10 Top Homemade Tomato Face Packs For Fair & Glowing Skin

 

Tomato face packs are amazing for our skin and offers many skin care benefits. I have always preferred homemade face packs made with fresh ingredients that are found in the kitchen and tomato face packs are my favorite. They are my favorite because I always have tomatoes at home and it really makes my skin glow after applying it on my face. The reason tomatoes are so beneficial for skin both when taken internally and applied externally is because they are rich in carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, Beta carotene), vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin C and folates) and phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannin's). All these vitamins are vital for skin care, try to both consume tomatoes regularly and use it for skin care to get great results. Here at home, we use tomatoes in our cooking every single day, I also use tomato juice or paste in skin care extensively too. Here are the skin benefits of applying tomato juice on the face: 1. Anti Ageing Properties: Tomato juice is very rich in antioxidants and applying fresh tomato paste or juice topically fights off free radicals which prevents premature skin ageing. 2. For Treating Acne: Tomato has anti bacterial properties and tomato face packs are amazing to use on acne prone skin. It also does not irritate the skin and greatly helps treat acne. 3. For Skin Lightening: Vitamin C in tomato has skin lightening properties and helps fade scars and blemishes well. 4. For Glowing Skin: Since tomato juice is rich in antioxidants, applying it externally as a face pack makes your skin glow. 5. Removes Dark Spots: Tomato face packs are great for removing dark spots. If you have dark spots, try using tomato and lemon face pack regularly. It will greatly help. 6. For Removing Suntan: Tomato face pack are great for removing sun tan too. I would suggest using tomato and aloe vera gel combination, it works really great. 7. For Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, try using tomato multani mask given below, it will remove excess oiliness and will give a nice glow to the face. 8. For Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, use tomato, yogurt and besan face pack, it is super conditioning and will treat dry skin well. I have given some of the best tomato face pack recipes, choose them according to your skin type and use regularly at least weekly once or twice to see good results. The base for all the tomato face packs given below is tomato juice, to make tomato juice, choose fresh ripe tomatoes, cut into small pieces and grind in a mixer to a fine pulp without adding any water. Now strain the pulp to get fresh tomato juice. ...

 

5 Top Benefits Of Wheatgrass Juice For Skin, Hair & Health

 

If there is truly a miracle juice that gives us glowing skin and hair and treats many health problems, it is wheatgrass juice also called as wheatgrass shots. It is the juice got when we grind the grass of our common wheat whose botanical name is Triticum Aestivum. Since wheatgrass juice has many health benefits and is packed full of nutrients, it is rightly called the "Green Blood". Wheatgrass juice is called "கோதுமை புல் ஜூஸ்" in Tamil, "Genhu Ke Jaware ka Ras" in Hindi, "Gavankur Juice" In Marathi and "Godhuma Gaddi" in Telugu. I first came to know about consuming wheatgrass juice through one of my relatives, she is used to grow wheatgrass at home and consume wheatgrass juice regularly. She was also the one who made me aware of it's amazing health benefits. Wheatgrass Juice Nutrients: One of the important ingredients that wheatgrass juice is rich in is chlorophyll which accounts for almost 70 %. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants that gives the plant it's green color and which also helps absorb light energy needed for photosynthesis. Along with chlorophyll, wheatgrass juice is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes. Wheatgrass juice is rich in vitamins and minerals like ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotene, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, zinc and copper. A cup of wheatgrass juice has only 20 calories. Wheatgrass juice Benefits: 1. Wheatgrass Juice For Weight Loss: Wheatgrass juice helps detoxify our body naturally which helps get rid of the toxins from our body effectively. When our body is rid of toxins, our digestion is in peak order and boosts our metabolism resulting in natural weight loss. If you are on a weight loss diet, try to include wheatgrass juice in your diet, it will not only help in weight loss, it will also help prevent nutritional deficiencies that is very common during weight loss. 3. Wheatgrass Juice For Hair: Since wheatgrass is rich in all vital nutrients and minerals that are essential for hair growth, consuming a glass of wheatgrass juice daily will greatly prevent hair loss caused due to nutritional deficiencies. Since it has wonderful antioxidant properties, it will prevent premature greying of the hair too. If you are experiencing severe hair loss, I would suggest consuming wheatgrass daily. 3. Wheatgrass Juice For Skin: Wheatgrass is excellent for skin both when applied externally and taken internally. Since wheatgrass  is rich in antioxidants, it prevents free radical damage which is usually the cause of premature ageing of the skin. Since it has anti bacterial and soothing properties, it treats many skin ailments including acne, psoriasis and eczema. You can apply fresh wheatgrass juice mixed with little honey as a face pack to keep the skin glowing and youthful. 4.Wheatgrass juice For Treating Diseases: Wheat grass juice treats many diseases, it treats ulcers as it has anti ulcer properties. It is a good remedy for constipation and piles as it reduces inflammation and eases bowel movements. It treats anemia and it also treats gum diseases very effectively. 5.Wheatgrass Juice Protecting Effect: Wheatgrass juice has a protective effect on the kidneys, liver and heart. Since wheatgrass detoxifies our body and purifies our blood, people who are suffering from kidney disease and liver diseases can consume wheatgrass juice everyday. But I would kindly suggest consuming wheatgrass juice after consulting with your physician especially if you are on any medication for treating kidney or liver problems. It also has anti cancer properties. Wheatgrass Juice Dosage: Usually a cup of wheatgrass juice is the suggested amount, I usually consume one cup of fresh wheatgrass a day. Pregnant women can consume wheatgrass juice but make sure to make your own wheatgrass juice at home and it is also best to consume it after consulting with your doctor. Wheatgrass Side Effects: Some people might be allergic to wheatgrass. Generally, wheatgrass juice if consumed in the normal amounts will not cause any side effects. But if you overdose on wheatgrass juice, it will cause diarrhea......

 

3 Best Natural Eyelash Growth Serums That Actually Works!

 

I wanted to share three of my favorite natural eyelash growth serums that I use regularly. We all want long and thick eyelashes and some of us are naturally blessed with thick eyelashes. But if you are a person who has got scanty eyelashes, please don't worry, there are wonderful remedies to thicken the eyelashes and these eyelash serums are the best. We get plenty of eyelash growth serums in India but they are really expensive and some people might be allergic to the ingredients in them too. The best answer is to make your own homemade natural eyelash serums. Usually natural eyelash serums are made with castor oil as a base but I prefer herbal extracts as serums made with herbal extracts are more lighter than castor oil based serums and they are so easy to apply on the eyelashes too. Herbal extracts are also equally effective in promoting eyelash growth like castor oil. But make sure to choose herbs that are very effective for promoting hair growth. I made three eyelash serums serum with three of the best hair growth promoting herbs. The herbs I have used are rosemary, peppermint and curry leaves. All these three herbs have amazing hair growth promoting properties and they also smell amazing. It is best to make the extracts with fresh herbs but if you don't get fresh herbs you can make the extracts with dried herbs too. These serums only differ in smell depending on the herb used but otherwise they are equally effective in promoting eyelash growth. Make the serum in small batches and use it within a week for best results. To make the serum, choose from anyone of the three herbs given and make an extract out of it. Then mix the extract with fresh aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil and mix well. Both vitamin E and aloe vera gel are very safe to use on eyelashes and they help in eyelash growth too. This serum if refrigerated will last well for about 7 to 10 days and if you use them everyday, you will experience amazing eyelash growth very quickly...

10 Top Benefits & Uses Of Washing Our Face With Rice Water Daily

 

Rice water is one of the best ingredients to use for skin care and especially if we use it to wash our face daily, we will get amazing skin benefits. I love to use rice water to wash my face, it keeps my skin blemish free and smooth. What Is Rice Water? The water in which rice was boiled is called rice water. In olden days, when the concept of rice cooker was not known, rice was boiled in clay pots with large amounts of water and once the rice got cooked, the water was drained. Since rice was consumed on a daily basis, rice water was always there at home and it was extensively used for both skin and hair care. Types Of Rice Water: There are actually two types of rice water. The first is the water in which the rice was used to soak before cooking. It is also called rice water and it will be slightly cloudy as rice releases little bit of it's starch in it. The second is boiled rice water got when we drain the water after the rice is cooked. I prefer the boiled rice water as it is more creamy and thicker. Rice Water Nutrients: The important bio active compounds found in rice bran are called ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, allantoin and phytic acid. They are wonderful antioxidants and have been used in many skin creams to prevent skin ageing and to repair damaged skin. They also have anti inflammatory properties. Rice water has these amazing skin benefits especially if we use it as a face wash daily:1. Lightens Dark Spots: If you are looking for natural ways to lighten dark spots then rice water will greatly help. To lighten dark spots, mix rice water with gram flour and use it as a face wash. 2. Treats Acne: Since rice water has anti inflammatory properties  it helps reduce the inflammation greatly. If you are suffering from acne, you can just wash your face with rice water and neem mix daily. 3. Soothes Sunburn: Rice water is very very soothing on the skin and is especially great for sunburned skin. You can just apply plain rice water on the face and then wash it off. 4. Lightens Scars: Since rice water has skin lightening properties, it lightens all scars well. Though it takes regular daily use to see results, you will definitely see results if you use it daily. 5. Prevents Skin Dryness: Many commercial face washes dry out our skin as they are loaded with chemicals and preservatives but rice water is hydrating and is great to use for dry skin. 6. Cleans The Skin Well: Try using rice water as a face wash once and you will be surprised how effectively it cleans the skin. It removes grime, dirt and excessive oiliness well especially if used along with ingredients like gram flour or green gram flour. 7. Evens Out The Skin Tone: Since it helps heal scars and reduce break outs, it greatly helps even out the skin tone very effectively. I would suggest using the turmeric, gram flour and rice water mix as it evens out the skin tone well. 8. Prevents Blackheads: If we use rice water face wash daily, it removes excessive oiliness which is the leading cause of blackheads thus greatly preventing blackheads. 9. Repairs Damaged Skin: Rice water is very very healing and helps heal even the most damaged skin very quickly. I would suggest using it as a face wash along with Castile soap like given below. 10. Makes The Skin Glow: Washing with rice water evens out the skin tone, reduces blemishes and literally makes it glow. I have given different rice water face wash recipes I have tried over the years below, choose the one you like and use regularly......

 

3 Best Face Washes For Acne & Pimples You Should Try !

 

If you are looking for face washes for acne prone skin then you should definitely try these three acne face wash recipes. All these three recipes can be used for both oily and dry skin. It does not make the skin greasy so it is perfect for oily skin and it does not dry out the skin as well so people with dry skin can also use them. We get acne when our hair follicles get clogged with oil. Though acne can occur at any age, it usually happens during adolescence when there are hormonal changes. Stress and poor diet also can cause acne, I get acne when I am extremely stressed. Most of the mild forms of acne can be treated at home easily. One of the best ways to treat acne at home easily is to use face washes that has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties. We get loads of face washes in the market particularly for treating acne but we can easily make them at home without any of the preservatives, colors and synthetic fragrances. Though these face washes are homemade, you will find no difference between them and store bought acne face wash. They foam well, smell amazing and has wonderful antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties and is very very gentle on the skin. The base for these recipes are rice water and liquid castile soap. Rice water reduces inflammation, treats acne and is very soothing on the skin. Castile soap cleans well and is very gentle on the skin as it is made with olive oil as a base. I also love to add aloe vera gel in the recipe as it prevents skin dryness, it also helps reduce the inflammation very quickly. All these three acne face wash recipes use the same base and they differ only by the essential oils you add to it. Essential oils have amazing anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties and they make the face wash smell amazing too. I have given three acne face wash recipes, choose the one you like and use regularly.

 

10 Top Laser Hair Removal Benefits, Side Effects & Cost You Should Know!

 

One of the most common problems we women face is unwanted facial and body hair growth. Some of the common methods for unwanted hair removal at home are waxing, threading, using hair removal creams also called as depilatory creams and epilators. But these methods are temporary and hair starts growing within a few days again. So people who are looking for a permanent solution opt for laser hair removal. If you are planning to remove unwanted hair using laser get to know the benefits and side effects before doing it. Laser hair removal is the process of destruction of hair follicles using laser light and the results are usually permanent. How Do Lasers Work? Lasers works by a process called selective photothermolysis (SPTL), it targets only dark matter (melanin) which gives hair the dark color. When laser enters our body, it heats up only the basal stem cells that contain the dark pigment matter and it does not affect the rest of our skin. It can be used to remove unwanted hair from all parts of the body like face, bikini area, back, under arms, chin, upper lip, etc. Types Of Laser: 1. Ruby Laser: Ruby has a high melanin absorption properties making it suitable for pale skin. Because it has high melanin absorption, if used on dark skin can leave it discoloured. 2. YAG Laser: This type of laser is best for dark skinned people because it has week melanin absorption properties. Since this type of laser targets very concentrated melanin, it is not suitable for fair skin. 3. Alexandrite Laser: What sets alexandrite laser apart from others is the repetition rate making it useful for doing large areas quickly. Though it has long wave length, it still has high melanin absorption properties so it should be used carefully else it will cause skin discolouration. 4. Diode Laser: It emits light of both long and short wavelengths. This type of laser was designed for fair to medium skin types and has good melanin absorption properties. 5. IPL Hair Removal: IPL also called as intense pulsed light is not laser, it is popular because it is cheaper. IPL produces a broad spectrum of light and only some of them are effective in hair removal. They also don't penetrate deeply like laser. Laser Hair Removal Treatment: Laser hair removal treatment is a three step process of cleaning, shaving and scanning and depending on the area and thickness of the hair, a person needs multiple sittings. With each sitting, 15 to 20 % of the hair follicle gets permanently damaged and stops producing any more hair. The treatment is spaced between 4 to 8 weeks depending on the area treated. After the treatment, the treated hair usually sheds within 2 weeks and there will not be any new hair growth. Pre Laser Hair Removal Treatment Care: No natural or artificial tanning should be done 2 to 3 weeks prior to laser treatment. The use of sunscreen with higher SPF is a must before and after the treatment to prevent sunburns. Do not take any photosensitive drugs 24 hours prior to the treatment. Use of exfoliating creams and lotions that are harsh on the skin should be avoided. On the day of the treatment, perfumes, deodorants and makeup should not used on the area that is to be treated. Post Laser Hair Removal Treatment Care: Immediately after the treatment there will be some swelling and redness around the hair follicles almost like sunburn. Usually aloe vera gel that is free of color and perfume is recommended for it. You might experience the smell of burned hair during and after the treatment which is normal. Using sunscreen is a must during the entire course of the treatment. Avoid strenuous sport activities and external heat like hot water and sauna treatment for at least 3 days after the treatment and avoid sunbathing. If underarms were treated, don't use deodorants and also don't use any makeup and perfume. Don't use any scrubs or exfoliating products that might irritate the skin for the next few days. If infection sets in or there is blistering, contact your clinic immediately. Laser Hair Removal Cost: Laser hair removal costs around 3000 to 4000 rupees in India per sitting and this might vary from clinic to clinic. The cost depends on variety of factors like the density of the hair as more the dense the hair, the more number of session will be required, area of the treatment (larger the area, more number of sessions will be required) and it also varies according to the popularity of the clinic. Best Places For Laser Hair Removal: There are many skin clinics that offer laser hair removal treatment in India. Always read the reviews of the clinic and visit them before hand and talk to them about any concerns you have about laser hair removal before doing the treatment. Most of the side effects mentioned can be easily prevented if you do the treatment in a good skin clinic. You can also read the study that proves that there are very few side effects of laser hair removal here.

5 Top Ways To Use Turmeric For Skin Lightening

 

Turmeric has amazing skin lightening properties and has been used for it from ancient times in India. I have always seen my aunts and grandmothers use turmeric for skin care on a day to day basis. Almost every bathroom in our village will have a turmeric and small stone. When women go for bathing, they rub the turmeric on the stone along with the little thick rice water till they get a smooth paste. Then we rub it all over our face, massage for a few seconds and then wash it off. This simple method has amazing skin lightening benefits and always keep skin smooth and free of blemishes. Even if there are blemishes, it lightens them well. Turmeric lightens scars, dark spots, pigmentation and treats suntan really really well. This has been proven through research too, you can read about it here. The only problem with this method is turmeric stains skin yellow so I prefer to use turmeric in the form of bath powders and I like to use kasturi turmeric instead of regular turmeric. Kasturi turmeric is very fragrant and does not stain like normal turmeric so I prefer to use it instead of normal turmeric. But if you don't mind the light stain, you can use the normal turmeric too. I prefer to make my own turmeric paste at home instead of buying store bought turmeric powders. I find store bought turmeric powders stain the skin really yellow which makes me wonder whether artificial colors are added to them. To make your own turmeric paste for skin care, soak a turmeric in hot water for a few minutes. Now take a rough stone and rub the turmeric on it well along with little water till you get enough paste. This way you will get unadulterated turmeric for skin care. Since I love making my own creams and face packs, I have tried turmeric face pack, turmeric cream and turmeric oil at home. They all work well but use them regularly to see fast results. I have given all the recipes I have tried over the years below, choose the one you like and use regularly......

How To Do Facial At Home - Step By Step Tutorial With Natural Ingredients

 

Getting a facial done is one of the most relaxing things I can think off and the best part is you can easily do it in the comfort of your home with ingredients found in your kitchen. Facials have multiple skin benefits: 1. Deep Cleans: Since we use a scrub and a cleanser, facial deep cleans the skin and gives it an amazing glow 2. Removes Blackheads: Because we steam our skin during facial, it opens up the pores and when we scrub our skin later, it removes all the blackheads and whiteheads easily. 3. Hydrates The Skin: Facials are super hydrating and especially at home facials done with pure nourishing ingredients hydrates the skin very well. 4. Exfoliates Gently: After a facial, you will find your skin super soft and smooth, that is because it exfoliates the dead skin very effectively. 5. Improves Blood Circulation: Massaging improves blood circulation and since we massage our skin well during the facial, it helps improve the blood circulation resulting in glowing skin. When I was in college, I remember saving up money for getting a professional facial done. Professional facial were expensive then and now it is even more expensive. After marriage, I started doing my own at home facial with ingredients found in the kitchen. Surprisingly my skin felt very good just like it felt after a professional facial. The only thing I missed was the professional massage from experienced hands. I started learning how to do facial massage at home and now I don't miss professional facial at all. The only thing we have to remember when doing a facial at home is to plan in advance. Choose a day when you are relaxed and have plenty of time. Choose a time when you won't be disturbed and if you have young children at home, do it when they are asleep. Light a scented candle, play soft music and get the all the ingredients ready. If you keep walking to the kitchen for each and every step of the facial to get the ingredients, you won't feel relaxed at all. Follow these facial steps in the order given and after finishing off with face pack, wash your face and then apply a moisturizer. You will find your skin smooth and glowing. Continue doing this facial once every 15 days for best results....

10 Best Home Remedies To Remove Stretch Marks

 

Many of us suffer from stretch marks and though it is not a harmful condition it does cause mental distress. If you have stretch marks, there are wonderful home remedies for removing them. Stretch marks also called as striae medically is actually a type of scarring that occurs when our skin is stretched at a rapid pace. You can read about all the causes and medical treatments available for stretch marks here. Stretch marks occurrence is very common during pregnancy especially during the last trimester when the belly skin stretches, during puberty when there is a sudden growth spurt and after drastic weight loss. When stretch marks appear they appear dark in color due to the above said changes and then fade over time. Stretch marks can be found in the stomach, breasts, thighs, buttocks, breasts and shoulders. When I spoke to some medical professionals about it they all mentioned that stretch marks can be very difficult to treat but can be done if we follow the treatments regularly. Don't expect instant results, follow these remedies regularly and with time it will start fading. Unlike chemical treatments, herbal remedies for stretch marks does not have any side effects and can be used for long periods of time safely. Home remedies like mentioned below improve the collagen production and blood circulation in the skin and also helps increase the skin elasticity thus greatly helping in healing and fading stretch marks. I have given ten home remedies that are very effective for removing stretch marks, use them regularly to see good results. The time it takes for stretch marks to fade will vary from person to person but consistency is the key for removing stretchmarks naturally at home. Choose a remedy you like and use it consistently. Try not to use ingredients that are harsh on the skin like lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda for removing stretch marks. Even if you do, moisturize your skin later without fail. Personally I like massaging my skin with a blend of extra virgin olive oil, vitamin e oil and coconut oil (I have given the link to to the recipe below). To prevent stretch marks, regularly massage the skin with pure unrefined oils. It will improve skin elasticity and will go a long way in preventing stretch marks in the first place....

How To Use Rice Powder For Face & Skin Whitening | 5 Top Ways !

 

If you are looking for natural ways to lighten skin then rice powder will greatly help. Rice powder also called as rice flour is just finely ground up rice. Almost every day our skin is exposed to pollution, harsh chemicals and scorching sun light and it does take a toll on our skin resulting in dark spots, pigmentation and dullness. Instead of resorting to harsh chemical peels and creams to get back the skin to former glory it is best to use natural remedies that are gentle on the skin. One of my favorite ingredients for lightening all the scars and blemishes is rice powder, rice powder has wonderful skin lightening properties. The bio active compounds found in rice bran are called ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol and phytic acid.  They are wonderful antioxidants and have been used in many skin creams to prevent skin ageing and to repair damaged skin. Even a simple act of adding a tbsp of rice powder to bath water and soaking in it has wonderful healing properties and can greatly heal damaged skin, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Regular use of rice powder on our face and skin can improve skin elasticity, reduce roughness of the skin and can lighten our skin. When I mention skin whitening, what I really mean is lighten scars, dark spots and pigmentation. Every skin color is beautiful but it will be more beautiful if it is even toned and rice powder helps achieve it easily by lightening all skin blemishes. I have given five skin lightening remedies using rice flour that I have tried over the years. All these remedies works really well in lightening scars, pigmentation and dark spots. Choose the recipe that you like and use regularly at least weekly twice to see good results. You can buy rice flour easily in all the departmental stores in India but you can also make your own rice powder easily at home. To make rice powder, soak rice for an hour and drain water completely. Now spread it on a thin cotton cloth to get rid of moisture. Once completely dry, dry grind in a mixer and sieve to get rid of any lumps and store.....

 

How To Use Lemon Juice To Lighten Your Skin | 3 Top Ways !

 

Lemon has been used extensively in both traditional medicine and home remedies from ancient times. Along with health benefits, it has amazing skin care benefits too and is especially used for skin lightening from ancient times. Our skin color is determined by the amount of melanin present and dark skinned people have more melanin when compared to light skinned people to protect the skin against ultra violet radiation. The process of producing melanin by melanocyte cells is called melanogenesis and an enzyme called tyrosinase plays a huge role in it. Natural skin lightening ingredients like lemon inhibits tyrosinase thus preventing the production of melanin. Lemon has wonderful skin lightening properties and you will find lemon extract in most of the skin lightening creams. Ascorbic acid found in lemon inhibits tyrosine thus greatly preventing melanogeneisis. You can read the study that supports this claim here. When I mention skin whitening, what I really mean is lighten scars, dark spots and pigmentation. Every skin color is beautiful but it will be more beautiful if it is even toned and lemon helps achieve it easily by lightening all skin blemishes. I have given three skin lightening remedies using lemon that I have tried over the years. All these remedies works really well in lightening scars, pigmentation and dark spots. Lemon juice is highly acidic and can cause intense irritation if used alone so I would suggest always mixing it with other skin lightening ingredients and then using it on the skin. Also another common advise is to apply undiluted lemon juice overnight on face to lighten skin. I would suggest not to do it especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. I have used other skin lightening ingredients like strawberries, rice flour, rose water and besan in these three recipes and all these ingredients have skin lightening properties as well. Choose the recipe that you like and use regularly at least weekly twice to see results....

10 Top Ways To Remove Upper Lip Hair At Home Naturally & Permanently

 

One of the most annoying problems we women face is unwanted facial growth especially upper lip hair. Many visit beauty salons regularly for waxing to remove the upper lip hair. But upper lip hair can be easily removed at home permanently with natural home remedies and I wanted to share all of them. But what causes upper lip hair? Excessive hair growth on face and body is called hirsutism and it is caused due to hormonal imbalance and is mostly common in women suffering from poly cystic ovarian syndrome (pcos). Some hair on our upper lip is normal and is mostly genetic but if the hair growth is dark, coarse and very visible then it is highly likely to be due to hormonal imbalance. The best way to stop hair growth on upper lip is to treat pcos and you can find how to treat pcos with natural home remedies easily here. Once pcos is treated, upper lip hair won't grow as thick and coarse anymore and you can easily remove the existing hair with the remedies given below. Different ways to remove upper lip hair? Some of the common methods used for removing upper lip hair instantly are plucking unwanted upper lip hair with tweezers, waxing, using hair removing creams and electric trimmers. Finally there are homemade scrubs which helps stunt the hair growth permanently but it takes time and depending on the coarseness of the hair might take months to see results but the results are permanent. I would suggest not using tweezers to pluck upper lip hair especially if the hair is thick as it injures the skin. The best option is to use instant hair removal methods like waxing or using an electric trimmer to remove existing hair along with using homemade scrubs daily. This way we can remove existing hair and arrest further hair growth simultaneously. When you continuously use both methods, you will find hair growth gradually diminish and over time will stop completely. The time it takes will depend on how coarse your hair is. To use the below given scrubs, make it into a paste and apply as a thick coat on the upper lip. Wait for it to almost dry and then start rubbing gently in small circular motions and then remove it off. Wash your face and then apply a moisturizer without fail.....

8 Remedies To Tighten Loose Stomach Skin After Pregnancy Naturally !

 

I wanted to share tips, remedies and recipes to tighten loose skin after pregnancy. After delivery, our body changes in many ways and one of the biggest change is our sagging stomach. Don't be frustrated about it, our stomach stretches throughout delivery so give it some time to get back to it's original shape. The time it takes for our stomach to get back to it's normal shape depends on how much weight we gained during pregnancy, our fitness level and genetics also plays a main role. Here are 10 important tips that will help get rid of loose skin: 1. Dry Brushing: Dry brushing after delivery regularly helps greatly in tightening loose skin after delivery. Choose a good quality dry brush for best results, you can read about dry brushing in detail here. 2. Massage Oil: Regularly massaging your stomach during pregnancy will go a long way in preventing stretch marks. I would suggest starting the massage from the first trimester onwards, this will ensure that your skin is supple and will greatly minimize skin sagging. I have given my favorite massage oil recipe below. 3. Exercise: Do stomach strengthening exercises regularly like planks and crunches but if you have had a caesarean delivery I would suggest consulting your doctor before starting your exercise regime. 4. Don't Crash Diet: Don't try to cut down on your calories drastically, losing weight too quickly is also one of the main reasons for loose skin. 5. Massage Cream: Soon after delivery, start massaging your stomach everyday with a massage cream. Massaging regularly improves skin elasticity and helps tighten the skin greatly. I have given a homemade massage cream recipe below, use it regularly for best results. 6. Keep Yourself Hydrated: Keeping your body hydrated is essential for improving the skin elasticity and toning the sagging skin. If you don't like to drink water, try to consume more of hydrating ingredients like coconut water, soups, fresh juices, etc. 7. Consume Lots Of Protein: Consuming lots of protein is especially important after delivery to improve muscle mass, to have the energy to exercise daily and also to prevent sagging skin. Try to consume more of plant based proteins like nuts and legumes. 8. Use Exfoliating Scrubs: Weekly once use exfoliating scrubs to improve the blood circulation. I would suggest coffee and brown sugar scrub, it is gentle to be used on the stomach and helps improve the skin tone greatly. All these natural remedies work really well in tightening sagging belly skin after pregnancy and if used regularly will help tighten loose skin completely....

 

10 Top Benefits Of Dry Brushing For Skin & Face & How To Do It Correctly

Dry brushing is an ancient practice with amazing skin and health benefits. Dry brushing is a simple process and you just need only a brush for it. My interest for dry brushing started a few years back when I read a small book that listed all the benefits of dry brushing. I was completely sold and wanted to start dry brushing right away but I couldn't find any good quality brushes to do it. I waited patiently for a few months and when I went to Mumbai I got a good quality brush and started using it right away like mentioned in the book. Does Dry Brushing Really Work? This is one of the most of the common questions asked regarding dry brushing. Personally, the first thing I immediately noticed was my skin was much smoother and softer than before. Also I have very dry skin, after dry brushing regularly for a few days my skin felt smooth and was not dry even without using a body lotion. It also improved the blood circulation and I could definitely feel a positive difference in my skin tone. Best Body Brush For Body Brushing: I would suggest spending some time to research into the types of body brushing available. Choose a firm brush for best results. We get body brushes of varying firmness available in the markets. If you are starting new, I would suggest a less firm brush and once your skin gets used to it, you can move on to firmer brushes. Also please remember that there are face brushes available in the markets separately, they are much less firmer than body brushes. I would suggest having a separate brush for the body and face. If you use the body brush for face, you might experience severe irritation and if you use face brush for the body, it might be too soft and not serve the purpose at all. Always try to buy natural brushes with long handles so you can reach your back fully. When buying face brushes make sure to buy one with a handle for easy use. Replace the brushes once in 6 to 8 months of regular use. How To Do Body Brushing? The main thing to remember when body brushing is to brush towards the heart. If you are starting with the legs, start with long, gentle strokes starting with the feet and then moving up the legs towards the heart. Always use gentle strokes and never brush too hard or too much, 5 to 6 gentle strokes will be enough. After dry brushing, your skin will turn slightly pink which is normal but if there is burning sensation and or if the skin turns red then you have over brushed yourself or you have brushed too hard. When brushing the stomach, use circular motion and use only a soft brush for it. The same thing goes for the face too. When To Do Body Brushing? The best time to do body brushing is in the morning before bath, brush all over the body and face, shower and then massage in a few drops of pure unrefined oil mixed few drops of your favourite essential oil. How Long Does It Take To See Results From Dry Brushing: You will start seeing positive changes in your skin tone right away but it might take few weeks of regular use to see reduction in cellulite and stretch marks. Side Effects Of Dry Brushing: One main complaint against dry brushing is skin irritation. This is the result of using inferior brushes and also using it on skin with existing skin problems like acne, varicose veins, eczema, etc. I would suggest using very mild brushes and being careful about brushing on inflamed skin. If you feel skin irritation in any area, stop dry brushing there for a few days...

 

3 Top Ways To Use Alum Powder (Phitkari) For Skin Whitening | Lighten Acne Scars & Dark Spots

 

Alum powder also called as Fitkari or Phitkari in India has amazing skin benefits and uses. Alum powder has anti bacterial and skin lightening properties making it very effective for reducing dark spots and acne scars on our face really well. There are many types of alum and the type of alum I am referring to is called potash alum. The chemical formula for potassium alum is KAl (SO4)2.H2O. It is the hydrated form of potassium aluminum sulfate and it's nomenclature is potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate. Potash alum powder is commonly called Alum | Picking Alum in English, Fitkari in Hindi, Phitkari in Urdu, Padikaram in Tamil, Patika in Telugu, Phatakadi in Gujarati, Phatikara | Patika in Kannada, Sphatikari in Sanskrit, Patki in Sindhi, Phatakiri in Bengali, Phatakadi in Malayalam, Tawas in Philippines and Turti in Marathi. One of the best ways to use alum powder for skin lightening is in the form of face pack. When I say skin whitening, I mean to lighten dark spots and scars and make your skin look even toned and smooth. Skin whitening does not mean to change the color of the skin we are born with which is impossible and unnecessary as every skin tone looks beautiful as far as it is even toned and smooth. When we apply alum face packs regularly, it does few amazing things for our skin: It treats skin problems like acne as it has anti bacterial properties. It also lightens acne scars, dark spots and prevents blackheads too. It also heals minor cuts and scrapes along with tightening our skin. But we have to remember few things when we use alum powder for skin whitening. Alum powder can be drying on the skin so always apply a moisturizer after using alum face packs. Alum is also a mild abrasive so when removing the face pack always wash it off gently using plain water than rubbing it off. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. I have given three alum face packs I tried and liked very much, choose the one you like and use it regularly weekly twice or thrice to see good results...

10 Benefits & Side Effects Of Rubbing Ice Cubes On Face Everyday

 

Ice cubes have amazing beauty benefits and is our skin's best friend if we know to use it correctly. We can use ice cubes for reducing pimples and inflammation, soothe sunburn, reduce eye puffiness, improve blood circulation thereby making our face glow and depending on the ingredients added in the ice cubes, it can reduce fine line and wrinkles too. Ice cubes need not be made only with water, it can be made with many nourishing ingredients like milk, green tea, lemon, fruit juices and even herbs like mint and thyme. When we add nourishing ingredients to ice cubes, along with tightening our skin and improving blood circulation, it helps fade scars and dark spots, treats acne, reduces inflammation really well. Here are some of the benefits and different ways to use ice cubes for skin care: 1. Green Tea Ice cubes For Reducing Acne & Inflammation: Ice cubes are great for reducing the size of the pimple, numbing the pain and it also reduces the inflammation greatly. To use ice cubes for acne, take an ice cube that has green tea in it, wrap it over a thin muslin cloth and gently place over the pimples for few seconds, remove for a minute and place again. Green tea ice cubes are best for using on acne prone skin but do it gently. To make green tea ice cubes, make green tea, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. 2. Mint Ice Cubes For Glowing Skin: When we massage our face with ice cubes, it improves the blood circulation and immediately brightens up dull skin. Especially before going to a party or a wedding, a simple tip that will brighten the skin complexion is massaging for a few seconds with mint ice cubes. To make mint ice cubes, place a mint leaf in each hole in the ice cube tray. Pour water on top till the leaves are immersed and then freeze. 3. Cucumber Ice Cubes For Removing Eye Puffiness: Our eyes get puffy and red due to lack of sleep and spending too much of time in front of the television or computer. One simple home remedy is to massage the area around the eyes with cucumber ice cubes after wrapping them in a thin muslin cloth. To make cucumber ice cubes, take an organic cucumber, grind finely in a blender, strain, pour into ice cube tray and freeze. 4. Aloe Vera Ice Cubes For Sunburn: One main problem we face during hot summers is sunburn and there is nothing like Aloe Vera gel to treat sunburn. For making Aloe Vera ice cubes, collect fresh Aloe Vera leaf, remove the thorns on both sides of the leaf and wash to get rid of the slimy green juice. Now cut into small pieces and freeze the Aloe Vera pieces. To use wrap in a thin muslin cloth and massage gently all over the face. 5. Milk Ice Cubes To Prevent Wrinkles: Ice cubes can be used as a simple home remedy for preventing wrinkles. For treating wrinkles, take milk ice cubes and massage gently all over the face. To make milk ice cubes, pour organic milk in ice cube trays and freeze overnight. Massage your face for few seconds with this milk ice cubes for a few seconds and then wash your face. 6. Rose Water Ice Cubes For Heat Rashes: During hot summer months massaging our face with rose water will help cool our skin and will help get rid of heat rashes too. To make rose water ice cubes, take homemade rose water, pour into individual freezer trays and freeze. To use, wrap in a thin muslin cloth, and gently massage over the heat rashes. Rose water ice cubes are very soothing and will help treat heat rashes too. 7. Ice Cubes As a Makeup Primer: Almost all of us would have heard of this remedy which is to rub a piece of ice cube before applying make up to make it last longer. This remedy works really well, use plain ice cubes for it. Rub gently on the face for a few seconds after wrapping in a thin cloth for a few seconds. Dab excess moisture with a cloth and then apply makeup. 8. Lemon Ice Cubes To Close Open Pores: Many suffer from open pores and one simple home remedy for open pores is to use ice cubes as it helps shrink large pores very effectively. For closing open pores use lemon ice cubes. To make lemon ice cubes, cut a fresh organic lemon into thin rounds. Now place a round in each hole in the ice cube tray, pour water on top and freeze. Rub face with this ice cube wrapped in a thin cloth for few seconds. 9. Ice Cubes To Reduce Pain: If you are threading your eye brows for the first time, it is best to rub ice cubes for few seconds before shaping as it helps numb the pain to a great extent. Just before shaping your eyebrows, wrap in a thin cloth and massage your eyebrows for a few seconds and then after shaping also massage for a few seconds. 10. Green Tea & Cucumber Ice Cubes To Reduce Dark Circles: If you are suffering from dark circles and under eye bags, massaging with green tea and cucumber ice cubes will greatly help. I have given the recipe for it below. Cucumber juice and green tea in the recipe greatly lightens dark circles around the eyes and reduces eye bags very effectively. Side Effects Of Using Ice Cubes For face: One main side effect when using ice cubes directly on the skin is it might cause delicate skin capillaries to break but if we wrap the ice cubes in a thin cloth, we can completely avoid it. I would also suggest not using ice cubes on the skin immediately on the face after being out in the skin for a long time as it might cause headache for some people. Also don't massage ice cubes for long periods of time, give small breaks between each application....

3 Best Ways To Remove Blackheads At Home Naturally & Permanently

 

Home remedy to get rid of blackheads & whiteheads on face & nose naturally, permanently fast at home in 3 days. What Are Blackheads? Blackheads are small black painless bumps that appear on the surface of our skin, mainly our face. Blackheads are actually a mild form of acne that is most commonly found on the face but it can be found on the back, chest and even on hands. What Causes Blackheads? Blackheads are caused when our hair follicle get clogged with excess sebum. Each of our hair follicle contains a single hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. The oil secretion is what keeps our skin soft and smooth. The problem starts when there is excessive oil production. Excessive oil production can be due to hormonal changes, health conditions that plays havoc with our skin like pcos and stress, certain medications can also trigger more oil production or it can be hereditary too. When the excessive oil builds up, it clogs the hair follicles resulting in blackheads. Like some believe, blackheads are not caused due to dirt build up and is definitely not due to lack of cleanliness. What Are The Symptoms Of Blackheads? The definite symptom of blackhead is the black bump on our skin which gives it's name. Because of the black color it is is easy to spot blackheads. Unlike acne, blackheads are not inflamed so there will not be any pain. What is The Difference Between Blackheads & Whiteheads? When the pores get clogged, it is white in color first but when the clogged pores comes into contact with the air, it gets oxidised and turns black, that is the only difference between blackheads and whiteheads. What Not To Do when You Have Blackheads? Don't pick the blackheads, many of us pick blackheads with our hands but in my personal experience we can never remove blackheads by picking on them, it will only lead to wounds and scarring. Also don't use abrasive scrubs, it will cause intense skin irritation and redness. What Are The Home Remedies For Removing Blackheads And Whiteheads? The best home remedies for treating blackheads at home are using a steam to open up the pores, a gentle scrub to remove the blackheads and whiteheads along with a blackhead removal mask to tighten the pores for preventing further occurrences of blackheads.......

How To Use Licorice Powder (Yashtimadhu) For Skin Whitening

 

Licorice also called as liquorice is the root of the plant called Glycyrrhiza Glabra. It is very famous all over the world for it's healing properties. Licorice is called Mulethi in Hindi, Yashtimadhu in Sanskrit,  Adhimadhuram in Tamil, Ati Madhuramu in Telugu, Ati Madhura in Kannada and Jesthamadh in Marathi. Licorice powder has been used extensively in both traditional medicine and home remedies from ancient times. Along with health benefits, it has amazing skin care benefits too. The main active compounds of licorice that has a positive effect on our skin are Glabridin, Liquiritin and Isoliquertin. Licorice has skin lightening properties and you will find licorice in all skin lightening creams. When I mention skin whitening, what I really mean is lighten scars, dark spots and pigmentation. Every skin color is beautiful but it will be more beautiful if it is even toned and licorice helps achieve it easily by lightening all skin blemishes. Here are the skin benefits of licorice powder: 1. The flavonoid liquirtin present in licorice have skin lightening properties and helps lightens scars and blemishes. 2. Licorice have anti inflammatory properties and helps reduce skin inflammation. 3. The active component glabridin in licorice powder greatly helps reduce the effect of sun damage. Applying licorice based extract on the skin after prolonged sun exposure helps us get back our original skin color. 4. Licorice extract is also a good remedy for treating melasma. It lightens the dark patches caused by melasma really well and it is also a good home remedy for skin pigmentation. 5. Licorice powder when used as a face pack improves skin hydration and makes the skin look plumper and brighter. I have given 3 face packs that I have tried over the years using licorice powder. All these face packs works really well in lightening scars, pigmentation and dark spots. I have used sandalwood powder, turmeric, honey and lemon juice in these three face packs and all these ingredients also have skin lightening properties. Choose any one of these three face packs and use regularly at least weekly twice to see results...

 

10 Top Medicinal Uses Of Dark Chocolate For Skin, Health & Weight Loss

 

Statistics tells us that an average person consumes around 5 to 10 kilos of chocolate per year (people in some countries eat more and some less) and that is a lot of chocolate! We have always been advised to stay away from chocolate but what if there is a type of chocolate that can actually do a lot of good to us. The chocolate I am referring to is dark chocolate, it has loads of health benefits and medicinal uses. Dark chocolate is made from cocoa beans | cacao which are actually the seeds of a plant called Theobrama Cacao. There are 3 varieties of chocolate that is commonly available, one is milk chocolate, the second is semi sweet chocolate and the third is dark chocolate. A chocolate is considered dark, if it has 70 % cocoa solids or more. Semisweet chocolate usually contains 30 % cocoa solids and white chocolate contains around 10 % cocoa solids. Dark chocolate contains the least amount of sugar and more of cocoa solids than any type of chocolate which makes it healthy compared to other chocolates. Foods and drinks made from cocoa beans have been consumed from ancient times and has wonderful healing properties. Dark Chocolate Nutrition: 100 grams of dark chocolate contains around 531 calories, 55.5 carbohydrates, 28.5 grams of fat, 13.3 grams of protein and 1.7 grams of fiber. Dark chocolate is also rich in minerals, 100 grams have around 36mg of magnesium, 114mg of potassium, 1.9 mg of iron. It is also rich in selenium, calcium, zinc, manganese and vitamin K. Antioxidants & Flavonoids In Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods as it is rich in flavonoids particularly falvanols. Flavanols are the reason behind the bitterness of cocoa. Commercial chocolate producers to mask the bitterness, highly process it and add in sugar and other flavors. That is why dark chocolate contains 5 times more flavanols than regular chocolate as there are less additives. The main flavanols found in dark chocolate are epicatechin, catechin and procyanidins and out of these three, procyanidins account for the majority of antioxidant activity. Dark Chocolate Medicinal Uses: 1. Prevents Premature Ageing: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and foods that are high in antioxidants fights off free radicals which are the main reason for premature ageing of skin and hair. 2. Cardiovascular Benefits: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids especially flavan-3-ols which has wonderful cardiovascular benefits. Though dark chocolate is rich in lipids, it is mostly stearic acid which does not elevate the serum lipid levels like other saturated fatty acids. 3. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Since dark chocolate have high amount of flavonoids which reduces inflammation, consuming dark chocolate in small doses regularly will reduce inflammation and you can read the study that proves it here. 4. Reduces Blood Pressure: The link between blood pressure and cocoa consumption has been proven clinically beyond doubt. Dark chocolate reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The efficiency depends of the amount of flavnoids present in the dark chocolate, you can read the study that supports this claim here. 5. Improves Insulin Resistance: Kuna Indians of San Blas islands are one of the major consumers of cocoa and not surprisingly they have very low rates of both hypertension and diabetes that is because flavonoids improves insulin sensitivity. The effect on insulin resistance improves when dark chocolate is consumed for long duration's of time. 6. Prevents Cancer: A bar of chocolate preventing cancer can seem little far fetching but chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the two main factors leading to the formation of cancer. Since dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties, it does prevent carcinogenesis. 7. Positive impact On Central Nervous System: Falvonoids present in dark chocolate has a positive effect on our nervous system, it has a protective effect and increases blood flow. It prevents neuronal injury and neuro inflammation and can help improve our long term memory as well. 8. For Weight Loss: Though it is a popular advise to stop having chocolate when we are on a diet to lose weight, dark chocolate if had in small amounts will not lead to weight gain. Also the smell of chocolate actually suppresses appetite. 9. Improves Immunity: Any food that is rich in antioxidants will help improve immunity and since dark chocolate is very high in antioxidants it greatly improves immunity. 10. For Skin Protection: Dark chocolate which has high amount of flavonoids have skin protecting properties and protects the skin from UV damage. Both external application and internal consumption will help. I have given some of the ways I use dark chocolate for skin care below. Dark Chocolate Side Effects: Like any other food consuming large quantity of dark chocolate will have side effects like headache, heartburn, etc. When buying dark chocolate always try to buy chocolate that contains 70 % cocoa solids or more. If you are a regular chocolate lover, you might find it difficult to consume bitter dark chocolate but you will get used to it very soon. I am not a chocolate lover but few years back I took a sudden liking to dark chocolate and I treat myself to a small piece of good quality dark chocolate often........

 

3 Top Ways To Use Rosewater & Glycerin For Face & Skin | For Skin Whitening, Acne & Dry Skin

 

Glycerin and rose water is an amazing combination and I love to use them together. I always stock fresh homemade rose water at home as I keep using it a lot. Both rose water and glycerin have amazing skin benefits and when used together keeps our skin super soft and glowing. Rose water has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, mild astringent and soothing properties. Glycerin is an amazing humectant, that is it traps moisture so it keeps our skin hydrated always. Glycerin and rose water body lotion was one of the first homemade lotions I tried at home. When I was around 15 years old, I bought a small cosmetic book and the first recipe that caught my attention was rose water and glycerin body lotion. It looked so easy and I made it in a matter of seconds and I was also very happy how it turned out. Glycerin and rose water when used together have these following skin benefits: 1. As a Moisturizer: Glycerin and rose water combination moisturizes the skin really well and is a good substitute for chemical based moisturizers. Rosewater and glycerin combination in the ratio of 2: 1 can be used as a moisturizer for lips too. 2. As a Skin protectant: It also acts a skin protectant, glycerin is a natural humectant and it helps trap moisture in the skin. It forms a protective layer and prevents water loss. It also has anti inflammatory properties and soothes irritated skin and is perfect for applying on sunburned skin as it is very soothing and hydrating. 3. For Skin Lightening: It has skin lightening properties and lightens dark spots, dark circles around the eyes, scars, age spots and evens out the skin complexion if used daily. I would suggest using the rose water and glycerin serum recipe given below for skin lightening. 4. For Acne: Since it has anti inflammatory properties, it greatly prevents acne flare ups and since it has a soothing effect it is also good to use during the flare up. 5. For Dry Skin: It is one of the best home remedies for dry skin, when we use rose water and glycerin together it softens dry skin. Regular use will result in smooth glowing skin. Though we get plenty of rose water brands in the market, I would suggest making your homemade rose water. When we make our own rosewater, we know it is pure and we can also make it with fresh rose petals that are not sprayed with pesticides. We get both plain glycerin and vegetable glycerin (which is not common in India but can be ordered online) in the markets, I would suggest using only vegetable glycerin as it is made from pure plant oils....