Natural Bath Recipies and Cleansing Treats

January 26, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Homemade skin care recipes

I look for homemade skin care recipes for natural skin care using all natural ingredients. Everyone will experience different results. Try a recipe for a week or two and if this is not working try another one.

I try to use organic ingredients as much as I can. Tests have shown that plants that have been raised organically almost always have a higher concentration of healthful healing substances than their conventionally grown counterparts.

You want to beautify your skin with the most natural products around. Look no further than your kitchen and medicine cabinet to try these quick and easy recipes.

Milk Baths Recipes

Milk Baths are just like regular baths, only with an addition of milk and often other scents such as lavender, honey, and essential oils. Cleopatra, Elizabeth I of England, Elisabeth of Bavaria, and others have historically acclaimed the beautifying benefits of these baths.

Milk baths are said to utilize lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, to dissolve the proteins which hold together dead skin cells.

Proponets say that the natural properties of milk help to:

Soften/Smooth
Exfoliate
Make visible new, fresh cells
Accelerate skin cell renewal
Moisturize
Stress relief

Various Ingredients Mandatory
Powdered or Fresh Milk For Scent
Honey
Oatmeal

Homemade Milk Baths Recipes

Milk and Honey Bath
It seems that women have been indulging themselves with milk and honey baths for centuries, so I am assuming that it does the body good… So, here is a quick and easy recipe that should do the trick. Enjoy.

1/2 cup liquid honey
3 cups powdered milk
lavender buds (added for color and fragrance)

Combine the ingredients above in a large bowl and then transfer to a decorative glass bottle in your bathroom. This also makes a great and inexpensive gift idea.

Scoop out a luxurious amount of the milk bath and dissolve in a warm bath. You can also use these ingredients to increase the luxurious scents and detoxifying atttibutes:  Lavender, Essential Oils, Herbs, Nutmeg, Bergamot, Geranium, Seaweed, Sea salt

Lavender-Honey Milk Baths

Ingredients

Tablespoons dried lavender flowers*
1-1/2 cups whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 cup honey

Directions Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.

*Dried lavender flowers can be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores.

End of Summer Skincare and Mild Soap Cleansing

September 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://organicskincareinfo.net

Daily Skin Regime For A Gorgeous Complexion

August 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

By Van Le | Beauty may only be skin deep, but having a great complexion makes life a lot more pleasant. The key to having great skin is finding a skin care regimen that tailors to your skin’s individual needs, and following this regimen daily. It does not have to be complex and complicated—in fact, simpler is better since you will need to follow the same steps twice a day.

The first step is to do your homework. Determine what your skin type is, and find a product line that works well for you. There are many resources you can use either online or through your local library to help you determine your skin type. Look for published works by dermatologists or skincare experts who have created their own skin typing quizzes or online calculators such as this one: http://www.biobalance4women.com/skin_type.html. There are even sunscreen and UV calculators to help you find the best sun protection for your skin type. A product that works perfectly for your friend or sister may not produce the same results for you. Luckily, most products now specify which skin type it works best for. Also, there are several herbal skin care lines on the market whose products contain all-natural ingredients that work well with most skin types. When experimenting with new products, keep track of those that are effective and more importantly, those that irritate your skin so you can stay away from other products that contain similar ingredients. Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great complexion comes down to three simple steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize.

Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the foundation of having great skin. Some prefer to use a heavier cream cleanser during the winter months and a lighter cleanser through the summer, while others use the same product year-round. Wash your face twice a day, massaging the cleanser in a circular motion to remove dirt and excess oil, which can clog your pores. Proper cleansing at night also removes all traces of makeup and allows your skin to breath freely. Remember to change your pillow cover regularly, since the dirt and pollutants can transfer to your face while you are sleeping.

Tone

Even after washing your face with a cleanser, some traces of dirt and stubborn makeup may remain on your skin. A toner will completely remove any leftover dirt or residue left by the cleanser, reducing the chances of infections. Some cleansers may change the skin’s pH, and a toner will help bring the skin back to the proper level. Toners are also excellent in prepping the skin for the next step, moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball into your favorite toner and apply across the surface of the face, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.

Moisturize

Moisturizing daily will help the skin stay hydrated and produce a healthy glow. Lack of moisture can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and can produce premature signs of aging. A moisturizer will restore the skin of all the natural oil stripped throughout the day and during the cleansing and toning process. The right moisturizer depends on your individual skin type, and will help your skin produce a natural glow.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly skin care products and processes such as masks, peels and facials are great to help revamp and rejuvenate your skin; however, a great complexion starts and ends with a proper daily skincare regimen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

Facial Care for Men

July 1, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

By Ravi Thiagarajan

When it comes to skincare, there is always a tendency among men to think, “Who cares, I’m a guy.” Lack of motivation to take care of their faces will give most men dull skin.. Sometimes a guy might think “Well, I lift weights, that’s enough,” or “Facial care is for girls.” That could not be any further from the truth. Good facial care helps in retaining proper skin texture in the long run.

Gentlemen, if you care what the ladies think, your facial care is extremely important. It is never good for a guy’s self confidence if your date cringes when you lean in to kiss her. That is why it is totally necessary to incorporate some kind of male facial care routine to help keep your skin looking clear and healthy. Here we focus on some basic yet important things that can make a big difference.

Shaving
For guys who aspire to keep a cleanly shaved face, we are forced to deal with the monotonous task of shaving each and every morning. Too many guys rush through it or give a poor effort, which results in redness, bumps and irritation. Shaving is something that should be done carefully in its entirety.

Experts claim having is best done after your shower because it makes your skin soft and removes the dirt and dead cells. Many guys should use a shaving cream and razor that will give them a very close shave but also protect their skin at the same time. With so many shaving creams on the market shelves, it is sometimes tough to decide which one is better than the other. By not continuing with one, we may spoil the benefits of using the same product.

Experimenting is good thing but long term effects are negative as your skin tries to adjust to ever-changing ingredients. I find many new herbal creams that are made by smaller, organic companies to be better than then the usual chemical-laden choices when it comes to men’s skin care on the market. Their products contain the vitamin E and Aloe to help protect and smooth skin as well as hydrate and moisturize. Use of an effective razor is equally important. Again selecting a proper blade is essential. Gillette sells its Mach3 line of new blades in different sizes and numbers now, which makes me even more confused. They started with twin, then came the ‘3 slot super shave’ and now it’s the ‘4 cutter fine shine!’ Any of these variations of razors will do the job, really well or if you prefer electric that’s fine too. Just make sure the blades are clean and sharp – very few women are attracted to werewolves.

Acne
Acne is the mother of all skin problems and it is just a horror if you are trying to impress the ladies. If you are a college guy, you most likely have past your worst acne stage but you never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. Acne becomes the prime concern when men are in their 20s and 30s - just about the time you are dating or looking for that first big job - where appearances are the key. Busy lifestyles have added stress that according to some reports, has created acne issues rising from 20% to 60% last two years. So, “why me?” you might ask.

The short version of the complicated answer is this. Acne can be caused by a number of things – hormones, diet, poor hygiene, lack of cleansing – or none of these things. It all depends on your body chemistry. But once you have it, you just want it to go away. Before choosing an acne product, familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Some brands use harsh chemicals to kill acne bacteria. The down side to this is these chemicals can also negatively affect your skin in the long run.

There are hundreds of various adult skin care products for acne on the market today. Most of these products require at least a month of steady usage to get results. Be sure that you are giving whatever product you choose at least 4-6 weeks before you discontinue use. If you stop using a product sooner than this then you could risk wasting time and money on a product that otherwise would’ve cleared your skin.

Dry Skin
Among other skin problems, dry skin is definitely one to be aware of. Normally healthy skin is coated with a layer of lipids and some fatty substances, which keep the skin supple and soft. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels “tight” and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over the bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines in these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Apply Moisturizer Frequently
Both genders are capable of getting dry skin and the best way to prevent dry skin from rearing its ugly head is to consistently use a facial moisturizing lotion on an everyday basis. There are many tips and advice on how to take care of your face. However, the most common and consistent advice is to avoid the sun and moisturize your face.

Ok, my skincare lesson is over.   Here’s a little joke on a lighter note:

Every man believes every woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once.-
While a recent sociological study verified this, what men don’t realize is that, in women’s fantasies, one man cooks while the other cleans!

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET
http://newbeautifulskin.com

Tone up, Clean up, Get Moisturized!

June 12, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

With the chilly winds already bidding adieu it’s time to take out those sporty shorts and T-shirts for a stroll on the beach or a run in the park You’ve done the push-ups and the crunches in anticipation for the skin-revealing days ahead. You want to look your best, and taking good care of your skin is a part of that. So you spent most of the winter indoors, watching too much TV or gaming? Say goodbye to those baggy eye circles and dull skin by treating yourself to a detoxifying skin mask or a facial scrub and gear up for summer!

Men’s skin care products have always been available, but you may not know much about them yourself. Everyone from late night television hosts to media publications bring up skin care topics and recent dermatological advances have made the skincare market even larger and more complicated. Sorry guys, just when you were comfortable with cologne, now you have to exfoliate! With busy lives and building stress, it may be difficult for today’s modern men to retain the facial charm of their younger days.

Keeping that youthful appearance

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and requires special care. As the saying goes, “A healthy mind in a healthy body’” which means paying attention to your skin is essential to overall health. While it’s expected for women to buy skin care products, men are more laid back and seldom pay attention to facial skincare beyond daily shaving or grooming. Factors like pollution, stress, UV- rays and sun burns can cause severe damage to the inner pores which in the long term results in wrinkling, clogging and drying of the skin. As men reach their 30s and 40s, the skin gets dulled due to the daily process of shaving, excessive time outdoors and exposing the skin to different elements that can lead to blotching, which ultimately takes its toll on overall appearance of the face.

If you desire to protect your skin from further damage, right use of skin care products is essential to retain youthfulness. Once you become familiar with the basics; cleansing, toning, moisturizing - it’s not difficult at all, it’s all about setting up a routine.

Facial skin care

Proper skin care depends on the type of skin you have. Our skin can be categorized into many segments such as oily, dry, sun damaged, and sensitive. With the markets offering an ample pool of products to choose from, it’s always a struggle for men to see what suits them best. It’s always good to go organic. Try natural products when possible as the chances of side effects are less and the natural balance of the skin is retained. Before we plunge on to using these products here’s some basic things we can do to keep the aging process delayed.
Regular light exercising, thirty-minute cardio, brisk walks, yoga and other meditation techniques will calm down the adrenaline levels, keeping your skin blemish-free. Eight to ten glasses of water a day aids metabolism and helps your body flush toxins. In a nutshell, an exercise routine is the first step to fight off the signs of aging.

How to Cleanse your Face

I’ve got one thing to say - stop using soap on your face. Many advanced cleansers out there improve your complexion and don’t strip the natural moisture away. Begin with warm water; wash the face with pore refining cleansers that break down the accumulated grits and dirt without drying the skin. Morning is the best time for cleansing, to remove the dead skin and uneven patches that accumulated overnight. Shaving after you shower will reduce rashes, and makes the outer skin layer soft and gives you a smooth finish.

Using Facial Masks

If you have oily or acne prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Green tea masks are great for soothing skin.

Hydrating and moisturizing

The next most common facial masks are those that either hydrate or moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling silky, smooth and nourished. They will restore the suppleness of your skin by replenishing the water content. Hydrating and moisturizing masks can be used two or three times a week, depending on the dryness of your skin. For those will oilier skin, try a gel based, non-oil mask.

There are no miracle quick-fix homemade solutions. It’s all patience, gracefulness and the right attitude that gets you the results! Reminds me of that comedy ‘The Wedding Crasher’…It all starts with a shave! So, if you want to turn heads with your spiffy new looks this summer – treat your face to the right products.

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to  ANTIACNEMASK.COM or ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET