home remedies

9 sun-protective foods

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You may be surprised to learn that many common foods offer some protection to your skin from the potentially damaging rays of the sun, from the inside out. This SPF or sun protective factor aspect of foods has to do with the presence of certain antioxidant compounds. Plants produce antioxidants within their own tissues to protect their own cells from premature destruction, due to exposure to heat, light, air, moisture and time.

When we consume many of these plant-derived antioxidants, these natural agents provide protection to the cells of our bodies, including skin cells. By eating certain foods, especially those that are brightly colored, you can actually help to reduce damage to your skin caused by exposure to UVA and UVB rays from sunlight. Let’s consider some of the better sun protective foods.

Colored peppers

The red, yellow and orange peppers that look so beautiful and taste so sweet are colored by natural pigments called carotenoids. These antioxidants convert to vitamin A in the body, and help to protect skin cells by inhibiting the destruction of the thin lipid (fat) layer that surrounds skin cells.

Yellow summer squash
Cube it and put it on kebabs or brochettes, or just eat it in salads. Yellow summer squash derives its bright color from the protective carotenoids. Eat it because it tastes good- and provides solar defense.

Ripe red tomatoes

The natural antioxidant pigment lycopene gives the characteristic red color to ripe red tomatoes. This antioxidant is well known for providing protection to the prostate gland, helping to mitigate cases of BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlargement of the prostate. But like other antioxidant compounds in foods, lycopene also protects skin cells from exposure to the sun.

Watermelon

Say ditto for watermelon, regarding lycopene. Watermelons get their red color from this pigment as well. When summer rolls around and the sun gets hotter and brighter, eat your share of watermelon to cool your skin cells.

Green tea

What doesn’t green tea do for health? It enhances cardiovascular function, demonstrates anti-cancer activity, supports the immune system, detoxifies the body, aids weight control, and also protects skin cells from exposure to UVA and UVB rays. The secret ingredients? Antioxidant compounds called polyphenol catechins provide super-powerful defense. You can’t go wrong drinking green tea every day.

Cocoa

Perhaps the healthiest substance you can put in your mouth after water, cocoa is the ultimate super-food, containing 712 compounds, many of which are potently antioxidant and skin-protective. The flavanols in cocoa provide profound protection for the heart, helping to greatly lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. But the same compounds help to armor your skin cells. The news about cocoa seems to get better every day. Eat the real dark chocolate, consume whole, organic cocoa, and enjoy.

Blue and purple berries

What do blueberries, black currants, acai, cranberries, blackberries and elderberries all have in common? They are all rich in the potent purple pigments known as anthocyanins. These may be nature’s mightiest of all protective compounds, helping to reduce the risk of many chronic and degenerative diseases, and providing excellent SPF protection. Eat your berries because they are delicious, and enjoy the protection as part of the overall experience.

Turmeric root

This yellow root contains a profoundly beneficial compound called curcumin that possesses superior anti-inflammatory activity, aids the immune system, enhances the brain, and protects your skin. Curcumin from turmeric is a very popular anti-inflammatory remedy. You can sprinkle turmeric on food, cook with it, or use curcumin supplements.

Fin fish

The omega 3 fatty acids that have been proven to provide excellent protection for the heart also provide protection to skin. These agents are essential to overall health and well being, and also help skin cells to stay healthy. You can also take omega 3 fatty acid supplements derived from fish oil.

Just because certain foods provide protection from the harmful rays of the sun does not mean that you can eat some veggies and then go lie out in the sun all day. But it does mean that if you are exposed to the sun, you will have the protective activity of nature’s antioxidants working in your body to protect your skin from the inside out. Tan responsibly. Use sunscreen before going out in the sun, and enjoy a safe and happy summer season.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France.

Read more at MedicineHunter.com.

 

The Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infection

Runny nose, facial pain, difficulties breathing, headaches and fatigue were marking days as of late. The reasons stretch from air pollution, stress (the omnipresent cause of uncountable health problems) and weather changes, to a lowered immune system contracting a viral or bacterial infection.

Sometimes a lifestyle change is required to eliminate the substances and factors that cause the infection, such as not using chemical cleaning products or starting to meditate. how to get rid of the nuisance. The antibiotics work (with side effects) only if the cause is bacterial, but not if it’s viral.

home remedy for sinus

Garlic, honey and apple cider vinegar – the three natural remedies are found to be the cure to almost everything.

how these wonderful products can help you cure uncomfortable, repetitive, tiring, suffocating, embarrassing (I’m sure I left out some unpleasant descriptive adjectives, but you get the idea) sinus infections.

Inhalation with garlic

If the infection is not fully blown yet, inhalations should be your first course of action to alleviate discomfort. Boil a pot of water and then add minced fresh garlic to it (3 to 4 cloves should do). Get yourself comfy, cover your head and pot with a towel and start inhaling. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will help. The steam alone is an amazing decongestant and helps to clear the breathing pathways. When you add other healing ingredients, the positive effects multiply. Garlic is an extremely potent natural antibiotic, and is antiviral and antifungal. see also my article how to make garlic syrup for chest infections.

Inhalation with apple cider vinegar

Instead of fresh garlic, you can also use apple cider vinegar. A 1:1 proportion with steaming water will create a powerful mix. Apple cider vinegar thins the annoying mucus.

Inhalation with essential oils

Some swear by adding tea tree oil (a few drops will suffice), as the oil is another strong natural antibiotic and antifungal. By inhaling it, you deliver the antibiotic directly to your suffering nasal membranes. Also eucalyptus essential oil helps clear nasal and chest congestion caused by colds and sinus infections, so you can use it instead or with tea tree essential oil

Add honey

Make sure to only use raw honey. If filtered (often done for appearances’ sake), the honey loses most of its healing properties. We really have our priorities wrong these days! Raw honey is a magnificent antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal bee creation, and boosts the immune system. Followers of Ayurvedic medicine suggest starting the day with honey water. You simply mix a teaspoon of honey into a glass of warm (not hot!) water. Your body is then geared to start the day. Now, for maximum therapeutic kick to get over a tenacious sinus infection, you can try out this combination:

  • – a glass of warm water
  • – 1 teaspoon of honey
  • – 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • – 3 cloves of minced raw garlic

Mix well and drink to your sinuses’ health!

Or, if the abundance of tastes (or garlic breath), slightly scare you, just try mixing apple cider vinegar and raw honey, and consuming that 3 times a day. Two tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey will send your sinusitis packing.

Neti Pot

One of the most popular treatments using a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages is the neti pot. This is a small ceramic pot that you fill with a mixture of 1 pint of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of salt. You need to use previously boiled water to prepare the solution. Don’t use tap water.

Once you’ve filled the neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45 degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline water into that nostril. The saline water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining water, then refill the neti pot and repeat the process on the other side.

The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. People suffering from daily sinus symptoms found relief from using the neti pot on a daily basis. Once the symptoms subsided, you can reduce it to three times a week.

Elderberry Infusion

The elderberry is a bush that can reach to a great height with small white flowers and dark purple sweet-sour fruit. You can also make an infusion from the flowers of the elderberry plant, which has been shown to prevent inflammation and infection in the respiratory system and is effective against winter ailments including sinusitis. Use 1 heaped teaspoon of dried flowers per 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Allow tea to cool, strain the tea and drink.

If you consume these beautiful gifts of nature regularly, your immune system bolstered, there is a fighting chance the sinus infection will stay clear of you for the foreseeable future

Source: healthy and natural world

Home Remedies for Arthritis in Hands

arthritic-hands

Arthritis in the hands is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage that support the bone structure.

Since we use our hands and fingers in most activities, arthritis in the hands can be a cause of discomfort and uneasiness. Swollen fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness and pain are some of the symptoms of hand arthritis.

Advancements in the medical field have led to the development of many methods for controlling the various arthritis symptoms. Along with medications, you can also try some easy yet highly effective natural remedies to improve the condition of your fingers and hands.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for arthritis in the hands. Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. Ice Pack
Cold therapy is good for those suffering from hand arthritis. You can use ice packs, a plastic bag filled with crushed ice or a bag of frozen vegetables. Regular application of ice packs on the affected hands and fingers will lessen irritation and reduce soreness. However, it is important to bear in mind that different people may respond differently to cold therapy.

Simply put the ice pack on the affected area for a few minutes and then repeat. Continue this home treatment for about 20 minutes, several times a day. Apply the cold compress to only one or two joints at a time, and be sure to put a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and alkaline-forming properties that help reduce pain and stiffness in the hands from arthritis.

Drink a glass of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar and some honey every day.
Alternatively, mix one-quarter or one-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper in one cup of warm apple cider vinegar. Soak the painful joint in it for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat daily until you see improvement.

3. Ginger
Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. You can add this herb in your foods and also drink ginger tea to derive its benefits.

To make ginger tea:

  • Cut up a small piece of ginger.
  • Boil it in one cup of water for 10 minutes.
  • Strain and drink this tea two or three times a day until you get relief.

4. Honey and Cinnamon
The combination of honey and cinnamon powder is a good natural way to treat arthritis in hands and help relax stiff muscles due to their excellent healing properties. Also, honey has antiseptic qualities, while cinnamon has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Mix one tablespoon of honey and one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
Eat this mixture every morning on an empty stomach for several weeks or until you get encouraging results.

5. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is good for reducing the stiffness, inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. It is a rich source of magnesium which is important for bone mineralization; most arthritis patients have demineralized bones. Moreover, magnesium helps decrease nerve pains.

  • Mix two cups of Epsom salt in warm bath water
  • Soak your hands in it for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Do this three times a week for several weeks or until you are satisfied with the results.

6. Olive Oil
There is a strong connection between olive oil and inflammation caused by arthritis. A special compound known as oleocanthal present in olive oil helps prevent the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

Olive oil can be used as a massage oil for your hands and fingers. Add a few drops of lavender oil to some warm olive oil and massage the affected area with gentle strokes to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
You can also use olive oil for cooking food to help reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: top 10 home remedies

Pain-free solution for spider veins

veins_640

Though generally harmless, hair-thin blemishes, known as spider veins, can cause some to want to cover up even in the heat. Treating spider veins is rarely a medical necessity (though some seek treatment to relieve the aching the veins can cause), but for those who want it, spider vein-free skin is just a zap away.

No one knows why some people develop spider veins and others don’t, but genetics, the hormone estrogen and possibly the hormone progesterone are thought to play a role. Spider veins appear more frequently in women than in men, and are particularly common in pregnant women and those taking oral contraceptives or hormone-replacement therapy.

Getting rid of spider veins is safe and easy. Sclerotherapy, the gold-standard treatment for spider veins, involves injecting a saline solution or detergent into the veins, causing them to clump together or clot and become less apparent. “Anybody who has veins they don’t like is a good candidate (for sclerotherapy) because it’s an incredibly safe, easy procedure,” says Dr. Lisa Donofrio, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.

In some cases, several injections are required. The procedure feels like a tiny needle stick, and Donofrio says even needlephobic patients usually get through it with little difficulty. Donofrio particularly recommends treatment for people with a family history of problem veins who are showing signs relatively early – for example, those who have multiple patches of spider veins by their early 20s.

There is a strong chance — up to 90 percent — of greatly improved appearance after sclerotherapy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Results last for two years on average, notes Donofrio. After that, genetics or whatever other factors caused the veins to appear in the first place tend to take over, and maintenance treatment is required to keep the skin vein-free.

Charges for sclerotherapy typically range from $375 to $750 for both legs. Some doctors charge a set fee; others charge per vein treated.

Laser treatment can also eliminate spider veins, but it tends to be less effective and more expensive than sclerotherapy, with the same level of discomfort, according to Dr. Matthew P. Olivo, a dermatologist based in Westmont, New Jersey, and a fellow of the AAD. Lasers, however, are a good option for treating delicate areas and for people who are allergic to the injection solution.

Doctors often use a combination of sclerotherapy and lasers: sclerotherapy for the major part of the treatment and a laser to get rid of the tip of the vein. Laser techniques for removing spider veins are expected to improve greatly during the next decade.

While most side effects of sclerotherapy are not serious, you could experience a number of physical reactions during and following the treatment, including:

  • stinging, burning or muscle cramps during injection
  • skin discoloration
  • new vessel growth at the site of injection
  • raised, hive-like bumps or tiny sores in the treatment area
  • bruising
  • allergic reaction to injection solution
  • blood clots, in rare instances

Source: webmd

 

7 Miraculous ‘home remedies’ for combating acidity bug

Are you squirming uncomfortably because of a loaded stomach, heart burn and acidity? This may be the result of that one extra bite of sumptuous food that was placed in front of you. Now that you couldn’t resist that “put the blame on meal” we shall help you find a way out of this uncomfortable experience and help you stay away from that bottle of antacid. Let’s tell you about some home remedies for acid reflux right on your kitchen shelf:

The potassium rich Banana

You may not relish that banana but believe us; it’s loaded on potassium with a high PH value and has alkaline properties. The acidity level lowers because of the high PH value. The high-fiber rich bananas help the lining of the stomach produce mucous that helps in increasing the digestion and also acts as a protector to the inner lining. This saves the person from the renewed acidity attacks. The overripe banana work wonders during an extreme acidity bout.

Cold milk

The high-calcium content of the milk prevents the acid formation in the stomach and also prevents the ulcers from forming. The peptic acids are neutralized by the cold milk and this excessive acidity feeling is curbed down drastically by consuming a glassful of cold milk. Leave the sugar alone, drink it sugar free. If you are lactose intolerant then this may not be the answer for you.

Fragrance full fennel

This is a popular mouth freshener and helps in relieving constipation and aiding digestion. Fennel has coolant properties and balms the stomach lining aiding in the healing process. Fennel is a rich source of plasmatic acid, flavonoids, and other volatile oils and also possesses anti-ulcer properties. Best way is to boil fennel seeds in water and then leave them overnight, strain and consume whenever needed.

The digestive Basil leaves

Basil leaves possess digestive compounds that stimulate the stomach’s production of mucous. This mucous that lines the inner stomach, protects the lining from peptic ulcers, helping on the reduction of the acid levels in the stomach. Basil or tulsi leaves also help curb the formation of gas. The basil leaves provide instant relief and need to be consumed right after the meal.

Fresh green Mint leaves

This is a common thing used for preparing a mouth freshener. It improves digestion by lowering the rising acid levels in the stomach. The pain and burning caused by acid reflux can be beaten by eating the leaves of mint. Faster relief can be obtained if the leaves are boiled in water and then taken after cooling it. The tangy smell of the leaves keeps the mouth fresh.

Aromatic Cardamom

Cardamom has magical properties of soothing the stomach by relieving stomach spasms and by calming the excess acid production in the stomach. It has a cooling effect and soothes the mucosal stomach lining and relieves the sensation of burning that makes the person uncomfortable. Boil crushed cardamom in water and cool the water before drinking it.

The succulent and tangy ginger

This is a common Indian kitchen ingredient that also helps in digestion by promoting the production of mucous for the stomach lining. It helps in the reduction of the acid formation and also splits down proteins contained in the food. Ginger also helps in the absorption and assimilation of food.

Source: med guru

Home Remedies for Managing High Blood Pressure

Exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day can help bring down your blood pressure numbers by 4 to 9 mmHg. If you’ve been inactive for a while, talk to your doctor about a safe exercise routine. Start out slowly by walking or riding a bicycle. Gradually add moderate intensity activities to your routine. Not a fan of the gym? Take your workout outside. Go for a hike, jog, or swim and still reap the benefits. The important thing is to get moving! The AHA also recommends incorporating at least two days of muscle strength training a week.

Following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) can lower your blood pressure by as much as 14 mmHg. The DASH diet consists of eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and fish. Eliminate foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, such as processed foods, whole milk dairy products, fatty meats, and fried food.

Slow Down On the Salt
If you have high blood pressure, keeping your sodium intake to a minimum is vital. The AHA recommends limiting your sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day. That’s a little over half a teaspoon. One teaspoon of table salt has 2,400 mg of sodium! Table salt isn’t the only culprit when it comes to high sodium; processed food and many restaurant dishes tend to be loaded with sodium. Consuming too much sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, resulting in a sharp rise in blood pressure.

Lose Excess Weight
Weight and blood pressure go hand in hand. Losing just five pounds can help lower your blood pressure. It’s not just the number on your scale that matters, but the number of your waist size. The extra fat around your waist, called visceral fat, is troublesome because the fat tends to surround organs in the abdomen, which can lead to health issues including high blood pressure. Men should keep their waist measurement to less than 40 inches, while women should aim for less than 35 inches.

Nix Your Nicotine Addiction
Studies show that smoking a cigarette can temporarily raise blood pressure 10 mmHg or more for up to an hour after you smoke. If you’re a heavy smoker, your blood pressure can stay elevated for extended periods of time. People with high blood pressure who smoke are at greater risk for developing dangerously high blood pressure. Even secondhand smoke can put you at increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.

Limit Alcohol
Drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner is perfectly fine and may even offer heart health benefits when done in moderation. Drinking alcohol in excess, however, can lead to many adverse health issues, including high blood pressure. What does drinking in moderation mean?

Stress Less
In this hurried, multitasking society we live in, it’s hard to slow down and relax. It’s important to step away from your daily stress and take a few deep breaths, meditate, or practice yoga. Stress can temporarily raise your blood pressure, and too much of it can keep your pressure up for extended periods of time. Try to identify what’s triggering your stress, such as your job, relationships, or your finances, and find ways to fix the problems.

Source: health line

5 Facial scrubs you can make in your kitchen!

Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder but it weighs heavy on the pocket! Given that cosmetic store shelves are lined with pricey products, one often wonders if basic skincare is on its way to becoming a privilege of the elite. Apart from the hefty price tag, one can never really be sure if the ingredients in the products won’t react on your skin.

The solution is simple, opt for homemade beauty products! Why bother buying when you can whip up everything from scrubs, creams to packs using stuff readily available in your kitchen cabinet.

Before we begin, it’s important to remember that exfoliation is a must-do in your beauty regime. Scrubbing helps achieve a smoother, even-toned complexion, making it radiant because we are sloughing off dead skin from our faces and making way for the production of new live, tissue. Use these homemade scrubs according to your skin type on a weekly basis to put your fresh face forward!

Chickpea and Rice

Yeah! You heard right, our humble dal and chawal can make for some awesome homemade scrubs. Rice is rich in Vitamin B complex so capitalize on the benefits by making a scrub of rice flour mixed with curd. The fine granules of rice flour remove dead skin with ease and curd enriches the skin with Vitamin C. Chickpea powder mixed with half a tablespoon of turmeric powder, a couple of rose water drops and milk is another nourishing scrub.

Oatmeal

Scrub made from oatmeal is perfect to give sensitive skin a stunning glow. You can use it with a teaspoon of water, or add it to a little warm milk for dry skin. If you are game for something a little more complex, mix 1 cup oatmeal with 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil, 2 tbsp regular milk and the whites of one egg till it’s of spreadable consistency. Scrub in circular motions and rinse with lukewarm water for a gorgeous moisturized complexion.

Strawberry

This is one yummy scrub you will be tempted to put in your mouth rather than on your face! The mashed granules of strawberries are great for exfoliation. Start by de-stemming the strawberries and chopping them into small pieces and then mashing up the fruit to a pulp. Mix this with 1 tablespoon of milk and some oatmeal powder to get a thick consistency. You can also swap milk with honey, lemon juice or your favourite essential oil to get a healthy glow.

Salt & Lime

These two ingredients create an excellent homemade exfoliator for oily skin! This is a wonderful combination for an incredibly soft smooth skin. The lemon juice will get rid of the oil while the salt will slough off any unwanted dead skin. Try it, ladies, it really works wonders!

Coffee

A coffee scrub works as an excellent defense against facial cellulite, thanks to the overabundance of antioxidents it contains. Mix the coffee with 1/2 cup baking cocoa, 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup honey to create a paste and apply to the face. Ground the beans or opt for the lot used to make filter coffee for maximum effect.
Remember, exfoliation should be done gently with a light touch to avoid injury to your skin!

Source: the med guru

4home remedies for ageing skin

Who isn’t trying to save money these days? This can be difficult, especially when searching for skin care products for aging skin. You might be surprised to find that many great skin care ingredients are already in your home. When you aren’t ready to shell out money for expensive products, here are some easy home remedies that will help with common problems of aging skin.

1.Honey and Lemon Mask

The best kitchen ingredient that help lighten the appearance of unwanted age spots is lemon juice. Lemon juice is rich in citric and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which are both known for their skin lightening properties. When the acidic lemons are mixed with the soothing properties of honey, it is a great combination to naturally lighten the look of your skin. Be sure to stay out of the sun with any lemon juice products.

Mix 1 tsp of lemon juice with 1 tsp of honey

Directions: Gently massage into the skin and leave on for 20 minutes before washing off. Use every night for 1 month. Be sure to avoid the eyes and use sunscreen when in direct sunlight. If the lemon is too irritating, try adding more honey to the mixture.

2.Cucumber and Yogurt Mask

Plain yogurt contains many ingredients that can help firm your skin. The lactic acid will aid in exfoliation of the dead skin cells and encourage turnover of skin cells. Yogurt also contains natural lipids and minerals that bring proper cellular nutrition and moisture. You can also add grated cucumber to help tighten pore size.

Grate 1/8 cup of cucumber and mix into 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.

Directions: Liberally apply yogurt to entire face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then splash cool water on face. Use 3-5 nights per week.

3.Cocoa, Honey, Oatmeal, and Heavy Cream Mask

One of the richest sources of polyphenolic anti-oxidants is cocoa. It helps reverse signs of aging by fighting UV induced oxidation. When added with other natural moisturizers, cocoa helps renew your skin after daily damage from the sun, pollution, and natural aging.

Mix 1/4 cup of cocoa, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of honey. Lastly, mix in 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder.

Directions: Gently apply thick mask to entire face. After 10 minutes, wash off with warm water.

4. Olive Oil and Avocado Night Lotion

Dry skin desperately needs moisture and lipids (oils) to enforce the natural barriers in skin and soften the feel. Olive oil and avocados are great natural oils for your skin. Olive oil is high in anti-oxidant polyphenols and avocados provide rich support for the deep layers of skin. Both of these ingredients give your skin a nice drink throughout the night and replenish necessary lipids to smooth your finish.

Puree 1 tablespoon of Avocado. Add 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil and 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. Mix well until completely uniform.

Directions: Apply a thin layer of lotion to the entire face and leave on the entire night. Rinse off in the morning.

Source: Bio Renew skin care

Home remedies to get rid of tanning

As Indians, we are constantly worried about tanning. Understanding the process of tanning is important to prevent it and treat it in the future. So, instead of opting for the expensive de-tan or fairness facials, you could try using some natural methods to get rid of the tan. Here are three natural ways to do so. But before that, let’s understand a few basics of why does our skin tan.

Why do we tan?

It‘s simple, tanning is your body’s way of protecting your internal organs from damage brought on due to exposure to UV rays of the sun. Known to cause serious conditions such as cancer, UV rays are extremely dangerous to our internal organs as well. To help keep them from entering the body, our skin produces a pigment called melanin. On exposure to the sun, the skin automatically sends this pigment to the surface to help fight off the damage – the greater the sun exposure, the darker the melanin turns. This is because the sunlight breaks down the melanin leading to it getting oxidized and darkening the skin.

Why do some people tan more than others?

The amount and degree of darkness of melanin present in one’s body is determined by one’s genes. For example, people who are genetically fair, will have lesser and lighter melanin than darker people for whom the amount and color of melanin will change. What further worsens the situation is the fact that different people have different types of skin (varying in thickness and sensitivity); this again is a deciding factor for the amount of tanning.

How can home remedies help?

Lemon and glycerin face pack: This is a bleaching, blemish removal and skin softening pack. It can be made and stored for about three weeks. All you have to do is take about five tablespoons of glycerin and add the juice of one lemon to it. Make sure the consistency of the solution is not too thin. Now, apply this on your face – avoiding the areas around your eyes – and neck every night after washing your face with your regular face wash. Leave on for about half-an-hour and wash off with cold water. Make sure you gently pat dry. This pack gives best results when left on overnight. It will not dry and stretch your skin and will make your face glow the next morning.  You can even apply this pack on your hands and legs to get rid of tanning on them. Use this pack on a daily basis to see considerable difference in about one week.

Besan bleaching face pack: This is a scrub and facial glow pack all rolled into one. Take about two tablespoons of besan, add a pinch of haldi (the type that is used for application and not for cooking), a few drops of lemon juice and some milk (if you have very dry skin). You can add crushed orange peel to the mix for an added scrub effect. If you don’t have orange peel, use crushed masoor or moong ki daal to the mix. Now, mix all the ingredients and  make it a paste by adding cool rose water. Apply this paste all over your face and neck, carefully avoiding the areas around your eyes. Allow this to remain on the face till it dries up partially. Once dry, wet your hands and pat the areas that have dried out. This will make the area soft. Now, gently scrub your face and then wash away. This pack will give you glowing and supple skin. Continue doing this on a daily basis for a week to notice considerable difference.

Multani mitti and aloe vera face pack: This pack is great to soothe irritated and tanned skin. The aloe vera present helps to heal acne, remove blemishes, and soothe irritated skin. The multani mitti helps unclog pores and makes the skin glow. To make this pack, mix a few spoons of multani mitti with a tablespoon of aloe vera paste or juice. Add a pinch of haldiand make it a smooth paste. Add chilled rose water to dilute the pack. Apply this on your face and neck leave on for about fifteen minutes or till it dries. Pat with a wet hand to loosen the dried portions and scrub the face in gentle circular motions. Wash your face with cool water and pat dry. Use this face pack twice a week for desired results

Finally, while home remedies may seem a bit messy and time consuming, it is the best way to rid you of the tan without the side-effects of chemicals. Plus, it is much lighter on the pocket.

Source: health India