Thursday, January 28, 2010

Skin Benefits of Cucumber – Makes Your Skin Smooth

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is what holds our body together. Cucumbers are effective when used for various skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. They also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids. These acids preventwater retention.That may explain why when cucumbers are applied topically they are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns, and dermatitis.
Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and other squashes. It has a dark green skin, which reveals whitish or very light green flesh, when peeled. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. Of these, the pickling variety is relatively small, around 2 - 4 inches long.

Today we see the cucumber as a provider of a very healthy juice beneficial for its places as an increaser of the flowing of weewee and as a complement to the outcomes of apium graveolens dulce and carrot juice for rheumatic statuses, while at the same clip being a soothing skin lotion.

As a beauty aid, the cucumber provides immediate relief to puffy eyes; a fresh cucumber can be cut into thin slices, and these placed on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. This works incredibly well after a tiring day at work in front of the computer, and helps to relieve stress and dark circles around the eye area as well. Grated cucumber can be used as a mask and tonic for the entire face and neck.

Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, which belongs to the same family as pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon and squash.

Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and
vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair. In addition, the high mineral content and minerals in cucumber peel offer a natural source for a fresh, powerful antioxidant. The alkalinity of cucumber is also a positive attribute, and because of its water base, the cucumber is also a top choice as a diuretic.

The high water content makes cucumbers a diuretic and it also has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. Cucumbers help eliminate uric acid which is beneficial for those who has arthritis and its fibre-rich skin and their high levels of potassium and manganese helps regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions. The
magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

Cucumber is good for those who are
dieting as it is very low in calories. It has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. It helps eliminate uric acid so it is good for those who has arthritis. Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin. It is also a good rejuvenator and makes us feel and look younger.

It is believed that cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes. This is world-wide treatment which is being used to its maximum extent.


source: www.articlebase.com

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Sea Salt Foot & Body Bath

This wonderful bath can be used as a foot soak or as an all over bath for the body. It takes under a minute to make and is ideal for all types of skin. This soothing bath relaxes, and restores the feet and body to a calm and balanced state.

For the Feet:

  • mix 1/4 cup of sea salt to a bowl or pedicure style basin filled with hot water.
  • 10-15 drops of your choice of essential oils can now be added, here are a few suggestions:

  • LAVENDER: Lavender is my first choice for the feet, especially if you are suffering from athlete's foot or any other foot condition. Lavender is also a great antiseptic and purifier. It relaxes and has a wonderful aromatic quality. Add 10-15 drops of Lavender Oil.
  • LEMON: Lemon has a wonderful cleansing and refreshing aroma, and allows the feet and body to deep cleanse and renew.
  • NEROLI: Neroli is a wonderful treatment oil for dry cracked skin. It is very restorative and calming.
  • TANGERINE: Tangerine is a fantastic aromatic oil that calms, and soothes the nervous system. It also aids in depression.
  • For the Body

    For the body, this same salt bath can be created at home in your tub by simply tripling the ingredients.

    • For an additional body scrub, take a handful of sea salt and rub over the body avoiding eyes and face. Rinse the scrub off in the bath or shower then soak in tub.

    For a nonabrasive scrub made with Shea Butter, Essential Oils and Organic Grains, try Kimberly Sayer of London: Almond and Lavender Facial Scrub.

    Source:By , About.com Guide

Manicure In a Jar

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (15 g) organic brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (15 g) grape seed oil
  • 5 drops vanilla extract
  • 2 drops lavender essential oil
  • 1 drop sandalwood essential oil

Method:

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer to a wide-necked jar so that you can dip your fingers into the mix. Do just that: one by one, dip your fingertips into the jar, massaging the sugary mixture gently into cuticles and knuckles, wave hands gently to please your senses (the scent is lovely!), and briskly immerse your hands in warm water to remove excess oil.

Dry your hands and apply hand cream or plain body oil.

Source: written by Julie Gabriel, author of The Green Beauty Guide.

Papaya Pineapple Exfoliating Mask

Ingredients

  • 2 Chunks Fresh Pineapple
  • 1 Ripe Papaya
  • 1/2 tsp. Honey

Directions:

Mash together pineapple (cut into 1/2 inch squares), 1/4 papaya and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Apply to skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Why This Mask is Good For Your Skin

  • Pineapple is an exfoliant and also provides anti-aging benefits by stimulating the function of collagen fibroblast cells.
  • Papaya also helps to exfoliate and soften the skin.
  • Honey is great for moisturizing,calming and soothing the skin.
Source:Written by Mindy Terry, President and Founder of Creative Spa Concepts.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Tips for Glowing Skins

  • A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
  • Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
  • Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
  • For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
  • Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
  • Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
  • Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
  • Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
  • Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
  • For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
  • Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
  • Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
  • For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
  • For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
  • Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
  • For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
  • Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
  • For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
  • Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
  • Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
  • Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
  • Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
  • Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
  • Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
  • Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
  • Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
  • Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
  • Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
  • Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
  • For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
  • For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
  • For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
  • Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
  • Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
  • Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
  • Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.
  • Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.