Whitening Skin Care with Almonds

Published On Friday, February 11, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: Beauty, exfoliation, homemade skin care, natural skin care recipes, Skin whitening

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Almonds have been used for centuries to give a youthful radiance and glow to dull and damaged skin. In fact it cleanses the skin deeply, rejuvenates and improves the complexion. It is a part of many at home skin whitening recipes, like facial cleanser, scrub and homemade face packs.

Different Ways to Use Almonds
For homemade skin care products,almonds can be used in multiple ways with depending upon the requirements. For example,in case of exfoliating scrubs,a coarse powder of almonds is used while for a homemade face pack usually almond paste is made.

* Almond powder
* Almond paste
* Almond oil
* Coarsely ground almonds.
Homemade Facial Mask Recipes
Take warm honey (1 tbsp) and grated almonds (1 tbsp), mix well using some water. Immediately apply the mask to a cleansed face and rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Finally, was off the mask with water and apply a toner and moisturizer. This is a wonderful skin care mask, and worth the effort. The honey and almond moisturizing face mask is particularly good for mature, sensitive, or dry skin, but is suitable for all skin types.

Almond Scrub

Almond oil is an important ingredient in many commercial skincare products like moisturizer creams, lotions, toners and others. Beside this almonds are also used in scrubs and you can easily find almond scrubs in OTC products. However you can easily make your own at home with minimum cost.

Homemade recipes to deal with skin patches

Published On Monday, February 21, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: Coconut, face care, homemade skin care, natural skin care

Sometimes due to hormonal changes, lack of proper nourishment or even due to stress, your facial skin becomes patchy-light
in certain areas and dark in others. Use the following to get rid of patches as well as shadows and ‘brown’ spots.

Fuller’s earth and lime:

• One tablespoon fuller’s earth
• One teaspoon of lime juice
• Enough rose water to make a smooth paste

Apply this paste all over the face, rubbing it in gently. Leave it to dry and then apply again on the dark patches or spots. Leave it on for a further 5-7 minutes then wash and rinse with cold water. Use this treatment everyday to get rid of the patches.

Mint juice:

• A few mint leaves and crush them

Tie in a piece of muslin and extract its juice. Use this pure mint juice all over the face. Excellent for spots and blemishes.




Papaya pack:

• 2-3 slices of a ripe papaya and extract the pulp
• One tablespoon of turmaric powder
• One tablespoon of fuller’s earth

Mash together to form a paste. Apply generously on the patches and dark areas of the skin. Leave it to dry. Then rinse it off. Regular use, maybe three times a week helps to even out the patches and blemishes.

Cucumber and lime juice:

• A cucumber and grate it after peeling
• One lime juice

Mix well and put it into a blender to make a fine paste. Apply this paste all over the face and let it dry. Wash off. Regular
use lightens shadows and scars.

Vinegar and rosewater:

• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• One tablespoon of rosewater
• Add the juice of one cucumber

Stir well to form a lotion. Dab this lotion all over the face and let it dry. Repeat this procedure twice or thrice till the complete lotion has been used up. Helps to remove spots and blemishes if used regularly.

Fuller’s earth and camphor:

• One tablespoon of fuller’s earth
• Half teaspoon camphor powder
• One tablespoon lime juice

Blend well to form a smooth paste. Apply all over the face, rubbing it in gently. Leave it to dry. Rinse and wash off.

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Coconut oil and camphor:

In case of minor burns that leave scare, this is a good recipe.

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• One teaspoon of camphor powder

Rub thoroughly into the burn mark or scar at least 10 minutes before your bath. Use regularly for quick results. There will be a marked lightening of the scar after a few days.
Carrot pack:

• 2-3 carrots and grate them after peeling

Boil the grate carrots in very little water till the water dries up. Cool and mash. Apply this pack all over the face.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes; gently rub it in before rinsing off.

Banana pack:

An ideal ‘food’ for the face. it not only nourishes the skin but also ‘magically’ removes scars, dark patches and blemishes.
You will notice the change even after using this once.

• One rip banana, peel and mash to a pulp

Apply all over the face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off and see your skin come out sparking clean and nourished. The
difference is visible.

Potato pack:

• A raw potato, peel and grate it

Put the grated potato into a muslin piece and tie it tightly to form a pad. Rub this pad all over the face in firm, circular motions for about 5 minutes and then wash your face. Alternatively you could directly rub potato slices all over your face. Helps to clear blemishes and scars.

Dried orange peels:

• A few dried orange peels and powder them
• 2 tablespoons of curd to make a thick paste

Apply all over the face, leaving aside the eye area. Let it dry, then wash thoroughly with cold water. Helps remove blemishes
and scars.

Homemade recipes to deal with skin patches

Published On Monday, February 21, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: Coconut, face care, homemade skin care, natural skin care

Sometimes due to hormonal changes, lack of proper nourishment or even due to stress, your facial skin becomes patchy-light
in certain areas and dark in others. Use the following to get rid of patches as well as shadows and ‘brown’ spots.

Fuller’s earth and lime:

• One tablespoon fuller’s earth
• One teaspoon of lime juice
• Enough rose water to make a smooth paste

Apply this paste all over the face, rubbing it in gently. Leave it to dry and then apply again on the dark patches or spots. Leave it on for a further 5-7 minutes then wash and rinse with cold water. Use this treatment everyday to get rid of the patches.

Simple Remedies for Puffy and Tired Eyes

Published On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Eye Care, Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: Essential oil, eye care, Home remedy, natural skin care, puffy eye, recipes

Beside dark circles being the most eye problem, many people face baggy eyes more or less often. what so ever is the cause every one wants to get rid of them as soon as possible. Although it is a temporary condition, it is sometimes hard to live with it for a few hours. Here are a few simple tips to get rid of puffy eyes within no time.

Sun glasses.....if they can't cure they can at least hide your puffy eyes.

Tea Bags.

• 2 strong tea bags (e.g. Darjeeling)

Simply rinse the tea bags under the tap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Apply to clean eyelids and relax for 20minutes before removing. This treatment is simplicity itself and yet it can be more effective than some of the expensive eye gels. The natural tannins in the tea leaves tighten the skin tissue around the eye area and dramatically reduce signs of puffiness and swelling. The coldness of the refrigerated compress also stimulates the lymphatic system around the eye and helps reduce puffiness too.

Cucumber or Potato Slices

A handy way is to cut thin slices of cucumber or potato and place over eyelids and lay down for few minutes like ten to fifteen, this helps to reduce eye bags and give you a refreshing cold breeze all of us going to love. This is commonly recommended for dark circles as well.

Tired Eye Tonic

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) chamomile tea
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) witch hazel
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Castor oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil

Mix 30ml (2 tbsp) of the tea with the witch and pour into a screw-top jar. Add the Castor oil and 2 drops of frankincense essential oil. Shake the jar well to combine the water-based extracts with the Castor oil. Dip several cotton wool pads into the tonic, squeeze to remove excess liquid and place over the eye care. Alternatively, apply to skin using a piece of muslin cloth or clean face flannel. Leave in place for 10-15 minutes before removing. Store the remaining tonic in the fridge (using chilled tonic straight from the fridge is especially refreshing if eyes are sore or puffy).
The perfect treatment for puffy eyes, it leaves the delicate tissue around the area feeling refreshed and smooth. Make the chamomile tea by infusing 10 ml (2 tsp) of dried chamomile flowers or 1 herb tea bags with a cup of almost boiling water. Allow to cool.

Rejuvinate Yourself by Exfoliation

Published On Tuesday, February 08, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: exfoliation, face care, natural skin care, natural skin care recipes, scrubbing, Skin

Sometimes one needs a more exhaustive cleansing routine. These need not be a daily ritual, but they are required to rejuvenate
your skin, more so, if one has skin problems. You also need to get rid of dead skin cells. For this you need use exfoliates.

True, exfoliation is great as it stimulates the skin, and helps to get rid of dead cells leading to a clearer skin with fewer
lines and wrinkles. A word of caution here, everything is good within limits. Many woman believe that they should exfoliate everyday. Be cautious. One should never over exfoliate as that may damage bleed vessels especially the delicate skin area on the face. This can cause redness and inflammation. Your skin type determines how often you should exfoliate. Ideally speaking, it should be done once a week. Woman who have abnormally oily skins and an acne problems can do so twice a week. Never more than that. In winter, exfoliate less often than in summers.

Basically there are two types of exfoliates-mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliates involve using and abrasive sponge or loofah to physically buff the skin. Instead, you could use mechanical exfoliates made from grains, pulses or even vegetables. Chemical exfoliates are commercially marketed products which use beta hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells. These should be used only when advised by a beautician or cosmetologist. For normal requirements it is best to use exfoliates made from natural substances.

Oatmeal:

• Half cup oatmeal
• Half teaspoon salt
• One teaspoon honey
• Just a little cold milk to make a rough thick paste

Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. When it begins to dry up, rub using brisk, firm movement. A good exfoliate for
tough skins acts as an abrasive agent and helps in exfoliation.

Wheat husk:

The flaky powder left behind when wheat flour is made, is the best exfoliate. You could use wheat porridge grains also.

• Half cup of wheat husk or porridge
• One tablespoon honey
• One tablespoon of milk

Make a thick paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck (avoid the eyes). Exfoliate gently with a loofah, or use strong circular motions with the hand, keep rubbing for 5 minutes. Wash off. The skin is clean, baby soft and glowing.

Chickpea powder:

• Half cup chickpea powder
• One teaspoon turmeric powder
• One tablespoon olive oil (or any other oil like coconut).

Mix and make a thick paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck (avoid the eyes).

When the paste starts to dry up, rub with your hands, scrubbing as you go along, Then wash it off with lukewarm water. This is a mild but effective exfoliate that also helps get rid of fine facial hair.

Rice:

This makes an excellent exfoliate
.

• Half cup rice. Grind it coarsely to a powder
• One tablespoon of honey
• Two tablespoon of beaten curds

Blend into a paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. This paste dries up very fast, so rub quickly in circular
motions. Scrub well and wash off.

Yellow Lentil:

• Half cup of any yellow lentil. Soak for half an hour. Drain out the water. Coarse grind it to a paste.
• One tablespoon of chickpea powder
• Just enough milk to make a thick paste.

Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. Keep rubbing in circular motions to remove dead skin and clear blemishes. This is an ideal exfoliate for even very tender skin.

Vegetables:

You can use cabbage leaves, the outer skin of sweet gourd, skin of tomato etc.

• Grated cabbage leaves, tied in a thin piece of muslin

Rub all over the forehead, face and neck. Keep rubbing, applying pressure. The same can be done with any other vegetable peels, or grated sweet gourd. these are the mildest of exfoliates and clean very gently.

Homemade Scrub Recipes

Published On Saturday, February 05, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: body care, face care, homemade skin care, natural skin care, recipes, skin care recipes

Herbal hair rinses are an ideal way to follow your final shampoo. Based on natural ingredients, they help restore the correct pH balance to the hair and scalp. Hair rinses also remove the mineral deposits left on the hair by hard water washing, and encourage a glossy shine.

Normal hair:

* fresh elderberries make a fantastic hair shiner. Simmer with water for 15-20 minutes before straining off the juice. Apply to the hair before washing, leave for 15 minutes then shampoo as normal.
* Adding 5 ml (1 tsp) of cider vinegar to your final rinsing water is also a good way to restore the correct pH balance and leave the hair gleaming.

Dry and chemically processed hair:

* This can be further dried by hard water so make your own soft water rinse by adding 5 ml (1 tsp) of domestic borax to 3.4 liters (6 pints) of warm water.
* You may also add 5 ml (1 tsp) of cider vinegar to restore pH balance and 6 drops of chamomile essential oil to fragrance the hair.

rosemary and mint leaves to be used for natural hair rinse.Oily hair:

Make a herbal infusion based on:

* 15 ml (1 tbsp) of chopped fresh mint leaves
* 15 ml (1 tbsp) of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
* The juice of one lemon mixed with 300 ml (1/2 point) of hot water

Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain and use as a final hair rinse.
Lank or limp hair:

Make a herbal infusion with:

* 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh rosemary mixed with 250 ml (8 fl oz) hot water
* One lemon juice

Leave to steep for 15 minutes, strain and add the juice of one lemon and 30 ml (2 tbsp) of flat beer. Mix well and apply to the hair as a final rinse after shampooing.

Blond hair:

Make a herbal infusion with:

* 100 g (4 oz) of dried chamomile flowers to 500 ml (17 fl oz) of almost boiling water

Leave to infuse for 30 minutes and use as a final rinse to bring out naturally blond highlights in the hair.

* Use the freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons mixed with an equal quantity of water. Comb through wet hair after shampooing and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
* A pinch of saffron infused in hot water will also make a good finishing rinse to bring out a darker shade of blond.

Brunette hair:

* Infuse 4 sticks of dried cinnamon in 100 ml (3 1/2 fl oz) of boiling water

Leave to cool before using on freshly washed hair to leave a trace of spice shaded highlights.
use black coffee as a natural hair rinse for dark hair.

An interesting use of black coffee- a natural hair rinse.

Dark hair:

Make an infusion based on:

* 25 g (1 oz) of sage leaves in 3.4 liters (6 pints) of almost-boiling water.

Steep for 2 hours. Leave on the hair for 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Here is another recipe for black hair rinse, use black coffee to darken your hair.

* One cup of strong black coffee
* One lemon

Mix 1 cup of strong black coffee with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Leave on the hair for 30 minutes after shampooing before rinsing out.
Herbal hair rinses are an ideal way to follow your final shampoo. Based on natural ingredients, they help restore the correct pH balance to the hair and scalp. Hair rinses also remove the mineral deposits left on the hair by hard water washing, and encourage a glossy shine.

Normal hair:

* fresh elderberries make a fantastic hair shiner. Simmer with water for 15-20 minutes before straining off the juice. Apply to the hair before washing, leave for 15 minutes then shampoo as normal.
* Adding 5 ml (1 tsp) of cider vinegar to your final rinsing water is also a good way to restore the correct pH balance and leave the hair gleaming.

Dry and chemically processed hair:

* This can be further dried by hard water so make your own soft water rinse by adding 5 ml (1 tsp) of domestic borax to 3.4 liters (6 pints) of warm water.
* You may also add 5 ml (1 tsp) of cider vinegar to restore pH balance and 6 drops of chamomile essential oil to fragrance the hair.

rosemary and mint leaves to be used for natural hair rinse.Oily hair:

Make a herbal infusion based on:

* 15 ml (1 tbsp) of chopped fresh mint leaves
* 15 ml (1 tbsp) of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
* The juice of one lemon mixed with 300 ml (1/2 point) of hot water

Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain and use as a final hair rinse.
Lank or limp hair:

Make a herbal infusion with:

* 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh rosemary mixed with 250 ml (8 fl oz) hot water
* One lemon juice

Leave to steep for 15 minutes, strain and add the juice of one lemon and 30 ml (2 tbsp) of flat beer. Mix well and apply to the hair as a final rinse after shampooing.

Blond hair:

Make a herbal infusion with:

* 100 g (4 oz) of dried chamomile flowers to 500 ml (17 fl oz) of almost boiling water

Leave to infuse for 30 minutes and use as a final rinse to bring out naturally blond highlights in the hair.

* Use the freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons mixed with an equal quantity of water. Comb through wet hair after shampooing and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
* A pinch of saffron infused in hot water will also make a good finishing rinse to bring out a darker shade of blond.

Brunette hair:

* Infuse 4 sticks of dried cinnamon in 100 ml (3 1/2 fl oz) of boiling water

Leave to cool before using on freshly washed hair to leave a trace of spice shaded highlights.
use black coffee as a natural hair rinse for dark hair.

An interesting use of black coffee- a natural hair rinse.

Dark hair:

Make an infusion based on:

* 25 g (1 oz) of sage leaves in 3.4 liters (6 pints) of almost-boiling water.

Steep for 2 hours. Leave on the hair for 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Here is another recipe for black hair rinse, use black coffee to darken your hair.

* One cup of strong black coffee
* One lemon

Mix 1 cup of strong black coffee with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Leave on the hair for 30 minutes after shampooing before rinsing out.

Red hair:

* Save the cooking water from beetroots to use as a natural plum-colored hair dye. Use sparingly and wear rubber gloves or you will end up with purple fingers too!
* Use a glass of red wine as a final rinse to bring out naturally auburn highlights.

Red hair:

* Save the cooking water from beetroots to use as a natural plum-colored hair dye. Use sparingly and wear rubber gloves or you will end up with purple fingers too!
* Use a glass of red wine as a final rinse to bring out naturally auburn highlights.

A Luxourious facial Spa at home

Published On Tuesday, March 01, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: Facial, homemade skin care, skin cleansers, spa

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Often hear women saying that they don’t have time to relax because they are too busy. It is exactly such women who most need the benefits proper relaxation can bring. Many of us require superhuman stamina to do all that is demanded of us to bring up a family and keep the various elements of a household ticking over, often at the same time as holding down a demanding job. Our health and well being are therefore a top priority, hence the importance of making time to look after ourselves. If we don’t make a point of it, no one else will.

Steps of Facial Home Spa

Lie back and relax


Relaxing is one of the most effective ways of counteracting stress. This alleviates the accumulated physical and psychological pressure. In fact one of the most therapeutic treatments we can give ourselves is a long, relaxing soak in the bath.

Cleanse your Skin

After relaxing, cleanse your skin thoroughly that is perfect for your skin. Creamy, non-foaming hydrating cleansers are very effective for the dry skin. While a mildly foaming cleansers works better on the oily skin. Apply the cleanser with the fingertips in round circles. Then remove the cleanser with a soft cotton or tissue, or rinse which I think is a better option.

Exfoliation

Exfoliate the dry layer of the skin with an exfoliating cleanser or scrub. Massage face very gently with the facial scrub for no more than one minute. Scrubbing too hard or too vigorously can advance the signs of aging in the skin. Exfoliation will allow you to get under the skin and the hair follicles, and helps your skin renew itself. Then gently remove the scrub with the warm water.

Facial Massage

Now give yourself a facial massage. Start the facial massage by tapping your fingers calmly along your forehead, and press your fingers along your cheekbones from nose to ear. Then press fingers up and down back of your neck. Now, apply your mask gently avoiding sensitive temples. Let it stay on the skin for several minutes. Then rinse gently but thoroughly.

Toning

Toning your skin is important, as it causes pores to shrink and skin to become smooth, soft and supple. Moreover, it is the process which prepares the skin for getting moisturized . Apply the toner on your face using a clean cotton ball or pad avoiding the eyes and again stay relaxed.

Moisturize

Every skin type requires a moisturizer, and it is very important step of your home facial spa to give your skin with the right type of moisturizer. Apply a small quantity of moisturizer and massage over the skin. This will help to seal in moisture.

Performing all these steps rightly and carefully will provide you a smooth and fresh skin. A spa offers a serene environment that encourages stress reduction. Facial not only helps your skin, but can be soothing. When you are comfortable with your skin, that confidence comes through in a natural glow.