 

 

Prepare a Natural Skin Lightening Cream

Lemon juice and egg white can be used to create a natural skin lightening cream at home.
  1. Take equal amounts of egg white and lemon juice.
  2. Mix these two and heat them on a small frying pan. Wait until the mixture turns semi-solid.
  3. Now remove the paste from the pan and keep it inside a jar. Let the jar cool down in a refrigerator.
  4. Apply the paste on your skin and wait until 15 minutes before rinsing.
It is very effective for removing sun tan. Use this cream every day until you get the desired skin tone.

Use Sunblock Regularly

In the morning, wash your face and apply the moisturizer. The layer of moisturizer on your skin will protect you from sun for a long time. It will prevent undesirable changes in skin tone.
Also, sunblock prevents many other skin diseases caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. Age spots are most prominent in areas around your hands. So, remember to apply sunblock regularly in these areas.

Exfoliate at Least Once a Week

Get rid of dead skin cells by exfoliating at least once a week. Exfoliation is more important if your skin is developing dark spots, freckles and skin damages due to old age. Dead cell removal naturally lightens your skin complexion. The skin will also appear brighter as you continue with this practice for over a month.
  1. Take two tablespoons each of brown sugar and oatmeal and mix them with a quarter cup of milk.
  2. Thoroughly stir the mixture until you get a semi-solid paste.
  3. Start scrubbing your face slowly by using this paste. Be as gentle as possible. Scrubbing shouldn't result in further skin damage.
  4. When you are finished with scrubbing, rinse your face with clean water and apply a moisturizer in the end.

Use Homemade Skin Lightening Mask at Least Once a Week

Homemade masks are most commonly used to lighten skin in a natural way. Apply the mask and relax comfortably on the couch or watch TV. Using homemade mask at least once a week will produce noticeable results in two or three weeks.
Preparation and application of a homemade mask is quite easy.
  1. First of all, take one tablespoon each of cucumber juice, lemon juice, tomato juice, and sandalwood paste.
  2. Carefully apply the paste on all areas of your face. Now you need to wait until the paste dries on your face.
  3. Rinse your face with clean water and apply moisture in the end.
Regular application of a homemade mask will give you a naturally glowing skin within 4 weeks.

Use Licorice Extract

A natural skin whitening component called glabridin is present in licorice extract. You can find licorice extract at your nearby health store. If not, you can search for licorice extract on some online health stores.
In the morning and evening, wash your face and apply a thin layer of this extract. Licorice extract should be applied before you moisturize the skin.
You can keep licorice fresh for a long period of time if you store it in a cool and dark place. Some people develop allergic reactions to licorice extract.
Before you apply the extract on face, apply a small amount of the extract on your arm to test for the allergic reaction.

Use a Natural Skin Bleaching Mask

It is very easy to make a bleaching mask at home.
  1. Take a glass of boiling water and steep a teaspoon dried fennel in it.
  2. Wait for at least 40-60 minutes. After about one hour, remove all herbal stuff from the glass of water.
  3. Add a tablespoon of buttermilk to this water. Directly apply the water and buttermilk mixture on your face in a gentle manner.
  4. Let the bleaching mask stay on your face for at least 15-20 minute and rinse with clean water.
Your skin is a part of who you are. It is one of a few things that make you unique and beautiful. Take a good care of your skin by following skin lightening tips mentioned above and remember to love it no matter what color it is.

For Who Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

 

 

No matter the age, your skin needs your attention. There are many products on the market, to help with many skin problems. Here we are going to find how we can deal with signs of aging and answer questions, that comes to minds of many: what skin care products for what age, important ingredients and lifestyle.

Creams for Wrinkles: Important Ingredients

Do not use anti aging cream if you do not need it. Good age to start using the cream is when on your forehead or around your eyes you will notice first lines. Most of the women start to notice them in their 20-ies (26-27 years old). That is the time when your skin has less collagen and elastin than skin used to have. Women in this age starts to lose also hyaluronic acid, responsible for hydration and skin firmness.
It's time when is good to start using some light creams with vitamins. There is no point to start using strong anti-aging products. Skin care products should provide vitamins, your skin needs in that moment. That's why using products that contain phytohormones by a 30 years old woman, won't help her, because her body still possess hormones responsible to keep complexion in good shape.
Stronger creams that contain retinol or higher concentration of vitamin C may be used in younger age as a treatment. When? When you work too much or have not enough sleep – times when your skin has not enough of oxygen and has dull tone. That's when you can use stronger creams for few weeks, but if possible, please try to get more sleep instead of using creams.

Anti Aging Cream: Best Friend Forever

When you start using anti aging cream and try to stop it, your skin will age faster. It is good to change products, each cream offers different blend of ingredients, and aging skin needs many of them.
You can switch between creams that contain retinol, vitamin C, fruit acids or phytoestrogens. It is important though, to not change products too fast. If you want a product to work, you have to use it for at least three months.

Thick Layer of Rejuvenating Cream Will Not Work Better

You can apply thick layer only if you have really dry skin, but you will have to remove the excess of cream after 5-10 minutes. Other way your skin will get too oily.

Serum is Stronger Than Anti-Aging Cream

The reason is simple: it contains more active ingredients, but it also has lighter consistency (most of the times), that's why it absorbs quickly. Evening is the best time to use serum, just before applying the cream for night. Serums do not only eliminate anti-aging symptoms, but they also brighten and hydrate your complexion, that's why can be used by younger ladies. It's recommended to use skin care serum from the same skin care line as your cream, they will better complement each other.

Some Rejuvenating Products Cure Acne

It's a good information for ladies over 30 years old, that still have problem with acne. Rejuvenating and anti-acne properties have products that contain retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids. They do not only unblock pores and regulate sebaceous glands, but they also stimulate skin to produce collagen. If it happens that you are dealing with acne and wrinkles, please visit a doctor to better decide on treatment for you.

Diet and Lifestyle Have Big Influence on Aging Process

For skin very important are substances that neutralize free radicals: vitamin E (nuts, almonds), beta carotene (spinach, broccoli, peppers, carrot), vitamin C (sauerkraut, red pepper, kiwi). To keep in balance proper skin hydration will help unsaturated fatty acids (fat fish, linseed oil, rapeseed oil).
Healthy lifestyle is also important. Women that tan a lot, smoke cigarettes or have not enough sleep – age much faster.

♥Facial Skin Tightening Treatment Methods♥

 

 

There are many methods of skin tightening used by dermatologists. In fact, there are also products you can use at home now that result in minimal skin tightening if you cannot seek the services of a doctor.
The treatments range from lotions containing anti-oxidants and a variety of vitamins and collagen producing boosters to invasive skin tightening procedures such as cosmetic surgery.
Skin tightening creams should be used throughout your lifetime. But at some point, whether you use them or not, age will catch up with your skin. Damage from sun exposure and natural aging results in a breakdown of collagen which is what gives our skin its soft and plump look. As the amount of collagen is reduced, the skin begins to sag. At that point, you may need to seek one of the other methods of skin tightening treatment.
Of course, the most radical method is cosmetic surgery. Fortunately for those wanting to avoid surgery, researchers have been busy developing non-invasive means of skin tightening. For example, a popular method is botox injections which actually relax facial muscles to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. There are several other kinds of derma fillers on the market also which are injected under the surface of the skin. These include Sculptra, Lipodissolve and Fraxel Laser treatments.
Another one of the popular methods of non-surgical skin tightening uses radio waves to "remodel" the underlying skin structure. This procedure is called Thermage. Another skin tightening procedure called Titan uses infrared light to produce similar results. Laser technology is constantly being improved and adapted to methods of non-invasive skin treatments.
Of you are interested in seeking skin tightening treatment, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist first. There are many good lotion and cream products which you can use on the face and body. As the body ages, skin will begin noticeably sagging in many places other than the face – the upper arms, thighs and abdomen area for example. When the specially designed topical treatments no longer work, there are many non-invasive procedures you can seek as the next step. Normally, surgery such as tummy tucks, facial liposuction surgery and face lifts are considered last resort options by many men and women.

Conclusion for Skin Tightening Procedures

Firstly you should use skin tightening skin care products:
  • lotions containing antioxidants
  • skin tightening creams

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